An Overview of GM Cricket Bats Manufacturing Process
Gunn & Moore is one of the most popular cricket brands in the market and known for making premium-quality cricket bats. As a result, GM cricket bats are the go-to choice for most professional and first-class cricketers, from legends like Steve Waugh and Graeme Smith to modern superstars like Ben Stokes, Aiden Makram, and Dawid Malan. For any aspiring batsman out there, a GM cricket bat is the blade that will take your strokeplay and power to the next level.
However, have you ever wondered how these top-shelf cricket bats are made? If not, then keep reading as we’ll be sharing an overview of the GM cricket bats manufacturing process.
How Gunn & Moore Make High-Quality Cricket Bats
GM cricket bats have been made at the Gunn & Moore factories in Nottingham, England, for over 125 years using the most modern CAD/CAM machinery and innovative technologies, such as:
- XRD Technology
- Dri Guard
- Poron XRD
- GM G Tech
- GM Now
- Toe Tech
The cricket bats are made using the finest locally-sourced English willow, which maximizes performance and durability in different batting conditions. So, whether you’re playing on bouncy wickets down under or a spinning track in the Indian Subcontinent, you can expect the same level of consistency in strokeplay. Unlike most cricket brands specializing in hand-made bats, Gunn & Moore has transformed its process and uses start-of-the-art technologies and machinery for more accuracy and consistency. To this day, their main factory manufactures cricket equipment and apparel for cricketers and fans all around the world, from Australia to India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Africa.
Here’s an overview of the GM cricket bats Links to an external site. manufacturing process:
Cutting
Before English willow bark can be shaped into a bat, the tree is cut into large logs transported to the factory. To manufacture the bat, these logs are further shaped into wedged clefts and contain smooth fiber shapes without any defects. The clefts are then placed in a temperature-controlled drying room to remove access moisture. Without standard equipment, this process can take months to achieve the desired condition on the wood before it can be further processed. Once the clefts are dry, Gunn & Moore technicians cut it into the shape of a bat, including the handle, spine profile, and toe.
Pressing
Pressing is a process performed to pack the internal fibers tightly together and make the bat denser. This hardens the surface and provides the strength to withstand ball impact. The process is done using both manual and mechanical cricket bat pressing machines until the batmakers get the desired hardness levels. So, the next time you think of the crisp sound a bat makes after a beautiful cover drive, you know the process that makes it possible.
Handle Fitting
Once the bat has been pressed, the next step is to fit the GM cricket bat handle, which is typically prepared with a rubber-laminated cane that maximizes strength, grip, and flexibility. Using a strong adhesive material, the handle is attached to the blade and pressed further on a vice to ensure the handle properly sticks.
Shaping
After attaching the handle, the wood craftsperson uses smoothing planes, drawing knives, and sandpaper to give the bat its final shape and remove any extra wood. During the process, the craftsperson sets the spine profile, sweet spot position, and balance according to the design specifications by uploading the NC codes into the CAM machine so it can accurately generate spines and curves on the bats.
Final Touches
Once the bat has been sanded and filed according to the design specifications, the craftsperson applies final touches such as oiling the surface to give it that distinctive shine. Following the process, they apply the branding stickers, manufacturing logo, and grip on the handle. Depending on the model, they can also prepare the bat for you with knocking and more oiling.
Conclusion
And there you have it – an overview of GM cricket bats manufacturing process. Now that you know Gunn & Moore makes its high-quality bats, perhaps it’s time to upgrade your cricket gear with a blade specially designed for professionals. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring batsman playing at school, club, or professional level, this elite cricket brand offers an extensive range of options for different playing styles and budgets. One thing is certain – no matter which option you opt for, you’re set to improve your overall performance.