Wilson Sporting Goods has introduced the Airless Gen1, the first 3D printed airless basketball, heralding a new era in the world of sports equipment. This innovative ball, which does not require air to bounce, is based on an intricate 3D printed polymer grid and is limited to 75 units. This is the first - an airless basketball.
Despite its futuristic design, the Airless Gen1 promises the feel, flight and bounce of a traditional basketball. A special feature of the ball is its hexagonal openings, which allow unobstructed air flow and therefore a natural bounce, which was demonstrated during the 2023 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest by Houston Rockets player KJ Martin, who confirmed that the ball behaves the same as a standard ball , used in competitions.
Photo: Wilson
Collaborating to innovate - airless basketball
The development of Airless Gen1 is a collaboration between Wilson Labs, General Lattice for computer design, DyeMansion for painting and finishing, and EOS for 3D printing. These collaborations gave the ball its black color and ensured that its properties correspond almost entirely to the official basketball specifications.
Photo: Wilson
Not just for basketball
With Airless Gen1, Wilson not only wants to revolutionize basketball, but opens the door to new possibilities in other sports and future products, highlighting the sustainable potential of additive manufacturing. With this project, Wilson not only pushes the boundaries in the world of sports equipment, but also demonstrates the versatility and potential of 3D printing in a wider spectrum of industries.
Photo: Wilson
Wilson Airless Gen1
Wilson's Airless Gen1 basketball is not only a step forward in sports equipment technology, but also a testament to how innovation can change the game – literally and figuratively. By testing the limits of traditional manufacturing, Wilson is not only shaping the future of basketball, but inviting reflection on the future of all sports.
