Analysis of resistance to compression or extrusion

Compressive and extrusion strength analysis measures the force required to deform a material or force it through a defined opening. These mechanical tests are essential for characterizing the texture, firmness, consistency, and strength of materials under stress. They are widely used in the food, cosmetics, materials and polymers, packaging, and animal nutrition industries. These measurements ensure the performance, reproducibility, and conformity of finished products under their actual operating conditions.

Industrial challenges of compression and extrusion

Compressive and extrusion resistance is a key parameter for predicting a product's behavior under mechanical stress, whether it be crushing, pressure, or passage through an extrusion system. In the food industry, it determines the texture of semi-solid products, the consistency of pastes, and the firmness of nutritional blocks. In cosmetics, it provides information on the consistency of creams, gels, and skincare products. In plastics and materials science, it allows for the evaluation of density, mechanical strength, and processability. These tests also facilitate the development of formulations, the selection of raw materials, and the validation of industrial processes.

Analytical methods: dynamometer and texture analysis

The analysis is performed using a dynamometer or a texture analyzer. The compression test involves applying increasing force until the sample deforms or breaks. It measures the maximum force withstood, the corresponding deformation, and the energy required for crushing. The extrusion test, on the other hand, involves pushing a semi-solid or paste-like product through a calibrated grid or orifice. The required force, the extrusion speed, and the force/time curve characterize the consistency, cohesion, and stability of the product.

These tests can be carried out under different speeds, temperatures, or configurations to simulate industrial processing or end-use conditions. They are an essential tool in quality control, formulation, and new product development.

Matrices analyzed and industrial applications

Numerous matrices are involved in this analysis. Creams, gels, pasta, thick sauces, extruded products, nutritional blocks, cosmetic products, flexible materials, and polymers tested in extrusion are commonly studied. In animal nutrition, the analysis allows for the evaluation of the cohesion and strength of blocks or granules. In materials and polymers, it helps validate mechanical strength and formability.

These tests are used to:
• characterize the texture or firmness of a product
• optimize an extrusion or processing method
• ensure consistency between production batches
• compare different formulations or suppliers
• better understand the impact of additives or storage conditions

YesWeLab Support

YesWeLab relies on a network of expert laboratories specializing in texture analysis, rheology, and mechanical testing, most of which are certified or accredited according to ISO 17025 and COFRAC standards. We select laboratories based on your matrices and testing requirements to guarantee reliable results tailored to your needs. Our digital platform allows you to centralize your requests, track the progress of your samples, view your results, and communicate with our scientific team. We support you in defining protocols, interpreting data, and optimizing your formulations or industrial equipment.

Since 2020, many manufacturers, formulators, distributors and design offices have trusted us to carry out their compression and extrusion tests.

Other analyses from the YesWeLab catalogue

• Analysis of fracture strength
• Analysis of tensile strength
• Analysis of powder cohesion
• Complete rheology and viscoelasticity