What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
Hey all,
I am looking for the best material for making a paintball loader. As such it will need to be able to withstand a direct hit. Paintballs are around 17mm in diameter, travel at 280fps, and burst upon contact.
So far, PETG has been satisfactory for very small loaders with 3mm walls, however, when going larger, even when using 4mm walls, PETG is not up for the task if the ball hits parallel to the layer lines or a wide flat surface.
The part does not need to be totally rigid, but definitely needs a hardness around where PETG is.
So, out of Nylon, ASA, PC, ABS (or any others you can think of), which material do you all think would be best? I currently have these materials on their way, but would like some insight meanwhile.
Thanks so much in advance!
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
I would try TPU... 98A hardmness should be fine! I have used Sainsmart and there is a prusa profile for using it. but the price is quite high
more recently I have used
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3D-Printer-Filament-TPU-1-75mm-1KG-Various-Colours-Part-For-3D-Drawing-Pens-J3P5/164237991810?var=463866259582&hash=item263d58df82:g:rtQAAOSwXf9e31HE
which is about 1/3rd of the price of Sainsmart...
regards
Joan
I try to make safe suggestions,You should understand the context and ensure you are happy that they are safe before attempting to apply my suggestions, what you do, is YOUR responsibility. Location Halifax UK
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
@joantabb
Appreciate the reply.
We've actually already tried TPU. While it certainly can withstand a hit, it flexes so much that the balls inside will break!
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
If all else fails, try Schuerzen. Stand off, replaceable plates of any material should prevent damage from a single hit. Mesh would probably work. Or cover the thing in hedgehog spikes!
Nylon is probably a good choice for the job.
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RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
I was just gonna suggest perhaps a double-walled (hard inner and outer) shell with a soft middle.
Maybe also internal structural support. Think a thin cross or triangle-shape to help distribute impact load more evenly.
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RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
Or cover the thing in hedgehog spikes!
😂 That’s actually a great idea, even though it made me laugh at first. But seriously, have you considered making some “spikes” on it, so the balls burst before full impact. That’s if you’re designing it yourself.
Please let us know of any progress you make, good or bad.
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
@sw3de
That's an idea, but a small profile is kind of the main reason I'm designing the loader. I'll update if I make any headway. I've ordered some ASA, 2 types of nylon, and PC for testing.
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
@joseph-m-silverstein
Please update failures as well, it’s as valuable as success.
Good luck!
RE:
Is this gravedigging?
I'm currious about printing paintball hoppers as well, any results from the prints? What materials worked, tried Schuerzen armour?
If you see this, an update is highly welcomed
Cheers
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
It's also that the hoppers will have to endure being thrown around a bit.
Small impact blunt force trauma from paintball hits and shear forces from hitting the environment.
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
Nylon is probably a good choice for the job.
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PETG is tough - it may be enough to change the orientation on the print bed. Alternatively internal structure and infill might be rearranged to distribute stresses ... if you would like us to take a look at the settings save your project as a .3mf file
Files > Save Project as
Zip the .3mf and post it here. It will contain both your part and your settings for us to analyse.
Cheerio,