Test Tools for Compression Tests

Compression tests are used to determine material behavior under uniformly increasing compressive loading. The compression specimen is compressed until break, until
crack, or up to a specified compression value.

The compression tools used are in direct contact with the materials to be tested. Therefore they have to be precisely aligned and adapted to the respective applications and requirements
. A wide variety of compression test kits are available for all types of tests. These compression tools can be individually adapted to the specific application according
to the respective requirements.

Selection criteria

Compression test kits must be selected with the specific test criteria in accordance with the application in question. The most essential information is that relating to specimen dimensions and anticipated maximum test forces.

To facilitate selection of individual compression tools, compression platens have been divided into 'lighter' and 'heavier' types. The 'lighter' compression platens are designed for compression tests up to a maximum load of 20 kN. 'Heavier' compression platens can be used for tests up to 250 kN.

A further differentiation between compression platens is based on the outer dimensions of the tools. This is how round and
rectangular platens are distinguished. The different dimensions of the compression platens are stated as a leading selection criterion for each individual
platen.

Test die

Indenters for indentation hardness tests on foams to DIN 53579, ISO 2439, ASTM D3574 and other standards can be found in chapter Test fixtures for soft foam.
The indenter is intended for top mounting.
For mounting of the indenters see diagram Connection system, upper.

Compression platens

Compression platens can be used for upper or lower installation. For installation of compression platens see diagrams 'Connection system, top' and 'Connection system, bottom'. All compression platens can be used in a temperature range from -70 to +250 °C.

Plane-parallelity cannot be guaranteed for compression platens attached via a rigid connection, as the tolerances accumulate. An alternative is connection via a spherical connector, which adapts to the specimen, allowing plane-parallelity to be achieved.