Impact-resistant parts need material toughness, geometry and layer orientation working together. High tensile strength alone can still fail in a drop. Define the impact energy and test the real shape.
Specify the impact
- Drop height or energy.
- Direction of impact.
- Temperature.
- Number of events.
Material direction
PETG, PA, PC and selected TPU grades can provide useful toughness, but stiffness, creep and layer adhesion vary. A compliant geometry may absorb more energy than a rigid one.
Validate
- Print in service orientation.
- Test several samples.
- Inspect crack paths.
| Requirement | Material direction | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Drop impact | Ductile grade | Drop test |
| Repeated shock | Fatigue-resistant | Cycles |
| Stiffness | Engineering grade | Bending |
| Cold impact | Low-temperature toughness | Cold test |
Common engineering mistakes
- Using strength data alone.
- Testing a coupon only.
- Ignoring layer direction.
- Sharp corners.
- One drop as life proof.
Buyer checklist
- What impact energy?
- What temperature?
- Is stiffness also required?
- Is the orientation correct?
- Was the assembly tested?
Send the impact case through our quote form.