Pinball Machines: A pinball machine is an electromechanical machine and common game made up by an intricate weaving of electronic and mechanical parts. The goal and challenge of the game is to score as many points as possible, without losing the small, metal ball down the drain. Flappers, which are placed on the sides of the machine, are used to keep the ball from falling and serve the purpose of propelling the ball upward toward the ramps, bumpers, and targets in order to score points. Once the ball eventually does fall, you move on to your next and try again up until a third and final ball. The first pinball machine was created by D. Gottlieb in 1935, and since then, a large variety of pinball machines are found throughout many of our arcades today.
How They Work: Electromagnets are the main reason that pinball machines work. All pinball machines rely primarily on solenoids, microprocessors, and circuit boards found within the machine. Solenoids are coils of metal wire that can be energized with electricity to make the ball move, and once the game begins, the ball is shot up to the playfield. This is an image of inside a pinball machine, where you can see the electronics and coiled solenoids within the machine.
The instant that the steel, metal ball is shot up, more magnets and magnetism inside of the system work to direct the ball to different areas on the playfield. The ball is able to move at speeds as fast as 90 miles per hour due to the ball’s 2.8-ounce weight and 1 1/16 inch diameter, allowing the magnets and their force below, do their jobs of constantly keeping the ball in motion.
Below is a video on how pinball machines are made from start to finish.
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