Compression Testing Laboratories & Methods
Compression testing loads a specimen along its axis to characterise strength, stiffness and deformation behaviour under compressive load.
What does it measure?
- Compressive strength
- Compressive modulus
- Yield behaviour
- Deformation at load
- Crush or collapse load
When is it used?
- Structural qualification of components and cores
- Foam, elastomer and packaging cushioning performance
- Concrete, masonry and ceramic strength verification
- Comparing composite laminate lay-ups
Sample considerations
- Specimen slenderness and end conditions affect results and are set by the method.
- Anisotropic materials must be identified by orientation.
Laboratories with relevant capabilities
- Touchstone Research Laboratory (WV) — Ceramics Testing, Mechanical Testing, Composites Testing
- Element Materials Technology (Aberdeen, Scotland) — Materials Testing, Mechanical Testing, Metallurgical Analysis
- Laboratory Testing Inc. (Hatfield, PA) — Materials Testing, Mechanical Testing, Chemical Analysis
- IMR Test Labs (Ithaca, NY) — Materials Testing, Chemical Analysis, Metallurgical Analysis
- Westmoreland Mechanical Testing & Research (Youngstown, PA) — Mechanical Testing, Materials Testing, Fatigue & Fracture
- Touchstone Testing Lab (Triadelphia, WV) — Mechanical Testing, Fatigue & Fracture, Materials Testing
Frequently asked questions
- How is compression testing different from crush testing?
- Crush testing usually refers to compressing a whole component or package to collapse, while compression testing normally uses a defined specimen to obtain material properties.
- Does specimen size matter?
- Yes. Height-to-diameter ratio, flatness and parallelism are controlled by the method because they change the measured strength.
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