Choose from a wide variety of frames with 100's of configurations
Compression test machines are universal testing machines specially configured to evaluate static compressive strength characteristics of materials, products, and components. Choose from a wide variety of compression test machines that measure characteristics such as ultimate compression strength, yield strength, deflection and modulus.
Each compression tester is configured to your test requirements by our application engineers with the correct controller, grips, and accessories. Due to our modular machine design, your compression test machine can also be equipped to perform other applications such as tensile, cyclic, shear, flexure, bend, peel, tear by adding appropriate fixtures.
That means you get the exact system that matches the specifications you need and fits within your budget. More choices mean fewer compromises.
Model | Type | Force Range | Relative Price |
---|---|---|---|
Compression Only Test Machines | |||
326 Family | Electromechanical | up to 500 kN (115,000 lbf) | $ |
639 Family | Static Hydraulic | up to 3,000 kN (670,000 lbf) | $ |
Universal Test Machines | |||
100 Series | Electromechanical | up to 9 kN (2,000 lbf) | $ |
200 Series | Electromechanical | up to 5 kN (1,125 lbf) | $$ |
300 Series | Electromechanical | up to 500 kN (112 kip) | $$$ |
600 Series | Static Hydraulic | up to 2 MN (450 kip) | $$$ |
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Ready to configure your compression test machine? Contact us by completing the form to help you select the right machine. |
Ready to configure your compression test machine?
Contact us to help you select the right machine.
Contact Us Now!4 Easy Steps to Select a Compression Test Machine
- Step 1 - Select your frame
- Step 2 - Select your accessories
- Step 3 - Select your controller software
- Step 4 - Contact us
Start by Selecting a Type
Your first step to choosing the correct compression tester is to determine your specimen geometry, size and strength characteristics. Armed with this information our applications engineer can identify the test machine capacity and compression platens needed to crush your sample. The next step is to decide the test data you want which will help confirm the best controller and test software for your test.
Learn more about each type so you can make the right decision:
Compression Only Test Machines
This type of test machine is configured to eliminate unnecessary features and provides the most affordable and easy to use option for many customers.

326 Electromechanical Compression Test Machines
Speed: 400 mm/min (1.6 ipm)
Force: 300 kN (67,500 lbf)
326 Family floor standing compression test machines are configured to each customer's needs. This test machine is configured to eliminate unnecessary features and provides the most affordable and easy to use option for many customers.
639 Family Electrohydraulic Compression Test Machines
Type: Hydraulic
Max Force: 3,000 kN (670,000 lbf)
639 Family Compression Test Machines are the best choice for performing static compression applications when high force capacity is needed, such as metals, sand compaction (fracking), concrete, cubes, bricks, cylinders, asphalt, wood, components, soil specimens and much more. 639 Family test machines feature capacities up to 3,000 kN (670,000 lbf). This test machine is configured to eliminate unnecessary features and provides the most affordable and easy to use option for many customers.
Contact us to choose this frame
Universal Test Machines - Configured for compression testing
This type of test machine is the most flexible and versatile option. They are the best choice if you are looking for a test machine that can perform more then just compression tests. Due to the modular design, your test machine can easily perform other applications such as tensile, cyclic, shear, flexure, bend, peel, tear by simply adding appropriate fixtures.
100 Series Modular Compression Test Machines
Type: Electromechanical
Force: 9 kN (2,000 lbf)
100 Series Electromechanical Compression Test Machines are modular tabletop systems ideal for tensile tests requiring load capacities up to 9 kN (2,000 lbf). This affordable series includes five lightweight load frames and four actuators that deliver different force/speed capacities. We offer several choices of price/performance controllers and test software, and a selection of load cells from the full scale actuator rating down to sub-gram load levels. The 100 Series is our most flexible series, making them a popular choice.
Choose this Series and move to the next step
200 Series Single Column Compression Test Machines
Type: Electromechanical
Force: 5 kN (1,125 lbf)
200 Series Single Column Compression Test Machines are capable of performing both compression and tensile testing applications and feature higher travel and faster speed than the 100 Series. They are available with force capacities up to 5 kN (1,125 lbf) and speeds up to 2,500 mm/min (100 ipm). 200 Series load frames are compact and lightweight and apply to situations where lab table space is limited.
Choose this Series and move to the next step
300 Series High Force Compression Test Machines
Type: Electromechanical
Force: 500 kN (112 kip)
As our most popular test machines, the 300 Series Electromechanical Compression Test Machines are the best choice for performing static compression applications at forces between 1 kN and 500 kN (225 lbf and 112 kip). These dual column testers are available in both tabletop and floor standing models which can perform a variety of other tests including Tensile, Bend, Bond, Flexural, Fracture, Peel, Shear, Tear, Stress Relaxation, and Short-term Creep tests.
Choose this Series and move to the next step
600 Series High Force Hydraulic Compression Test Machines
Type: Hydraulic
Force: 2 MN (450 kip)
600 Series High Force Hydraulic Compression Test Machines are the best choice for performing compression applications when high force capacity is needed, such as testing metals and metal products. 600 Series test machines feature capacities between 300 kN and 2 MN (67,500 lbf and 450 kip). 600 Series test machines also perform tensile, bend, fracture, and shear tests. The standard model features large diameter columns and rugged components for superior frame stiffness and durability.
Choose this Series and move to the next step
Compression Test Fixtures
Compression Test Machine Controls & Software
Both types of compression test machines include a closed loop servo controller that features user selectable control modes such as constant velocity or rate of grip separation (crosshead displacement), constant load rate (lbf per minute), or constant strain rate. The vast majority of standard compression tests are performed in constant velocity mode. Test packages include single or dual ramp test methods.

Test Machine Controller Software | Force Testing Package
Ideal software package for ultimate compressive strength measurements.

Test Machine Controller Software | Products & Materials Testing Package
Ideal software package for characterizing compressive stress strain properties.

Real-Time and Post Test Data Analysis Calculator | TestCalc
Software add-on
TestCalc’s scientific calculator, which includes logs and sines, allows users to create any custom calculation they want using the sensors’ data, specimen geometry, calculated results or other user inputs to match your specific needs.

Video Recording and Playback Software Module | TestVideo
Software add-on
High resolution video capture of the test. Playback is time synchronized with load data. The TestVideo software module, combined with a digital camera, can capture a visual record of your mechanical tests. The video images are synchronized with the load data adding valuable visual information to the test results. Note that TestVideo does not provide strain data. If you need strain data, check out out TestVE module.
Compressive Strain Measurement Sensors
Each test machine includes, at a minimum, a force channel assigned to a load cell, and the load cell is calibrated to industry standards such as ASTM E4 or ISO 7500-1. Additionally a single, or the three mentioned, strain measurement sensors are assigned signal conditioning channels. This data is gathered with sample dimensions to calculate stress-strain curves.
There are multiple solutions available to satisfy the myriad list of considerations including:
E3542 Clip on Axial Extensometer
A traditional strain gage based clip on extensometer set for a limited or small range so that accurate modulus measurements can be made. This solution applies the ASTM D695 tests on rigid plastics.

Video Extensometer | TestVE
For precision measurement of the movement of two reference marks on the test sample.
Environmental Accessories for Compression Tests
Thermal Chambers | G2700 Family
Thermal Chambers - G2700 Family - high and low temperatures
Ready to Configure Your Compression Test System?
The number of options may feel overwhelming but we can quickly help you optimize a complete system that meets your needs.