most earlier streetlights were either stamped or cast as time progressed cast became the dominate material for luminares.

benifits of stamped aluminimum fixtures(such as the form 400,and early ov-20,josyln cobraheads)

its lighter

easier to manufacture

cheaper to manufacture

disadvantages of stamped aluminimum fixtures.

damaged relatively easier

physically weaker


advantages of cast aluminimum fixtures(such as later ov-20's and the ov-35,and hma-60,m-400)

stronger

adds durability,harder to damage

disadvantages of cast aluminimum fixtures.

hevier

cast aluminimum doesnt bend but a very hard impact will shatter it

more expensive to manufacture

harder to make(as the casting molds have to be changed out every few thousand molds to prevent defects in the metal)

In the past, companies makes strong and high-quality products: a M400 dropped from 30ft. even won't break! (I think) Try this with a modern M400A3...

In the past, companies makes strong and high-quality products: a M400 dropped from 30ft. even won't break! (I think) Try this with a modern M400A3...

 that depends on what it falls on,if it falls on grass it probably will be okay,but i think damage will be inflicted if it fell on a hard surface such as pavement,concrete,ect.

That's sure that the glass lens will shatter on the concrete! Maybe not the metal...

how strong the cast aluminimum depends on how strong the mold is any defect in the mold will show up in the metal,which is why casting molds are changed every few thousand molds,cast metal is strong but it will break,and im not sure about it surviving a 30 ft drop intact.

The fixture would have to land on soft ground to survive, especially with the extra weight of the ballast.Sometimes even a minor impact, will cause the fixture to break off from around the slipfitter area. Depending on the wiring and fixture type,it will be hanging by the wires or pull apart from the wiring harness and drop.