Need a material -- stiff like broom bristles, long, impact resistant

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding a suitable material for a project related to a variation of a batting tee for a softball team. Participants explore the requirements for the material, including stiffness, impact resistance, and dimensions, while considering various design aspects and applications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks a stiff plastic material that can stand vertically for 24-36 inches and withstand impact without damaging bats or breaking.
  • Another participant asks for clarification on the application, suggesting it could be for a batting tee and inquires about the need for uniform material versus a support structure.
  • There is a suggestion that a vertical air jet could support a ball, with some participants expressing enthusiasm for this idea.
  • One participant proposes using 36" tig welding rods or modifying a broom for the project, considering practicality and safety.
  • Concerns are raised about safety regarding sharp objects like poles or spikes in areas where people are active.
  • A request for further details on the design goals and critical elements needed for the project is made, indicating a desire for more information to refine the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express various ideas and suggestions, but there is no consensus on a specific material or design approach. Multiple competing views and proposals remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully defined the critical elements or variables that need to be considered for the project, leaving some assumptions and design goals unclear.

Lee Cumbie
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I have a project for my softball team and I need a material, probably a plastic, that is stiff enough to stand vertically for 24-36", yet thin like a broom bristle and can take impact. I don't want to damage the bats or break the bristles!
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks
 
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Lee Cumbie said:
I have a project for my softball team and I need a material, probably a plastic, that is stiff enough to stand vertically for 24-36", yet thin like a broom bristle and can take impact. I don't want to damage the bats or break the bristles!
Any help is appreciated!
Thanks
Welcome to the PF.

Can you say more about the application? Is it for a batting Tee or sometning? Does it need to be the same material all the way up from the ground, or would a support structure with a short broom on top work too?
 
berkeman said:
Welcome to the PF.

Can you say more about the application? Is it for a batting Tee or sometning? Does it need to be the same material all the way up from the ground, or would a support structure with a short broom on top work too?

Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, it is a variation on a batting tee so the material would need to be anywhere a swinging bat might hit it. I guess the base support could extend up for 12-16" without getting in the way. Optimally, the strands would be sandwiched between the bat and the ball at impact.
 
Lee Cumbie said:
Thanks for the quick reply! Yes, it is a variation on a batting tee so the material would need to be anywhere a swinging bat might hit it. I guess the base support could extend up for 12-16" without getting in the way. Optimally, the strands would be sandwiched between the bat and the ball at impact.
What are your design goals that need you to design something other than a traditional adjustable batting Tee? You just need it to be able to take a higher impulse from adults who swing under the ball a bit too far?

http://probaseballinsider.com/wp-co...ee-for-baseball-top-5-Tanner-Tees_300x200.jpg
Best-batting-tee-for-baseball-top-5-Tanner-Tees_300x200.jpg
 
A vertical air jet will support a ball.
 
I very much like Berkemans response. This has all the earmarks of a fascinating project. At the best we need to know exactly what it is you are thinking of. At the minimum it would be very helpful if we knew what you are attempting to do, What variables need to be worked within, and what critical elements have to be met.
It sounds to me like you are trying to measure something that batters ae doing. We both know that this is possibly way of base. Please help.
 
Baluncore said:
A vertical air jet will support a ball.
Knuckeball batting practice! :smile:
 
Baluncore said:
A vertical air jet will support a ball.
And include an automatic feeder! I am so going to patent that!
 
36" tig welding rods might work but what about a broom? Cut it to length, put a point on the end and pound it into the ground. A push broom that also has a threaded hole on the top might offer interesting options also.
 
  • #10
I once nearly impaled my head on some rebar so be careful about introducing pole or spike like objects where people are running around.
 
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  • #11
Lee Cumbie said:
Optimally, the strands would be sandwiched between the bat and the ball at impact.

Can you explain in more detail why this is an element in your preferred design?
 

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