Compression tests

Compression testing measures the mechanical resistance of a material or product to a compressive force applied along a defined axis. This analysis is essential for assessing the rigidity, deformability, and ultimate strength of materials used in industry. The data obtained (elastic modulus, maximum stress, elongation, residual deformation) are used to characterize the performance, durability, and conformity of products.

Methods and equipment used

Compression tests are performed using a dynamometer or a texturometer , depending on the nature of the material and the force range studied. The test consists of applying an increasing load to the sample until the desired rupture or deformation occurs. The parameters measured include:

• The maximum compressive stress ;
• The compression modulus (ratio between stress and strain);
• The elastic limit (threshold beyond which the deformation becomes permanent);
• Energy absorbed before rupture.

These tests can be carried out at or controlled temperature , according to current standards (ASTM, ISO, NF EN). They apply to a wide range of materials: plastics, foams, rubbers, composites, pharmaceutical tablets, packaging or finished products.

For additional mechanical analyses, also discover:

• the tensile test to determine the resistance to elongation,
• the bending test to characterize the rigidity,
• or dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to study the viscoelastic behavior of materials.

Industrial applications

Compression testing finds applications in many sectors:

• Packaging : evaluation of the crush resistance of boxes, bottles, films, caps or multi-layer materials.
• Materials and polymers : measurement of stiffness, density and mechanical strength of plastics, composites and elastomers.
• Pharmaceutical industry : control of tablet cohesion and validation of the compression process.
• Building and construction : testing the performance of insulating foams, concrete and technical polymers.
• Food and cosmetics : measurement of the texture or hardness of finished products (tablets, capsules, sticks, soaps).

The data from these tests helps optimize the formulation, design and compliance of products with industrial and regulatory standards .

Analytical interest and complementarity

Compression testing is often combined with other mechanical or thermal tests for a complete characterization of the material:

• Tensile test to compare behaviors under opposite load;
• DSC analysis to study thermal transitions and crystallinity;
• TGA analysis to assess thermal stability;
• Shore hardness measurement to complement mechanical properties;
• Powder rheology for tablet or granule applications.

This multidimensional approach allows for a complete profile of the material, ensuring an optimal choice during product development or validation.

YesWeLab Services

YesWeLab relies on a network of partner laboratories specialized in mechanical and rheological analyses , accredited ISO 17025 and/or COFRAC . Depending on your needs, our experts select the protocol adapted to your product (ISO, ASTM, EN standards) and the desired test conditions (temperature, loading speed, controlled environment).

Thanks to the YesWeLab digital platform , you can centralize your analysis requests, track your samples and access your reports online. Since 2020, many manufacturers in the packaging, polymers and technical materials sectors have trusted us to manage their mechanical tests.

To get a quote or submit a specific project, contact our scientific team today.