Compression force analysis

Compressive strength analysis is a fundamental mechanical test used to evaluate the resistance of a material or product to a vertically applied load. This measurement provides information on the robustness, deformability, and mechanical stability of a sample subjected to compressive stress.

It applies to a wide variety of matrices — packaging, polymeric materials, food products, solid cosmetics, nutritional blocks or veterinary products — and is an essential control tool to guarantee the quality and safety of finished products.

Principle and objectives of the compression test

The compression test involves subjecting a sample to increasing force until it deforms or breaks. The measuring device (dynamometer or texture analyzer) records the force-displacement curve , from which several mechanical parameters are calculated:

• Maximum breaking strength ;
• Relative deformation or elongation ;
• Compression modulus (material stiffness);
• Elastic, plastic, or brittle behavior.

The objective of this essay is to:

• Determine the mechanical resistance of a product to crushing;
• Evaluate dimensional stability under load or stacking;
• Compare the quality and hardness of production batches;
• Optimize the formulation or design of solid products;
• Ensure regulatory and industrial compliance according to ISO and ASTM standards.

Methods and equipment used

The test is performed using a dynamometer or texture analyzer equipped with a suitable load cell. The force is applied progressively and in a controlled manner to the sample, generally at a constant speed.

The main reference standards include:

• ISO 604: Plastics — Determination of compressive properties;
• ASTM D695: Rigid plastics — Measurement of compressive strength;
• ISO 7500-1: Verification and calibration of mechanical testing machines;
• NF V03-761: Food products — Determination of hardness and texture.

The test protocol is adjusted according to the type of product (solid, semi-solid, porous or compressible) and the desired purpose: quality control, formulation development or inter-batch comparison.

Industrial applications

Compression force analysis is used in many sectors:

• Packaging and polymer materials: measurement of resistance to stacking and deformation (bottles, caps, foams, multilayer films);
• Agri-food and animal nutrition: evaluation of the hardness of tablets, mineral blocks, granules and extruded feeds;
• Cosmetics: control of the cohesion and texture of compacted powders, solid soaps or sticks;
• Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical: measurement of tablet hardness and friability;
• Technical materials: validation of the mechanical strength of foams, polymers or composites used in packaging or construction.

These measures guarantee the mechanical consistency of the finished products and safety during storage and transport.

Interpretation of results and quality of tests

The results of the compression test are expressed in newtons (N) or MPa (megapascals) depending on the contact area.
The resulting force-strain curve allows the mechanical behavior of the material to be identified.

• Elastic: the material returns to its original shape after compression;
• Plastic: permanent deformation after release of the load;
• Fragile: breaks cleanly without prior deformation.

At YesWeLab, tests are conducted in ISO 17025 accredited partner laboratories, following rigorous and reproducible protocols. Each report includes:

• The test conditions (temperature, speed, type of sample);
• The values ​​of maximum force, deformation and compression modulus;
• A technical interpretation of the results to support your quality or R&D decisions.

YesWeLab Expertise and Support

YesWeLab provides a network of specialized laboratories for mechanical, rheological, and thermal testing, suitable for all types of materials and industrial products.
Our engineers will assist you in choosing the most appropriate method, whether for strength testing, stability testing, or design validation.

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform, you can easily submit your samples, track your trials and retrieve your results online.

Further analyses recommended

For a complete mechanical characterization, YesWeLab also recommends:

• Tensile testing on polymer materials
• Measurement of tear resistance initiated
• Hardness and texture tests on food products
• Adhesion and cohesion tests of coatings

These additional services provide a comprehensive view of the mechanical and thermal behavior of your products and materials.