Abbott manufactures billions of balls each year in a variety of sizes. Most are stainless or carbon steel, the rest are brass, aluminum and precious metals. Each material has unique production requirements, but the process is generally similar and has been refined over decades for efficiency and uniform quality. In the first step, heading machines cut wire into short lengths and form it into spherical shapes between dies. The flash line, a ridge left by the forming dies, is removed as balls roll between heavy, cast iron plates.
Heat treatment imparts the desired hardness and case depth.
Proprietary chemical and mechanical processes give the balls their final micro-smoothed finish, increasing wear resistance and product longevity.