What Properties of Materials Can Compression Testing Machines Measure

Materials behavior under continuous application of increasing compressive force is measured using compression testing machines. Compression testing results show how durable, secure, and robust a material or component is.

Common applications include testing the compression strength of metals, medical implants, stents, syringes, and packaging; testing the compression strength of composites with and without notches; and testing the compression strength of plastic pipes and tubes, cellular foam, paper, and cardboard. Composites can also be put through compression testing. 

Compression test instruments and compression platens can be added to universal testing machine (UTMs) to adapt them for particular uses. Some factors are taken into account while selecting and setting up the tools in the machine, including the kind of test, the size and composition of the specimen, the test temperature, and the anticipated maximum force values.