Compression test machines, equipment and testers are configured to order to match different needs of testing samples for their compression stress of a material or an engineered design. All TestResources test machines are capable of compression testing, as well as performing many other tests. A compression tester is named after the fact that it can perform many standard compression (and tension) tests on materials, components, and structures. In material testing applications, a compression tester helps evaluate the Young's modulus (how much a material stretches under strain) of a material and other compression properties of materials, such as compression strength.

Compression testers are loaded with a test sample placed between two compression fixtures (platens or plates). Most compression testers work by driving a screw (electromechanical), a linear motor, or by use of a servohydraulic actuator. Compressive tests help determine strength and to characterize how a material behaves in various loaded conditions. Compressive strength is a measure of how well a material withstands axially directed pushing forces. When the compressive strength is reached, the material is crushed.

Read more .... Considerations in configuring a Compressive Materials Tester or Compression Test Machines

Compressive tests are performed to determine strength and to characterize how a material behaves in various loaded conditions. Compressive strength is a measure of how well a material withstands axially directed pushing forces. When the compressive strength is reached, the material is crushed.

The compressive strength of a typical material corresponds to the stress at the red point shown on the load deflection plot. The linear region where the material follows Hooke's Law and terminates at the yield point. Above this point the material behaves plastically and will not return to its original length once the load is removed.