Compressive strength is its ability to withstand compression or force without losing shape. This is different from tensile strength, which is a measurement of tension.
Some materials fracture at their compressive strength limit, while others may deform. So, the ability to maintain its shape is taken as the prime requirement.
A compression testing machine is used to measure compression strength. Compression tests are a necessary process in the manufacturing process. It comes in at various points, such as:
18 Things To Know About Compression Testing
#1. Design process
How can you design a piece of equipment or structure if you do not know if each part can withstand its load?
This is a critical requirement in industries like the automobile or aviation industry. In any industry where the safety of the overall structure is important, compression testing during the designing process becomes essential.
It helps reduce errors and unnecessary losses as the design later fails to pass standards.
#2. Manufacturing
Compression testing is essential in the manufacturing process, even if it is not adhered to in the design process.
It is a necessary precaution in most manufacturing industries. In addition, specifying the compression strength is part of the certification process for many industrial standards.
#3. Quality testing
This is often the final stage of a manufacturing process. Hence, compression testing becomes essential here.
This is where we check if a structure will perform the way we want it to and whether each part can withstand the load placed on it while performing its functions under normal conditions.
Again, it is necessary to conduct these tests to ensure that the product passes all certification standards.
#4. Applications
Some industries where tests by the right compression testing machine become essential are:
#5. Automotive and aerospace industry
The common tests here include spring testing and actuation tests on solenoids, switches and pedals.
#6. Construction Industries
As materials that have to hold up the overall structural firmness, construction industry parts have to go through rigorous compression testing.
These include penetration tests on pipes, the flexural strength of construction material, roofing panels and insulation material.
#7. Cosmetics Industry
Surprisingly, even the cosmetic industry needs compression testing to ensure good quality. These are usually carried out on dispensing mechanisms like sprays and nozzles.
In addition, the break strength of cosmetics like lipsticks and blushers is also tested.
#8. Medical device Industry
Compression testing becomes essential for several devices used to administer medicine since these devices use some force. These include bend testing of needles and penetration tests of scalpels and syringes.
#9. Pharmaceuticals Industry
Tablets and capsules must meet certain compression standards to measure breaking, crumbling, hardness and powdering strength.
Similarly, gels are tested for rupture, and blister packs are tested for ‘punch out’ strength.
#10. Electrical and Electronics Industry
Electronics must also have a certain strength for their normal functioning. A compression testing machine is used to test instrument parts like TV and laptop screens and actuation tests on push buttons.
#11. Packaging Industry
As load bearers, the packaging is an obvious candidate for compression testing. Components that have to be tested include cans, plastic containers, bottles etc.
#12. Paper and Board Industry
Cardboards may have to go through compression testing.
#13. Elastomers Industry
This includes testing components like rubber and plastics.
#14. Fitness and Leisure Industry
This includes testing on components like balls, bats and rackets.
#15. Selecting a compression testing machine
Given their importance, selecting the right testing machine can make all the difference in the results. However, there are some essential features that you must consider when selecting the machine:
#16. Customizing according to the product
Each product is different, even in the same industry, but each must pass the compression test. So it naturally follows that the machine is customized to test the product with the right controllers, grips and accessories.
#17. Other functions
Some manufacturers can design machines that also measure other parameters like tensile strength. This could help you save money and space that you will otherwise spend on the second machine.
#18. User-friendly
Opt for a user-friendly compression testing machine unless you have an engineer on board who can operate anything. You can get machines that are easy to set up and learn.
Today you can even get machines with toy-screen programming built to be used by a layman.
- How to Execute Automated Testing?
- 4 Key Factors Remains Behind Testing
- Online Testing Software Features: 6 Best Features
For More Latest Industry Updates and Information about Compression Testing, Visit Solobis NEWS Magazine.
