What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
 
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What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?  

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PaintballDNA
(@paintballdna)
Active Member
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!

Posted : 30/06/2020 11:39 pm
JoanTabb
(@joantabb)
Veteran Member Moderator
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

Posted : 01/07/2020 12:03 am
PaintballDNA
(@paintballdna)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
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!

Posted : 01/07/2020 12:06 am
bobstro
(@bobstro)
Illustrious Member
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.

My notes and disclaimers on 3D printing

and miscellaneous other tech projects
He is intelligent, but not experienced. His pattern indicates two dimensional thinking. -- Spock in Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

Posted : 01/07/2020 2:16 am
mrstoned
(@mrstoned)
Reputable Member
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.

Prusa Mini+ kit. BondTech extruder. FW 5.1.2
Prusa MK3S+ kit. Stock. FW 3.11.0
Prusa MK3S+, used. Stock. FW 3.13.3

Posted : 02/07/2020 5:57 pm
tmicke
(@tmicke)
Trusted Member
RE: What would be the best material with which to print pieces that can withstand a PAINTBALL hit?
Posted by: @bobstro

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.

Posted : 03/07/2020 3:07 am
PaintballDNA
(@paintballdna)
Active Member
Topic starter answered:
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. 

Posted : 03/07/2020 3:09 am
tmicke
(@tmicke)
Trusted Member
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!

Posted : 03/07/2020 3:25 am
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