Polo Mallet Prototyping: Testing and Short-run Production

The collaborative project among NSCAD University/ Dalhousie Engineering and the partner, Penalty Four, seeks to refine development of a polo mallet prototype that can become an alternative to the conventional wood head with cane shaft, used in the game throughout its history. The inherent issue with the wood mallet is a lack of durability and consistency…. Players will carry a collection mallets (5-10) while also sending out others for repair, a costly and time-consuming process. The initial stages of this project involved having a range of shafts made using golf graphite and carbon technologies. In partnership with Greg Sims, Assistant Professor at NSCAD University, several mallet head prototypes (9) have been developed over the past 18 months. An interchangeable method of attachment between the shaft and mallet head has also been developed, showing promising results that are reliable and effective thus far.

The challenge is to refine the prototype model, conduct testing and batch produce several mallets for further in-game testing. The current prototype requires weight reductions near 20%. Selective removal/replacement of material is required, while maintaining or enhancing overall performance. The overall design will be advanced to account for the material(s) used, the method of manufacture and how it will be secured (attached and detached) to the shaft.

The benefit to the partner organization is in accessing engineering expertise, methodologies and use of facilities. The project moves the current prototype into a game ready version that can then be put in the hands pf players for further testing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Clifton Johnston;Greg Sims

Student:

Partner:

Meraxes Co.

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Retail trade

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: