3D printed plates undergo vibration and impact tests

3D Printed Plates Vibration and Impact Testing Service – Accredited ISO/IEC 17025 Dynamic Mechanical Performance Assessment for the Croatian Market

3D printed plates, manufactured through additive manufacturing technologies such as FDM, SLA, SLS, and DMLS, are increasingly used in automotive, aerospace, medical, construction, and consumer goods applications where lightweight structures, complex geometries, and customized properties are required. However, the layer‑by‑layer construction process can introduce anisotropy, porosity, internal stresses, and weaker interlayer bonding, which may compromise the mechanical performance under dynamic loading conditions. Vibration and impact testing are essential for validating the structural integrity, durability, and reliability of 3D printed plates subjected to real‑world cyclic stresses, shocks, and collisions. In the Croatian market, where the Hrvatski zavod za norme (HZN), the Ministarstvo gospodarstva i održivog razvoja, the Državni inspektorat, and the Carinska uprava enforce strict quality, safety, and performance standards aligned with EU directives and HRN EN (Croatian standards based on European norms), the accurate evaluation of vibration and impact performance of 3D printed plates is essential for product certification, supplier qualification, type testing, quality control in manufacturing, and import‑export processes. Our laboratory offers a comprehensive testing service for 3D printed plates, applying standardized methods such as IEC 60068‑2‑6, ISO 8318, IEC 60068‑2‑27, IEC 60068‑2‑64, ISO 148‑1, ASTM D5628, and HRN EN ISO 148‑1 to subject specimens to sinusoidal and random vibration, mechanical shock, and pendulum impact, and to measure resonance frequencies, damping, impact energy absorption, and residual strength. All tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 (CNAS) accreditation, and the resulting reports are fully accepted by Croatian authorities and notified bodies, making them indispensable for regulatory compliance, product validation, and market access in Croatia and the European Union.

3D Printed Plate Samples and Materials We Regularly Test

Our laboratory receives a wide variety of 3D printed plates and additively manufactured components for vibration and impact testing. Typical samples include:

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) plates – made of PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, and carbon‑fiber reinforced filaments.
• SLA and DLP (Stereolithography) plates – made of photopolymer resins for high‑precision and smooth‑surface applications.
• SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) plates – made of nylon, polyamide, and glass‑filled powders.
• DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) and SLM (Selective Laser Melting) plates – made of titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, and nickel alloys.
• Multi‑material and composite 3D printed plates – with variable infill densities, lattice structures, and embedded fibers.
• Prototype and new material formulations – submitted by manufacturers for validation of dynamic performance before series production.
• Field‑retrieved 3D printed components – for failure analysis and remaining life assessment.

Vibration Testing – Simulating Cyclic Mechanical Stress

Vibration testing evaluates the ability of 3D printed plates to withstand sinusoidal and random vibrations without cracking, delamination, or loss of function. Our tests identify resonance frequencies, measure damping characteristics, and assess the fatigue resistance of the specimens under controlled vibration profiles. Our procedures follow international standards and the requirements of the Croatian automotive, aerospace, and industrial sectors.

• Sinusoidal vibration test (IEC 60068‑2‑6 / ISO 8318 / HRN EN 60068‑2‑6 / NTC 5800) – we mount the 3D printed plate on an electrodynamic shaker and subject it to a sinusoidal vibration with a specified frequency range (typically 10 Hz to 2000 Hz), amplitude (e.g., 0.5 mm or 2 g), and sweep rate (1 octave/min). The vibration is applied in three mutually perpendicular axes (X, Y, Z) for a specified duration (e.g., 10 cycles per axis). The plate is monitored for any visible damage, loosening, or functional failure, and its resonant frequencies are identified. We report the vibration profile (frequency range, amplitude, sweep rate), the resonant frequencies, and the condition of the plate.
• Random vibration test (IEC 60068‑2‑64 / ISO 16750‑3 / NTC 5801) – we subject the 3D printed plate to a random vibration power spectral density (PSD) profile that simulates the vibration spectrum of a vehicle, aircraft, or heavy machinery (e.g., as specified in the ISO 16750 standard for automotive electronics). The PSD is typically 0.01 to 0.1 g²/Hz over a frequency range of 10 to 1000 Hz, with an overall RMS acceleration level of 2 to 5 g. The test duration is typically 30 minutes to 4 hours per axis. We report the PSD profile, the total RMS acceleration, the duration, and the condition of the plate after the test.
• Resonance search and dwell test (IEC 60068‑2‑6 – resonant frequency detection, NTC 5802) – during the sine sweep, the plate is monitored for mechanical resonance, indicated by a sudden increase in vibration amplitude or a change in the output signal (e.g., strain gauge reading). When a resonance is detected, the plate is subjected to a dwell at that resonant frequency for a specified time (e.g., 30 minutes or 1 hour) to evaluate the effect of sustained resonance on the integrity of the plate. We report the resonant frequencies, the dwell duration, and the condition of the plate after the dwell.
• Vibration test at different temperatures (NTC 5803 – combined thermal and vibration stress) – we perform the vibration test inside a thermal chamber at a specified temperature (e.g., -20 °C, 60 °C, or 85 °C) to simulate the combined effect of thermal and mechanical stress, which is relevant for 3D printed plates used in automotive engine compartments or outdoor environments. We report the vibration profile, the temperature, and the condition of the plate.
• Vibration fatigue test (NTC 5804 – for evaluating the fatigue life) – we apply a constant‑amplitude sinusoidal vibration (at a frequency close to the resonance frequency or at a specified frequency) for a specified number of cycles (e.g., 10⁶ cycles) or until the plate fails. The fatigue life (the number of cycles to failure) is recorded. We report the fatigue life and the failure mode.

Impact Testing – Simulating Shock and Collision Loads

Impact testing evaluates the ability of 3D printed plates to withstand sudden shock loads, collisions, and dropped objects without fracture, delamination, or excessive deformation. Our tests measure the impact energy absorption, the peak force, and the failure mode of the specimens under controlled impact conditions. Our procedures follow international standards and the requirements of the Croatian construction, automotive, and consumer goods sectors.

• Drop weight impact test (ASTM D5628 / ISO 6603‑2 / NTC 5810 – for plate specimens) – we support the 3D printed plate on a circular fixture and drop a weighted dart (or a hemispherical striker) from a specified height onto the center of the plate. The impact energy (in J) is calculated from the mass and the drop height. We measure the peak impact force (in N), the deflection at the impact point (in mm), and the energy absorbed (in J). The plate is inspected for cracking, delamination, or perforation. We report the impact energy, the peak force, the deflection, the energy absorption, and the condition of the plate.
• Charpy pendulum impact test (ISO 148‑1 / ASTM E23 / HRN EN ISO 148‑1 / NTC 5811 – for notched and un‑notched specimens) – we machine standard Charpy specimens (typically 55 mm × 10 mm × 10 mm) from the 3D printed plate, with and without a V‑notch. The specimen is struck by a pendulum (with a specified energy, e.g., 150 J or 300 J) and the energy absorbed (in J) is measured. The fracture surface is examined to determine the fracture mode (ductile, brittle, or mixed). We report the impact energy and the fracture appearance.
• Izod pendulum impact test (ASTM D256 / ISO 180 / NTC 5812 – for plastics and composites) – we machine Izod specimens (typically 63.5 mm × 12.7 mm × 3.2 mm) from the 3D printed plate, with a V‑notch. The specimen is clamped vertically and struck by a pendulum. The impact energy (in J/m) is measured. We report the Izod impact strength and the fracture mode.
• Low‑temperature impact test (NTC 5813 – for cold‑climate applications) – we condition the 3D printed plate at a low temperature (e.g., -10 °C, -20 °C, or -40 °C) for a specified duration (e.g., 4 hours) and then perform the drop weight impact test or the Charpy test. The effect of the temperature on the impact resistance and the ductile‑to‑brittle transition is evaluated. We report the impact energy and the fracture mode at the low temperature.
• Multi‑impact test (NTC 5814 – for repeated impact loading) – we apply a series of impacts (e.g., 5, 10, or 20 impacts) to the same location on the 3D printed plate at a specified impact energy. The cumulative damage and the progressive degradation of the plate are evaluated. We report the number of impacts and the condition of the plate after each impact.

Performance Evaluation – Mechanical Property and Structural Integrity Assessment

After the vibration and impact tests, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of the 3D printed plates to quantify the damage and to determine the residual mechanical properties. Our tests provide a clear pass/fail result and a statement of compliance with the relevant standards and the customer specifications.

• Visual and microscopic inspection (NTC 5820 – for crack and delamination detection) – we inspect the surface of the 3D printed plate for any cracks, delamination, or deformation using a magnifying glass and an optical microscope. The location and the severity of any defects are recorded. We report the visual condition and the microscopic images.
• Ultrasonic and X‑ray inspection (NTC 5821 – for internal defect detection) – we use ultrasonic testing (UT) and X‑ray radiography to detect internal defects (voids, cracks, or delamination) that may have been caused by the vibration or impact. The size and the location of any defects are reported. We report the NDT results and the defect classification.
• Residual tensile strength test (ASTM D638 / ISO 527 / NTC 5822 – for the post‑test strength) – we machine tensile specimens from the 3D printed plate after the vibration or impact test and measure the residual tensile strength (in MPa) and the residual elongation at break (in %). The retention of the tensile properties (in %) is calculated. We report the residual tensile strength, the residual elongation, and the retention values.
• Residual flexural strength test (ASTM D790 / ISO 178 / NTC 5823 – for the post‑test flexural performance) – we perform a three‑point bending test on the 3D printed plate after the vibration or impact test to measure the residual flexural strength (in MPa) and the residual flexural modulus (in MPa). The retention of the flexural properties is reported. We report the residual flexural strength, the residual modulus, and the retention values.
• Hardness test (ASTM D2240 / NTC 5824 – Shore A or Shore D for polymers; ASTM E18 / NTC 5825 – Rockwell for metals) – we measure the hardness of the 3D printed plate before and after the vibration or impact test. The change in hardness is correlated with the degree of damage. We report the hardness before and after the test and the change.

Environmental and Aging Effects – Evaluating the Long‑Term Dynamic Performance

The vibration and impact performance of 3D printed plates can change over time due to aging, environmental exposure, and thermal cycling. Our environmental and aging tests evaluate the long‑term stability of the dynamic properties, ensuring the reliability of the product over its service life in the diverse Croatian climate (coastal, continental, and mountainous).

• Thermal aging and its effect on vibration and impact performance (ASTM D573 / ISO 188 / NTC 5830 – for the heat‑aged plates) – we age the 3D printed plate in an oven at a specified temperature (e.g., 70 °C, 100 °C) for a specified duration (e.g., 7, 14, or 28 days), and then we perform the vibration and impact tests. The change in the dynamic performance is reported. We report the impact energy and the vibration resistance after aging.
• UV and weathering effect (ASTM G154 / NTC 5831 – for the outdoor‑exposed plates) – we expose the 3D printed plate to UV radiation (UVA‑340) and condensation cycles for a specified duration (e.g., 500 hours), and then we perform the vibration and impact tests. The change in the dynamic performance is reported. We report the impact energy and the vibration resistance after UV exposure.
• Humidity and moisture effect (ASTM D570 / NTC 5832 – for the moisture‑exposed plates) – we condition the 3D printed plate at a high‑humidity environment (e.g., 40 °C, 95 % RH) for a specified duration (e.g., 7 days), and then we perform the vibration and impact tests. The effect of the moisture on the dynamic performance is reported. We report the impact energy and the vibration resistance after the humidity exposure.
• Chemical exposure effect (ASTM D543 / NTC 5833 – for the chemically exposed plates) – we immerse the 3D printed plate in various chemicals (e.g., mineral oil, 10 % HCl, 10 % NaOH, or a solvent) for a specified duration (e.g., 7 days), and then we perform the vibration and impact tests. The effect of the chemical exposure on the dynamic performance is reported. We report the impact energy and the vibration resistance after the chemical exposure.
• Thermal cycling effect (NTC 5834 – for the thermal fatigue) – we subject the 3D printed plate to repeated thermal cycles (e.g., from -20 °C to +60 °C) for a specified number of cycles (e.g., 100 cycles), and then we perform the vibration and impact tests. The effect of the thermal cycling on the dynamic performance is reported. We report the impact energy and the vibration resistance after the thermal cycling.

Complementary Tests – Material Characterization and Printing Quality Assessment

To fully understand the vibration and impact performance and to correlate it with the material properties and the printing quality, we perform complementary tests, including material characterization, microstructural examination, and printing quality assessment.

• Material identification (FTIR, DSC – NTC 5840 – for the polymer identification and the crystallinity) – we use Fourier‑transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to identify the chemical composition of the material and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to measure the glass transition temperature (Tg), the melting temperature, and the degree of crystallinity. The material properties are correlated with the dynamic performance. We report the material identification, the Tg, and the crystallinity.
• Microstructural examination (SEM – ASTM E1508 / NTC 5841 – for the layer‑by‑layer structure and the porosity) – we use scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine the microstructure of the 3D printed plate, including the layer‑by‑layer structure, the interlayer bonding, the porosity, and the presence of voids or inclusions. The microstructure is correlated with the vibration and impact performance. We report the SEM images and the microstructural observations.
• Printing quality assessment (NTC 5842 – for the layer adhesion and the surface roughness) – we measure the surface roughness (Ra, Rz) of the 3D printed plate using a profilometer and evaluate the interlayer adhesion by performing a peel test or a tensile test on the printed layers. The printing quality is correlated with the dynamic performance. We report the surface roughness, the interlayer adhesion strength, and the printing quality rating.
• Density and porosity measurement (ASTM D792 / NTC 5843 – for the material density and the void fraction) – we measure the density (in g/cm³) of the 3D printed plate using the Archimedes method and calculate the porosity (in %) from the true density and the measured density. The porosity is correlated with the impact resistance and the vibration damping. We report the density and the porosity.
• Hardness testing (ASTM D2240 / NTC 5844 – Shore A or Shore D for the surface hardness) – we measure the Shore A or Shore D hardness of the 3D printed plate. The hardness is correlated with the wear resistance and the resistance to indentation. We report the hardness and the correlation.

Test Report and Recognition in the Croatian Industrial, Automotive, and Aerospace Sector

All procedures described are within the scope of our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, with equipment calibrated periodically (vibration shakers, impact testers, universal testing machines, and analytical instruments) and traceability to international standards (NIST, PTB). Our test reports are issued in English (with a Croatian summary available on request) and include:

• Full identification of the 3D printed plate (manufacturer, material, printing technology, infill density, and layer height).
• Detailed description of the test methods applied (IEC/ISO/ASTM/HRN EN/NTC standards, test conditions, vibration profile, and impact energy).
• Numerical results: resonance frequencies (Hz), vibration resistance (pass/fail), impact energy (J), peak impact force (N), energy absorption (J), residual tensile strength (MPa), residual flexural strength (MPa), and property retention after aging (%).
• Graphical data: vibration profiles, impact force‑time curves, and stress‑strain curves.
• Comparative tables against the values specified by the client or against the limits of the relevant standards (IEC 60068‑2‑6, IEC 60068‑2‑27, ISO 148‑1, HRN EN ISO 148‑1, and the requirements of the HZN, Ministarstvo gospodarstva, and Državni inspektorat).
• Photographs and micrographs (SEM) of the plate before and after the tests, showing the cracks, delamination, or surface damage.
• Recommendations for design improvement, material selection, and printing process optimization to enhance the vibration and impact resistance.
• Expanded uncertainty (k=2) for all key measurements, calculated according to the ISO/IEC 98‑3 Guide.

These reports are fully accepted by the Hrvatski zavod za norme (HZN) for the verification of product conformity, by the Ministarstvo gospodarstva i održivog razvoja for industrial and energy compliance, by the Državni inspektorat for market surveillance, and by the Carinska uprava (Croatian Customs) for tariff classification and quality verification in the import of 3D printed components and additively manufactured products. Additionally, we offer consulting services for the selection of 3D printing materials with high dynamic performance, the design of impact‑resistant and vibration‑resistant parts, and the implementation of quality control programs for additive manufacturing, contributing to the safety, reliability, and innovation of products in the diverse and growing Croatian market, from the automotive and aerospace sectors to the medical, construction, and consumer goods industries.