a print element for an impact printer comprising a metal alloy insert member having a plurality of beams extending radially outward from a center section having an opening in the center thereof and a plurality of apertures spaced around the center opening and positioned between the center opening and the beams . molded to the ends of the beams are character slugs having an impact surface engageable by hammer means , a print section having a print surface shaped in the form of a character and a capture section for coupling to the end of a beam whereby the energy imparted to the slug by a print hammer is substantially reflected in stresses in the print section of the slug rather than the capture section . a plastic hub is fixedly coupled to the insert member by a plurality of projections , each of which extends through a respective one of the apertures in the insert member and coacts therewith . the hub includes a flag extending radially outward a distance so as to expose a previously printed character when properly positioned relative thereto .