Hockey pucks are usually made of a combination of materials such as plastic, rubber, and metal. As the puck interacts with the ice during use, the material composition can transform depending on the circumstances.
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Plastic
Hockey pucks are mostly made of plastic due to its durability and ability to withstand frequent impact from ball shots and roller blades.
However, during the 2007–08 NHL season, more than half of the pucks collected at the end of the season were composed of a mix of rubber and plastic (Candy wrapper material). This was because the material composition of the puck changed due to a combination of factors such as the type of plastic used (low-density polyethylene) and the type of rubber compound (butyl-based).
Rubber
The majority of the pucks collected during the 2005–06 NHL season were made of a combination of materials, with nearly 60% being a mixture of rubber and plastic (low-density polyethylene). The rubber content has gradually increased since the late 1970s, when the majority of pucks were composed of vinyl and latex.
Many factors contribute to this trend, such as the popularity of hockey among children, the increasing use of synthetic compounds, and improved processing techniques.
During the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, hockey pucks were banned from being used during play because of the highly deteriorated quality of the surfaces.
Metal
In general, pucks are made of metal due to their durability and strength. However, during the 2000s, more than half of the pucks collected at the end of the season were composed of a mixture of plastic and metal, which is mainly aluminum or steel (Harvey Aluminum). This trend can be attributed to the increased use of hybrid balls featuring a steel casing filled with latex or plastic.
Although steel is more durable than aluminum, over time the two become more comparable in terms of strength, which can cause the ball to deteriorate and change its material composition. This means that even though the ball is still made of metal, it may no longer be as strong as it used to be.
The Evolution Of Puck Materials
It’s important to keep in mind that the material composition of a hockey puck can change over time and that this change can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the environment in which it is used. This is why it is important to learn as much as possible about the properties of the various materials in order to better understand how they affect the puck during use.
For example, in some circumstances, the impact resilience of the rubber can increase, causing it to be more durable than expected for its weight. This can be beneficial for the player who throws the puck since it can withstand more hits before breaking down. On the other hand, in some other circumstances, the plastic component can become more elastic, which can increase its reactivity and bounce back after being struck by a ball or a puck.
This elasticity can also mean that the ball becomes more fragile, particularly if it is made of vinyl, which has the tendency to break down when impacted by ball shots or puck strikes. In general, the more fragile a substance is, the less suitable it is for making into a durable product. This is why the composition of the puck can vary based on the materials used and the anticipated environment in which it will be used.
Plastic
The durability and bounce back of a hockey puck can be improved by increasing the plastic content in the material composition. However, this bounce back can also make a puck more fragile. This is why the plastic component of a hockey puck is usually between 10% and 30% of the total weight. The greater the plastic content, the greater the vulnerability of the puck to damage and break down.
The durability of a hockey puck can also be increased by compounding the plastic with various carbon fibers or polyethylene fibers. This is because the fibers act as reinforcing agents (strength stimulators) and allow the plastic to withstand greater impact during use.
In general, the greater the durability of a substance, the greater the longevity of the puck during use. While having a strong structure is important, having a long service life means that the puck can continue to be used numerous times without deteriorating beyond recognition.
Rubber
Just like plastic, rubber has the ability to both increase and decrease the resilience and durability of a hockey puck. This is why the rubber content should be carefully monitored and controlled during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, too much rubber can decrease the reactivity of a puck, which is important in creating a smooth ice surface during play.
The addition of small amounts of rubber to plastic can increase its impact resilience, making a puck more durable. However, in some circumstances, such as during a drop-in hockey game where there is minimal contact with the ice, too much rubber can decrease the bounce back of a pitch, causing it to veer off course and hit the ice surface.
In general, the greater the rubber content, the greater the durability of a material. In some circumstances, however, the increased rubber content can decrease the ball’s reactivity, causing it to bounce back less after being struck by a puck or a ball. This makes it more difficult for players to score goals since the puck will not break down as easily as expected.
Metal
The structure and durability of a hockey puck can be increased by using metal alloys, such as aluminum alloys, instead of pure aluminum. This is because the metal alloys increase the strength and stiffness of the ball, providing better performance. During the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, most of the pucks collected at the end of the season were made of a mixture of metal and plastic (aluminum and low-density polyethylene). This was because the use of aluminum increased the bounce back and structural integrity of the puck.
The impact resistance and durability of a puck can also be increased by decreasing its weight through the use of various processing techniques, such as heat-treatment and quenching. This allows the steel to retain its strength, which will subsequently increase the longevity of the puck. In some instances, particularly when used in ice resurfacing machines, this strength can even improve the smoothness of the ice surface during play.
In general, the greater the strength of a substance, the greater the longevity of a puck during use. This is why most pucks are made of a combination of metal and plastic, allowing the use of metals in situations where they would otherwise be inappropriate (e.g., on ice surfaces) and vice versa for the plastic.
What About Vinyl?
While we’ve discussed how to improve the durability of a hockey puck, it is also important to point out that some materials are inherently more durable than others. One such material is vinyl, which can be found in a variety of different forms, including sheeting, tubing, and drum liners. The durability of vinyl can be improved by proper storage and handling conditions, which are relatively easy to control. This means that it can be an inexpensive and simple solution for ice hockey rink owners who want to create a more durable ice surface, which in turn will improve the longevity of their pucks.
In general, the greater the durability of a substance, the greater the longevity of a puck during use. This is why most hockey pucks are made of a mixture of various materials, with the preferred composition being plastic, rubber, and metal, allowing for better performance in a variety of circumstances. As with any other product, there are various factors that can influence the material composition of a puck, including the type of usage to which it will be subjected. With a little bit of research, it is possible to find the right solution for any situation. This is why it is advisable to always store and handle materials properly in order to maintain their durability.