9400 Series Drop Weight Impact Testing System
Impact Tester for Plastics, Composites, Light Alloys, and Components
The Instron 9400 Series is the next generation of the Instron Dynatup drop weight impact testing system. A drop weight impact testing system determines the energy required to break or damage a material or component by dropping a defined weight onto a specimen from a specific height, with a specific impact energy and velocity. This kind of high-rate impact event is difficult to replicate accurately with other test methods, making drop weight testing essential for understanding how materials and finished products will actually behave when subjected to sudden impact in real-world use — from a dropped phone to a vehicle collision.
Across its full model range, the Instron® 9400 Series complies with all major impact testing standards, covering energy levels from 0.3 J to 1,800 J. This broad range allows a single product family to serve everything from delicate polymer films and thin-walled components to heavier composites, light alloys, and structural parts, giving manufacturers, testing labs, and research institutions a consistent, standards-compliant platform regardless of where their materials fall on that spectrum.
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Simpler | Smarter | Safer | Accessories and Options | Available Models | Impact Test Methods
SIMPLER
Efficient Drop Weight Impact Testing
Start Testing Faster
The intuitiveness of Bluehill® Impact software, paired with the touchscreen dashboard, simplifies day-to-day activities. Users are guided through the entire testing process with step-by-step instructions, ensuring tests remain repeatable, simple, and error-free.
Simplified Flexibility
Enhance your Instron drop weight impact testing system's versatility with a wide range of easily changed supports, masses, fixtures, and accessories for puncture resistance, tensile impact, and wedge peel impact testing, along with compressive and component testing.
Speed Up Collaboration
Move from task to task, easily sharing test methods and results within your company or with your customers, using the Bluehill Impact file management system.
SMARTER
Drop Weight Impact Testing Integrated Innovations for Advanced Performance
Extended Capabilities
Instron drop weight impact testing system energy capacities and test space meet the most commonly performed impact test methods across raw materials, automotive, aerospace/aviation, defense, electronics, and consumer products industries, over a wide range of materials.
Handle the Most Demanding Analysis
The 9450's capabilities can be expanded to include 24 m/s impact velocity, extra-wide test chambers, and high-speed cameras, so you never miss an impact test event.
Faster Time to Market
With automated testing, newly developed materials can be continuously tested and validated. The reduction in testing cycles allows your company to bring products to market faster.
SAFER
Drop Weight Impact Testing for Enhanced Operator Safety
Built to Last
Your investment is protected: components are designed for a long service life and life-tested to withstand thousands of impacts under the most severe conditions without damage.
Accuracy of Measurements
A high-resolution data acquisition chain, engineered by Instron, ensures the accuracy of the force measuring system. It can be verified at the customer site and is verified at the factory following accredited procedures.
Fully Enclosed
A fully enclosed design with integrated safety circuits automatically disables the system whenever an enclosure door is open, protecting operators.
Impact Testing System Parts, Accessories, and Options
Instron's impact test fixtures and tups are designed to meet the requirements of a wide range of applications. All Instron drop weight impact testing systems are all-in-one solutions built for maximum flexibility, compatible with a variety of carriages, masses, tups, and supports that optimize ease of setup and adaptability.
Available Models
| Spec | 9440 | 9450 with High Energy | 9450 with Large Base |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Energy Range | 0.3–405 J (0.22–299 ft-lb) | 0.59–1,800 J (0.44–1,330 ft-lb) | 0.59–1,800 J (0.44–1,330 ft-lb) |
| Impact Velocity | 0.77–4.65 m/s (2.53–15.3 ft/s) | 0.77–24 m/s (2.53–78.7 ft/s) | 0.77–24 m/s (2.53–78.7 ft/s) |
| Drop Height | 0.03–1.10 m (1.18–43.3 in) | 0.03–29.4 m equivalent (1.18–1,160 in equivalent) | 0.03–29.4 m equivalent (1.18–1,160 in equivalent) |
| Machine Dimensions (W x D x H) | 985 x 610 x 2,620 mm (38.7 x 24 x 103 in) | 1,015 x 866 x 3,180 mm (40 x 34 x 125.2 in) | 1,520 x 940 x 3,330 mm (60 x 37 x 132 in) |
| Machine Weight | 340 kg (749 lbs) | 775 kg (1,708 lbs) | 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs) |
| Test Area Dimensions (W x D x H) | 490 x 450 x 565 mm (19.3 x 17.7 x 22.2 in) | 700 x 720 x 570 mm (27.5 x 28.3 x 22.4 in) | 1,200 x 730 x 745 mm (47.2 x 28.7 x 29.3 in) |
| Test Area Dimensions with Thermostatic Chamber (W x D x H) | 370 x 300 x 495 mm (14.6 x 11.8 x 19.5 in) | 550 x 540 x 500 mm (21.6 x 21.3 x 19.7 in) | 550 x 540 x 500 mm (21.6 x 21.3 x 19.7 in)* |
| Compressed Air Supply | 6 to 10 bar (72.5 psi)** | 6 to 10 bar (72.5 psi)** | 6 to 10 bar (72.5 psi)** |
Puncture Test Method and Other Impact Test Methods
The main ISO and ASTM standards for impact testing of plastics include:
- ASTM D3763 — multi-axial impact test
- ISO 6603 — puncture resistance test method
- ASTM D7136 — CAI test method
- ISO 11343 — wedge peel impact test method
- ISO 8256 — tensile impact test method
Test methods covered:
Talk to an Instron Expert
Every impact application has its own demands — from material type and energy range to standard compliance. Tell us what you're testing, and one of our applications engineers will help you find the right 9400 Series configuration for your lab, no guesswork required.
Talk to an Applications Engineer
Tell us about your testing needs, and we'll help you configure the right frame, load cell, grips, and software for your lab. Please complete the form below, and we'll respond within 1-2 business days. For a faster response, call +1-800-473-7838 or +1 781 828 2500 if you are outside of the US.
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