eBay impact tester vs DIY impact testing machine

With pendulum impact testing machine, we can see how the material resists to dynamic loads. The cost of DIY impact testing machine was 60$, but the main problem with it is the geometry of the hammer. I bought an analog impact tester from eBay; the cost is 15x bigger than DIY but 15x cheaper compared to European machines. Looks like 5.5J is too strong for 3D printing materials, but there are many other questions too. Is it usable? What is the accuracy? Is it finished? To be honest, it reminds me to Ender-3, which can be accurate 3D printer, but it needs some tinkering.

The machine I bought myself, this is not affiliate link, just link to store where I bought it:

Big thanks to my Patreon supporters, who made these kind of investments possible.

About their support I mentioned at 9:27 - after 1 week I got the answer: They have 2.75J weights, but they can't modify the holders.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
1:22 What is impact test
3:51 Problem with DIY impact tester
5:30 How I bought it from eBay
8:11 About eBay impact tester
10:15 Breaking plastic
12:00 Evaluation of data
14:02 Another one?
14:26 Final thoughts

#3dprinting #impacttesting #impacttester #materialtesting

[Chris]

i would like to see more of these videos and please make one if you modify the cheaper version

[riba]

Don't worry, I love vide0s like these new testing machinery is very exciting 😊

[romainmuller-rsyi]

Hi Igor! Just a comment to say that this kind of video is very interesting for me. As a mechanical engineer by training and currently working as a stress analysis engineer, this is the kind of content that I love! Thanks for all the hard work!

[eltorro]

Every time I watch one of your videos I can't help but think of all the time that went into everything; preparing tests/prints, testing, commentary, recording/presenting results and editing everything together in a way that flows well. Not to mention keeping things organized when filming multiple videos at once!

Always very much appreciated!

[dan_d_someone]

A few weeks ago, I commented on the importance of thoroughness when presenting scientific content, especially for professionals holding both a Ph.D. and an engineering title. I'm pleased to say that today's presentation met that standard and was very well done.

The explanations were clear and precise, the tests were sound, and the choice of equipment—especially the final one featured—was excellent. This time, the video truly passed the test (no pun intended).

Kudos for delivering a high-quality and informative video. Keep up the great work!

[Tom_makes]

Hi Igor, I just wanna say I love those type of videos, even though I’m here because I love 3D printing. Keep it up. 😊

[mikejackson]

The 3D printing videos are great but definitely, definitely expand to projects as well. This is a cool break from your norm, but still stays true to your channel.

[Andre_M_D]

Great work as always. And glad you eventually got your order.

[JanTecEngineering]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm currently trying to build a better, modular impact tester (like the digital one you showed in the end). Your videos help a lot!

[carmelol]

Would love to see more of content like this!

[darthtater]

Great video and a great looking machine.

[jaro]

Good video and ideas.
Digikey has some 14 bit cui encoders as well but cost increases to $50. 12-bit are reasonably priced.

[gloriousapplebees]

Good on you for making sure to pay that first company when you got the machine. I understand why they're doing what they're doing but there has to be a better way, if someone decides to trust it they could very easily lose out on everything if something happened in shipping

[ImolaS]

I would like to see a video of the conversion and testing of the digital version

[andyburns]

Maybe they'd approve of your homemade tester if you used a spherical hammer with an infinitely thin handle?

[KaloyanDobrev]

Please do a video about the rotary encoder

[kimmotoivanen]

I think that with 2 small modifications, the DIY tester would be better and more accurate (and approved for scientific reports) than bought ones:
- hammer head milled to correct shape and weight
- lightweight shaft, maybe carbon fibre rod, to idealise center of mass

Even if the problem doesn't look like a nail, hammer might be the correct solution :D

[AlexanderA]

I think if you add digital angle meter to your DIY model you will get same with Chinese model results :)

[tinkeringpoko]

Even $800 seems too much to me considering its BOM cost and our European folks demand 30-40k euros😅.

[JessicaRodriguez-reu]

If I wanted to go about building my own DIY impact tester, how would I go about doing so?