Compression testing is used to determine how a material or finished component behaves under crushing loads. This is a critical analysis for structural materials, packaging, and components that must maintain their integrity while being pushed or squeezed.
Compressive Performance & Material Characterization
Our compression systems measure a material’s ability to resist deformation and total failure under load. Key data points include:
- Compressive Strength: The maximum load a material can carry before crushing or buckling.
- Compressive Yield Point: The stress level at which a material begins to deform permanently.
- Compressive Modulus: Evaluating the stiffness of a material when subjected to axial pressure.
- Crush Resistance: Determining the load-bearing capacity of hollow structures, packaging, and composite cores.
Equipment Configuration & Load Frames
TRI manufactures frames specifically optimized for high axial alignment and frame stiffness:
- 100 & 200 Series: Ideal for testing foams, plastics, and consumer packaging where lower force precision is paramount.
- 300 & 600 Series: Engineered for high-capacity structural applications, including metals, masonry, and reinforced composites, with capacities to 2000 kN.
Fixturing & Interface Compatibility
- Universal 16mm Handshake: For testing requirements up to 20 kN (4,500 lbf), TRI systems use the standard 16mm (16M/16F) interface. This enables operators to quickly mount compression platens, spherical seats, or custom crush fixtures.
- Stable Loading Surfaces: We provide a variety of hardened platens and self-aligning seats to ensure the load is applied perfectly parallel to the specimen.
- Newton Control Logic: The Newton Controller ensures stable, constant-rate loading and high-resolution displacement tracking, which is essential for accurate modulus determination.
Common Standards Supported
TRI systems are built to comply with global compression standards, including ASTM D695, ASTM D1621, ISO 604, and ASTM D3574.