Charpy impact testing is used by investment casting foundries to determine whether an alloy can be classified as ductile or brittle. This information is important for assessing the quality and properties of a casting. In the Charpy impact testing method, a standard notched sample is struck with a specific weight pendulum raised to a predetermined height. By measuring the energy absorbed when fracturing the sample, toughness of the test material can be determined. Alloys that require more energy to be fractured are more ductile. The nature of the fracture can also provide useful information about the alloy’s properties.