ASTM F1888-09(2022)

Standard Test Method for Compression-Displacement of Baseballs and Softballs

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The static compression-displacement of a baseball or softball is a mechanical property which can correlate to dynamic properties.  
5.2 This test method is suitable for obtaining data in research and development, quality control, and classifying balls by the compression-displacement.  
5.3 Sports associations can use compression-displacement standards in specifications for official baseballs and softballs standards in specifications for official baseballs and softballs for purposes of consistency of performance.  
5.4 This same test procedure can be utilized with other compressive forces and the specified force is not necessarily the same as experienced in actual use.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method describes a comparative measurement method for baseballs and softballs as defined by a static compression displacement test.  
1.2 This test method is based on a slow rate force-displacement measurement.  
1.3 This procedure is for baseballs and softballs meeting standards established by the sports' governing bodies.
Note 1: Since the compression-displacement of baseballs and softballs can influence the performance characteristics, this test provides a simple method to compare and categorize such balls based on force levels in a standardized compression-displacement test.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2022
• ICS: 97.220.40 - Outdoor and water sports equipment
• Technical Committee: F08 - Sports Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities
• Drafting Committee: F08.26 - Baseball and Softball Equipment

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E177-14 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2014
• Refers: ASTM E177-13 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E691-11 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM E177-10 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2010
• Refers: ASTM E177-08 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E691-08 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2008
• Refers: ASTM E177-06b - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E177-06a - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2006
• Refers: ASTM E691-05 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2005
• Refers: ASTM E177-04 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM E177-06 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM E177-04e1 - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2004
• Refers: ASTM E177-90a(2002) - Standard Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in ASTM Test Methods
• Effective Date: 10-Jan-2002
• Refers: ASTM E691-99 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 10-May-1999

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F1888 − 09 (Reapproved 2022) An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Compression-Displacement of Baseballs and Softballs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F1888; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.1 This test method describes a comparative measurement
3. Terminology
method for baseballs and softballs as defined by a static
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
compression displacement test.
3.1.1 baseballs and softballs, n—any such ball defined by
1.2 This test method is based on a slow rate force-
the rules of the game as published by the sports’ governing
displacement measurement.
bodies.
1.3 This procedure is for baseballs and softballs meeting
3.1.2 compression-displacement, n—the reduction in ball
standards established by the sports’ governing bodies.
diameter under a specified compressive load between two flat
plates. Synonymous with compression-deflection.
NOTE1—Sincethecompression-displacementofbaseballsandsoftballs
can influence the performance characteristics, this test provides a simple
3.1.3 force, n—the resistance to displacement. The interac-
method to compare and categorize such balls based on force levels in a
tion between test machine and ball during compression.
standardized compression-displacement test.
3.1.4 four seams, n—plane passing through the middle of
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
the ball intersecting four stitch lines.
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
3.1.5 two seams, n—plane passing through the middle of the
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
ball intersecting two stitch lines.
and are not considered standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
4.1 The baseball or softball is placed between two flat-plate
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
surfaces of a compression machine and then compressed to a
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
standard displacement of 0.25 in. (6.35 mm). The compression
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
load (force) applied at the standard displacement is recorded.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5. Significance and Use
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
5.1 The static compression-displacement of a baseball or
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
softball is a mechanical property which can correlate to
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
dynamic properties.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
5.2 This test method is suitable for obtaining data in
2. Referenced Documents
research and development, quality control, and classifying
balls by the compression-displacement.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in
5.3 Sports associations can use compression-displacement
ASTM Test Methods
standards in specifications for official baseballs and softballs
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
standards in specifications for official baseballs and softballs
for purposes of consistency of performance.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports 5.4 This same test procedure can be utilized with other
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
compressive forces and the specified force is not necessarily
Subcommittee F08.26 on Baseball and Softball Equipment.
the same as experienced in actual use.
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2022. Published October 2022. Originally
approved in 1998. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as F1888 – 09 (2016).
6. Apparatus
DOI: 10.1520/F1888-09R22.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
6.1 Compression Device, to compress the test ball between
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
two flat plates to 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) displacement. Compres-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. siveforceto800lb(3560N)issufficient.Ameansofcentering
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F1888 − 09 (2022)
the test ball so that the vertical axis of the ball aligns with the 9. Calculation
vertical axis of the compression device piston.
9.1 Ball compression is calculated as the average of the two
measured forces required to compress the test ball 0.25 in.
6.2 Compression Force Gauge, to measure the compressive
(6.35 mm) on two different axis of the ball.
load in newtons or pounds. Device must be able to measure at
least 1000 lb (4448 N).
10. Report
6.3 Compression-Displacement Gauge, to measure the dis-
10.1 Report the following information:
placement at the prescribed level of 0.25 in. (6.35 mm).
10.1.1 Name of the test facility and test operator,
10.1.2 Test date,
6.4 Motor, Drive, and Speed Control, to drive the compres-
10.1.3 Hourly measurements of test conditions, including:
sion device to 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) displacement in a time of 12
10.1.3.1 Relative humidity and temperature of the ball
to 18 s at a constant rate.
conditioning and test room environments,
6.5 A Steel Tape, 0.25 in. (6.35 mm) wide, suitable for
...