Tennis Lab & UltiMaker 3D Printing – Precision Customisation for Peak Performance
Tennis Lab, a state-of-the-art tennis customization facility located at the National Tennis Centre Melbourne, is transforming how players interact with their equipment through advanced analytics and cutting-edge technology. Using a science-driven approach, Tennis Lab helps players optimise their racquet and string setup, ensuring that their equipment is perfectly suited to their physique and play style.
Born from Innovation: A Science-Driven Approach
Tennis Lab, was created to answer one single question: How can we help athletes perform better? This inquiry led to the development of a facility focused on optimising racquets and strings to enhance on-court performance. Over the past seven years, Tennis Lab has grown into a world-class service, catering to players of all levels—from recreational enthusiasts to elite professionals inside the international top 10 ATP/WTA singles rankings.
“What we're doing here is truly innovative,” says Lyndon Krause, Tennis Lab Manager. “It’s like nothing else in the world. We’re fortunate to have the only Hawk-Eye court globally used for this type of research. Each day, we work with some of the world’s best players, but it’s just as exciting to help everyday players improve their game. That’s our passion. That’s why we do it.”
Custom 3D-Printed Grips: A New Level of Personalization
As an optional extra, Tennis Lab offers players the opportunity to further refine their equipment with custom 3D-printed racquet grips. Using UltiMaker 3D printers, these grips are tailored to each player’s hand shape, grip preference, and playing style, allowing for precise adjustments in mass, balance, and swing weight. For players seeking a truly personalised fit, this innovative add-on enhances comfort, control, and shot consistency.
Initially, Tennis Lab used weights to optimize balance and comfort, but as Krause explains, they are now experimenting with varying the “infill-density” of the 3D-printed grips to achieve the same effect. This method allows for greater precision without adding extra weight, enhancing both performance and feel.
Infill refers to the internal lattice-like structure that fills the space inside the outer shell of a 3D printed object, this internal geometry serves several important functions and can be customised to alter the mechanical properties of a 3D printed object.
Looking ahead, Krause and his team are exploring the possibility of dual-material printing, which would allow them to combine materials with different stiffness and softness levels to further enhance comfort and performance. This can be achieved by taking advantage of UltiMaker's dual material interlocking feature and using flexible material like TPU95A. While this is still in the research phase, they see tremendous potential in how this technology could refine the customisation process even further.
The Customisation Process: Finding the Perfect Setup
Tennis Lab’s proprietary algorithm—leveraging world-leading technology—recommends the ideal racquet and string setup based on the player's physique and play style. Once the optimal setup is determined, players have the option to further refine their grip with a custom 3D-printed handle. This additional service is designed for those who want to take customisation to the next level, ensuring that their racquet feels like a natural extension of their hand.
The Competitive Edge: Why Customisation Matters
A well-fitted racquet grip is crucial for performance, comfort, and injury prevention. By integrating 3D printing as an optional customisation, Tennis Lab provides:
- Enhanced control & comfort: A perfectly fitted grip reduces fatigue and improves shot consistency.
- Optimized balance & swing weight: Custom weight distribution ensures a racquet that complements the player's swing mechanics.
- Rapid prototyping & personalization: Quick iterations allow for fine-tuning until the ideal grip is achieved.
- Consistency across racquets: Players can maintain the same grip feel, even when switching racquet models.
Shaping the Future of Tennis Equipment
Through advanced technology and data-driven customisation, Tennis Lab is pushing the boundaries of tennis performance. This science-backed approach ensures that every player, from club enthusiasts to Grand Slam champions, has access to equipment tailored to their unique game. Whether through cutting-edge analytics or optional 3D-printed grips, Tennis Lab is dedicated to helping players perform at their best—one racquet at a time.
For more information, visit tennislab.com.au
