Compression test – Italsigma

Compression tests

Compression tests are used to determine how a material behaves under a steadily increasing compressive load. Compression tests evaluate the safety, durability, and integrity of materials and components. Typical applications include compression testing of plastic tubes and flexible cellular foam, compression/crush testing of paper and cardboard, compression testing of springs in the metalworking industry, testing in the medical/pharmaceutical sector—such as medical devices, stents, syringes, or medical packaging—and compression and indentation testing of composite materials.

A compression testing machine is a universal testing machine (UTM) equipped with compression test fixtures or application-specific compression plates. The fixtures are selected and installed on the machine based on criteria such as the type of test, the material and dimensions of the specimen, the test temperature, and the expected maximum force values.

Compression tests are performed to characterize a material’s behavior under compressive load.
During the test, pressure is applied to a test specimen using compression plates or special fixtures mounted on a universal testing machine to determine various properties of the material under test.
The test data provides results in the form of a stress-strain diagram that indicates, among other things, the elastic limit, the proportional limit, the yield point, and, in some cases, the compressive strength.
A compression test, in which the sample is crushed, is essentially the opposite of a tensile test, during which the is pulled. Tests can be performed on machined material sample samples or on scale models or full-size models of actual components. The most common types of compression tests include the top-load test (crushing), the bending test (bending), and the spring test.

Compression Plates:

Compression plates must be selected based on specific test criteria according to the relevant application. It is essential to know the dimensions of the test specimen and the maximum forces expected during the test.

PROJECTS:

Indoor Test Bench for Railway Vehicle Traction and Coupling
Indoor Test Bench for Railway Vehicle Traction and Coupling
Indoor testing bench for measuring traction and coupling forces between railway vehicles. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Maximum longitudinal tensile force: 1,150 kN
- Maximum longitudinal compression force: 1,150 kN
- Lateral force applicable to the frame: ±100 kN
- Moment applicable to the frame: ±500 kNm
Maximum-performance stroke:
- X = 500 mm
- Y = 900 mm
- θ = ±15°
Translation speed along the X-axis: 0.25 m/s Translation speed along the Y-axis: 0.60 m/s Rotation speed about the Z-axis: 10°/s
FPF1000 – X-MRG-1907/1000
FATIGUE TESTING MACHINE FOR RAILWAY SLEEPERS
Four-column load frame (6,100 × 3,800 × 3,800 h mm).
- Static capacity: ±1,000 kN (280 bar)
- Maximum static force: 1,200 kN
- Dynamic force: max. 750 kN, min. 10 kN
- Cylinder stroke: ±100 mm
- Maximum dynamic stroke: 7 mm on the specimen at 5 Hz
- Specimen working clearance: 6,000 × 2,600 × 1,000 h mm
FPF500 – SERVO-HYDRAULIC TESTING MACHINE
Four-column testing machine equipped with lateral column reinforcements, designed to withstand test loads up to 500 kN without significant deformation.
The base features a slotted test surface for securing testing fixtures and equipment.
- Support surface: 2,900 × 1,500 mm
- Hydraulic lifting of the upper crosshead
FPF25 – SERVO-HYDRAULIC TESTING MACHINE
Two-column testing machine equipped with a servo-hydraulic actuator mounted above the upper crosshead and a slotted support base.
The load cell can be mounted either on the actuator or on the lower crosshead.
BX2112 – Servo-Hydraulic Testing System
Testing system for the characterization of sliding materials.
The Italsigma BX2112_1P is designed to determine the coefficient of friction between sliding elements used in structural bearings, in accordance with EN 1337-2:2002, Annex D. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical load: 500 kN
- Horizontal load: 100 kN
Main components:
- Four-column frame designed to withstand a vertical load of 500 kN with high structural rigidity.
- Vertical actuator capable of applying a compression force of 500 kN at 210 bar, with a 100 mm stroke. The actuator is equipped with a servo valve and an LVDT transducer for piston displacement measurement.
- Force transducer for measuring the …
Rail Fastening System Testing Machine
Testing system designed for the characterization of rail fastening systems.
The system is designed to perform the following tests:
- Determination of the longitudinal rail resistance, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-1
- Determination of the torsional resistance of the rail, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-2:2012
- Determination of the rail clamping force and uplift stiffness, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-7
- Determination of stiffness, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-9
- Determination of pull-out resistance, in accordance with UNI EN 13146-10:2017
LM10 – Linear Testing Machine
Two-column testing machine equipped with an electric actuator mounted on the upper crosshead and a slotted lower support base.
The load cell can be mounted either on the actuator or on the support base. The machine provides very high dynamic performance, with frequencies of up to 80 Hz.
Ortho 3 – 3-Axis Biomechanical Simulator
Three-axis biomechanical simulator for orthopaedic prostheses.
The machine features a four-column frame with an electric actuator mounted beneath the lower crosshead. The load cell can be mounted either on the lower or upper test surface. Equipped with a 6-axis load cell measuring Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My and Mz. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical force: 10 kN
- Axial moment: 100 Nm horizontal / 100 Nm vertical
- Very high dynamic performance in the vertical direction
Hydraulic Gripping System for Tensile Testing
Self-centering hydraulic wedge grips with a one-piece steel body, suitable for tensile and compression testing as well as load cycles around zero, with forces of up to 100 kN.
Supplied with:
- 2 pairs of wedges for flat specimens from 0 to 10 mm thick
- 2 pairs of wedges for cylindrical specimens from 10 to 25 mm in diameter
Mechanical Gripping System for Tensile Testing
Mechanical grips for flat and/or round specimens, operating on a screw-clamping principle.
The grips are manufactured from 39NiCrMo3 quenched and tempered steel with a blued surface treatment, making them suitable for fatigue testing with loads of up to 20 kN. The gripping surfaces feature a knurled clamping system. Maximum gripping width: 30 mm Supplied with:
- 2 pairs of knurled grip plates for flat specimens from 0 to 8 mm thick
- 2 pairs of knurled grip plates for round specimens from 6 to 12 mm in diameter
These grips are suitable for installation inside an environmental chamber and for tensile testing of …
Hip Prosthesis Fatigue Testing System
Testing system designed to perform static and fatigue tests on hip prostheses, consisting of:
- A lower fixation fixture onto which the prosthesis stem is cemented
- An upper loading fixture equipped with two orthogonal low-friction slides
- A temperature-controlled fluid bath in which the entire system is immersed, allowing tests to be performed in physiological solutions or other fluids while maintaining the temperature within a range close to ambient or body temperature.
Compression Platen System
System consisting of circular steel compression platens made of 38NiCrMo3 steel, complete with a spherical joint to compensate for minor misalignments.
The upper platen, equipped with a spherical joint, is directly connected to the actuator piston rod. Four elastic retaining rings keep the spherical joint assembly in position. The lower platen is connected to the load cell, which is in turn secured to the frame base. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Compression platen diameter: 125 mm
BX112 – Biaxial Seismic Isolator Testing Machine
Testing machine designed for testing seismic isolators.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical load: 30 MN
- Horizontal load: 3,000 kN
- Horizontal stroke: 1,000 mm
BX5528 – Biaxial Testing Machine
The testing system is designed to evaluate the performance of elastomeric seismic isolators.
The tests involve applying a compressive load in the vertical direction while imposing cyclic horizontal displacements. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical force: 5,500 kN
- Horizontal force: 2,800 kN
BX30030 – Biaxial Testing Machine
The testing system is designed to evaluate the performance of seismic isolators.
The tests involve applying a compressive load in the vertical direction while imposing cyclic horizontal displacements. The machine's general performance specifications in terms of vertical and horizontal load, displacement and speed have been defined to cover the vast majority of end-of-production tests and most qualification tests. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical force: 30,000 kN
- Horizontal force: 3,000 kN
Biaxial Testing Machine for Shear Testing of Structural Components
High-stiffness load frame designed to simultaneously apply compression and shear loads in orthogonal directions.
The system can be used to test two-dimensional structural panels, such as walls, as well as structural components such as seismic isolators. Long working strokes can be applied to test components with a low elastic modulus, such as elastomeric bearings. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Vertical force: 4 MN
- Horizontal force: 2 MN
- Vertical stroke: 500 mm
- Horizontal stroke: 1 m
- Column spacing: 1,200 mm
- Maximum specimen height: 1,300 mm
Scientific Testing Equipment for Curtain Walls
In addition to the traditional air, water and wind tests required for the certification of curtain wall systems, the mechanical testing system allows the seismic response of curtain walls to be evaluated under both static and dynamic conditions.
The system is equipped with seismic actuators capable of applying in-plane and out-of-plane loads to the curtain wall assembly. The system is suitable for:
- Air and water tightness testing
- Static and dynamic uniaxial and multiaxial loading tests
Tests can be performed on curtain wall systems with maximum dimensions of 6 × 8 m.
Wall-Constrained Load Frame
The system consists of a semi-underground foundation connected to a frame for applying vertical loads.
The loading base is equipped with four roller bearings. The lower edge of the wall rests on the roller bearings, allowing the application of shear forces to produce controlled wall distortion. The maximum vertical load is 500 kN. To facilitate installation, the wall is inserted from above and then transferred into its final position using the roller-bearing system.
FPF 30 MN Testing Machine
Uniaxial load frame designed to withstand maximum loads of 30 MN in both compression and tension for testing structural components.
The frame is equipped with a fixed lower crosshead and a movable upper crosshead, allowing adjustment of the available test clearance. The upper crosshead is moved by four servo-hydraulic actuators rigidly connected to the two crossheads. These actuators also apply the test load to the specimen by controlling the displacement of the upper crosshead.
FPF 100 kN – RAILWAY PAD TESTING MACHINE
FPF 100 kN – Four-Column Uniaxial Testing Machine for Railway Pad Testing
- Static vertical load: ±100 kN
- Fatigue vertical load: ±75 kN
- Stroke: 100 mm
- Four-column load frame with slotted test table (2,800 × 1,000 × 700 mm) and hydraulically adjustable upper crosshead, locked in position by hydraulic clamping devices.
- The servo valve controlling the oil flow to the actuator is mounted directly on the actuator.
- The double-acting servo-hydraulic actuator is connected to the upper crosshead and fitted with a load cell on the piston rod, with a static capacity of ±100 kN and a dynamic capacity …