Compression

Compression testing is a way of determining how something will react when a compressive force is applied to it. It typically involves measuring the relationship between the applied force and how much the object deforms.

It is performed to:

• characterise the compressive properties of raw materials, eg plastics, foams, rubbers and metals
• assess the strength of components and assemblies, eg control switches, keypads, solenoids, helical springs, bellows, package seals, PET bottles, PVC pipes
• assure the quality and performance of finished products, eg actuation force of a syringe plunger, firmness of a tennis ball, push-out strength of a tablet from a blister pack and much more