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Impact Resistance Comparison.png

The impact resistance chart compares how well common 3D printing materials can absorb sudden forces, shocks, or impacts before cracking or failing. The chart uses typical IZOD Notched Impact Strength values, which are commonly used in engineering plastics testing.

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What Does “Impact Resistance” Mean?

Impact resistance refers to: A material’s ability to absorb energy during sudden loading without fracturing.

In practical engineering terms, it tells you:

  • How likely a part is to crack if dropped

  • How well it survives vibration

  • Whether it can handle repeated mechanical stress

  • How durable it is under real-world use

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Understanding the Units

The chart uses: kJ/m² (kilojoules per square meter)

This measures:

  • How much energy the material absorbs

  • Before breaking

Higher value = tougher material.

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Material-by-Material Explanation

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PLA — Very Low Impact Resistance

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  • Typical Range: 4–6 kJ/m²

  • PLA is: Very stiff, Hard, dimensionally accurate

  • But it is also: Brittle, Crack-prone, Poor under sudden shock

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What Happens During Impact?

  • When force is applied: PLA cannot flex much, Stress concentrates quickly, Cracks propagate immediately

  • Instead of bending, PLA usually: Snaps, Fractures, Shatters

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Best Use Cases for PLA

  • PLA works best for: Visual prototypes, Display parts, Product validation, Static-load applications

  • Not ideal for: Mechanical stress, Dropping, Vibration-heavy systems, Rugged products

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PETG — Medium Impact Resistance

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  • Typical Range: 25–35 kJ/m²

  • PETG performs much better than PLA because it is: More flexible, less brittle, better at absorbing shocks

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Engineering Behavior

PETG deforms slightly before failure.

That means:

  • Better crack resistance

  • Better vibration handling

  • Improved durability

PETG is often considered:

 

The best all-round functional desktop material.

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Best Use Cases for PETG

PETG is excellent for:

  • Electronics enclosures

  • Functional brackets

  • Outdoor components

  • Industrial fixtures

  • General-purpose engineering parts

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ABS — High Impact Resistance

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  • Typical Range:60–80 kJ/m²

  • ABS is widely used in industrial products because of its: Toughness, Shock absorption, Mechanical durability

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Why ABS Is Tough

  • ABS contains: Butadiene rubber particles

  • These rubber phases: Absorb impact energy, prevent crack propagation, Improve toughness dramatically

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Real-World Industrial Usage

  • ABS is used in: Automotive interiors, Power tool housings, Helmets, Industrial enclosures​

  • Because it handles: Repeated impacts. Mechanical abuse, Long-term stress very effectively.

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Nylon (PA12) — Very High Impact Resistance

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  • Typical Range: 90–110 kJ/m²

  • Nylon has the highest impact resistance among common FDM materials.

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Why Nylon Performs So Well

  • Nylon has: Very high flexibility, extremely high elongation at break, Excellent energy absorption.

  • Instead of cracking: Nylon bends, Stretches, redistributes stress before failing.

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Engineering Advantages of Nylon

Nylon performs exceptionally well in: Gears, bearings, hinges, mechanical systems, dynamic assemblies, fatigue-loaded parts

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Why the Bar Heights Increase

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The chart shows increasing toughness: PLA → PETG → ABS → Nylon

Because each material becomes progressively:

  • Less brittle

  • More energy absorbent

  • Better under sudden loading

  • More resistant to crack propagation

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Important Engineering Note

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These values are: Typical FDM printed part values.

Actual impact resistance depends on:

  • Print orientation

  • Layer adhesion

  • Infill percentage

  • Moisture content

  • Annealing

  • Material brand

  • Fiber reinforcement

For example:

  • Carbon fiber Nylon behaves differently

  • Tough PLA behaves differently

  • ASA differs from ABS outdoors​​

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