ASTM F3460-21
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Seam Measurement Procedure for Baseballs and Softballs
Standard Test Method for Seam Measurement Procedure for Baseballs and Softballs
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 The ball seam height of a baseball or softball is a measurement that can correlate to ball grip and aerodynamic properties.
4.2 This test method is suitable for obtaining data in research and development, quality control, and classifying balls by seam type.
4.3 Sports associations can use seam height standards in specifications for official baseballs and softballs.
4.4 Users of this test method may be testing individual baseballs or softballs or entire production lots of baseballs or softballs. If a single ball or small sample of balls are being measured for individual properties, multiple measurements should be performed on the balls. If a large sample of balls is being measured for the overall seam characteristics of the large sample, then an individual seam height measurement may be recorded for a ball. Thus, number of measurement points (m) on any one ball is at the discretion of the test sponsor of this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is intended to standardize a method of measuring the seam height of baseballs and softballs.
1.2 This standard is established to provide a single, repeatable, and uniform test method.
1.3 This test method is for a ball that is intended for use in the game of baseball or softball.
1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the 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
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: F3460 − 21
Standard Test Method for
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Seam Measurement Procedure for Baseballs and Softballs
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3460; 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 single measurement at a single location or the averaging of
multiple measurements at multiple locations on an individual
1.1 This test method is intended to standardize a method of
ball.
measuring the seam height of baseballs and softballs.
2.1.5.1 average seam height (ASH)—average ball seam
1.2 This standard is established to provide a single,
height relative to the region adjacent to the seam.
repeatable, and uniform test method.
2.1.5.2 average ball seam height (ABSH)—average ball
1.3 This test method is for a ball that is intended for use in
seam height relative to the center of the panel.
the game of baseball or softball.
2.1.6 seam region, n—region of the ball which includes the
1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
seam and stitches and is bound by the lines generated on the
regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
ball by the edge of the holes in the covers that is furthest from
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
the seam and on the outer surface of the ball.
information only and are not considered standard.
2.1.7 seam width, n—numerical value determined by mea-
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
suringthedistanceacrosstheseamfromtheoutsideedgeofthe
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
stitching hole on one side of the seam to the outside edge of the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
hole on the other side of the seam (see Fig. 1).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2.1.7.1 Discussion—In cases when the outside edge of the
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
hole is distorted as a result of stretching of the hole, the outside
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
edge is defined as the edge between the side wall of the hole
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
and the surface of the ball.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.1.7.2 Discussion—The seam width may consist of a single
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
measurement at a single location or the averaging of multiple
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
measurements at multiple locations on an individual ball.
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
3. Summary of Test Method
2. Terminology
3.1 A baseball or softball is placed on a cradle apparatus
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
with a dial indicator located on the clear panel and then on the
2.1.1 baseball and softball, n—any ball defined by the rules
seam of the ball. The difference between the height measure-
for the game of baseball or softball.
ments is recorded.
2.1.2 clear panel, n—non-seam region of the ball cover.
4. Significance and Use
2.1.3 panel, n—two larger end regions of the clear panel.
4.1 The ball seam height of a baseball or softball is a
2.1.4 seam, n—line along which two edges of ball covers
measurement that can correlate to ball grip and aerodynamic
are sewn together (stitch line).
properties.
2.1.5 seam height, n—numerical value determined by mea-
4.2 This test method is suitable for obtaining data in
suring the height of the seam of a ball relative to the height of
research and development, quality control, and classifying
the clear panel of the ball.
balls by seam type.
2.1.5.1 Discussion—The seam height may consist of a
4.3 Sports associations can use seam height standards in
specifications for official baseballs and softballs.
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This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on Sports
4.4 Users of this test method may be testing individual
Equipment, Playing Surfaces, and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of
baseballs or softballs or entire production lots of baseballs or
Subcommittee F08.26 on Baseball and Softball Equipment.
softballs. If a single ball or small sample of balls are being
Current edition approved May 15, 2021. Published June 2021. DOI: 10.1520/
F3460-21. measured for individual properties, multiple measurements
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