What Material absorbs shock better? Rubber or plastic?

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  Jack7122

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  Oct 2, 2013

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  Material Plastic Rubber Shock

In summary, a phone in a case is dropped, it would suffer more in a plastic case or a rubber case. The case itself breaking wouldn't be a problem as long as the phone doesn't get damaged, but the material of the case affects how much shock energy is transmitted to the phone.

• Oct 2, 2013

• #1

Jack7122

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For example a phone in a case is dropped, would it suffer more in a plastic case or a rubber case?

Thanks

 

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• Oct 2, 2013

• #2

SteamKing

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Depends on what kind of plastic. Most of the hard plastics like ABS and polystyrene are subject to breaking or shattering if the impact is energetic enough. If your case was made from puffy polystyrene like packing peanuts, it would probably survive at least one impact, but it wouldn't be too durable in the long run.

There's a reason rubber is used for things like tires and vibration isolation, rather than plastic.

 

• Oct 2, 2013

• #3

Jack7122

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I'm not too sure about the types of plastic used for the hard cases, but I know neoprene rubber, silicone, and TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane) are often used for the soft cases.

The plastic cases definitely seem like they would be more brittle and prone to cracking, but would they prevent impact energy transfer to a phone during a drop/hit more effectively?

The case itself breaking wouldn't be a problem as long as the phone doesn't get damaged, but the material of the case affects how much shock energy is transmitted to the phone.

Additional resources:
What Is the Most Comfortable Material for a Motorcycle Seat?

Want more information on Shock-Resistant Packaging Solutions? Feel free to contact us.

 

• Oct 2, 2013

• #4

SteamKing

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Plastics like ABS and polystyrene are very commonly used to make cases for phones, calculators, etc. There is a long history of using such materials and they used to be fairly cheap to use in manufacturing, but since the basic ingredients are made from petroleum or natural gas, plastics like ABS and PS have become more expensive in recent years.

IDK how much shock energy is transmitted to the phone mechanism. I don't think the manufacturers know or care either. They make money by selling you a new phone periodically. Adding new features to the basic phone also helps to create a demand for new phones, and there are many people who must have the latest gadget. The days of having a phone company install a basic handset which would last for decades are gone for good. It's a disposable world now, baby.

There may be some shock-proof phones available. They probably wouldn't look too sleek, though.

 

• Oct 9, 2013

• #5

alphy

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for your question! I can provide some insights on the material properties of rubber and plastic and how they may affect shock absorption.

Firstly, let's define shock absorption. Shock absorption refers to a material's ability to dissipate or absorb energy when it is subjected to a sudden impact or force. In this case, we are talking about dropping a phone in a case, so we are interested in a material's ability to absorb the impact of the phone hitting the ground.

Rubber and plastic are both commonly used materials for phone cases, but they have different properties that affect their shock absorption abilities. Rubber is known for its elasticity, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape. This property allows rubber to absorb energy by deforming or stretching when a force is applied to it. On the other hand, plastic is not as elastic and may not deform as much when subjected to an impact.

In terms of shock absorption, rubber would likely be a better material than plastic. This is because rubber's ability to stretch and deform allows it to absorb more energy from the impact of the phone hitting the ground. Plastic, on the other hand, may not deform as much and therefore may not absorb as much energy, potentially leading to more damage to the phone.

However, it's important to note that the effectiveness of shock absorption also depends on the specific type and thickness of rubber or plastic used in the phone case. Different types of rubber and plastic have varying levels of elasticity and may be designed to have different levels of shock absorption. Additionally, the thickness of the material can also play a role in how much shock is absorbed.

In conclusion, while rubber may generally be a better material for shock absorption compared to plastic, the specific type and thickness of the material used in the phone case will ultimately determine its effectiveness in protecting the phone from impact damage.

 

Related to What Material absorbs shock better? Rubber or plastic?

1. What is the difference between rubber and plastic when it comes to shock absorption?

Rubber and plastic are both polymers, but they have different chemical compositions and physical properties. Rubber is a natural material that is elastic and flexible, while plastic is a synthetic material that can vary in hardness and stiffness. These differences can affect how well they absorb shock.

2. Which material is better at absorbing shock: rubber or plastic?

It depends on the specific application and type of shock. In general, rubber tends to be better at absorbing impact energy due to its elasticity and ability to deform without breaking. Plastic, on the other hand, may be better at absorbing vibrations and can be engineered to have specific shock-absorbing properties.

3. Is rubber or plastic more durable for shock absorption?

Rubber is typically more durable for shock absorption because of its ability to stretch and return to its original shape after being compressed. Plastic may become brittle over time and lose its shock-absorbing capabilities.

4. Can rubber and plastic be combined for optimal shock absorption?

Yes, rubber and plastic can be combined to create a material with both shock-absorbing and structural properties. For example, rubber can be used as a coating or layer on top of a plastic component to improve its shock absorption abilities.

5. Are there any other materials that are better at absorbing shock than rubber or plastic?

There are many other materials that can absorb shock, such as foam, gel, and specialized impact-resistant materials. The best material for shock absorption depends on the specific application and the type of shock being absorbed.

One of the things we specialize in at My Divine Concierge is helping people pack up their homes and move. As a result, we have become very familiar with different types of packing materials over the years. We go through our fair share of bubble wrap, packing peanuts, tissue paper and foam blocks. Each of these materials has a very specific purpose for which it is intended.

The point of using packing materials is to protect your valuable items from damage during transport. However, because each material has its own unique properties, no single one is appropriate for every need. It pays to know how each one works and what it is best used for. We will explain that here.

Before we get to the different packing materials, however, we need to talk about the two primary enemies of your valuables during a move:

Shock – Fragile items such as glass and porcelain often become the victims of shock during a move. In other words, you may attempt to protect an item with a ton of tissue paper only to have your efforts rendered useless when the moving truck hits a pothole. Shock waves introduced by that pothole send energy to everything inside the truck. Fragile items unable to withstand that energy can break.

Weight – Stacking heavier items on top of lighter items is a recipe for disaster. Weight is a big factor in any move, requiring effective packing to avoid damage by crushing.

Packing Peanuts

Packing peanuts are an excellent material for providing extra cushioning when placing fragile objects into larger boxes. The foam peanuts are intended to take up extra space and, to some degree, prevent the contents of the box from shifting. In this sense, the peanuts also act as a minimal shock absorber. As energy travels through the box, the peanuts absorb it. The one downside to packing peanuts is that they are not very crush resistant. They also may not work well in preventing heavier objects from shifting inside a box.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap does not do a good job of filling up empty space or preventing the contents of a box from shifting, but it does a great job of preventing damage caused by shock. All of