Tension and Compression testing

Tension and compression testing are among the most widely used mechanical testing methods for evaluating how a material or component performs under applied loads.

In a tension test, a specimen is subjected to a pulling force until it reaches a defined point, such as yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, or failure. This reveals properties such as tensile strength, stiffness, elongation, and ductility. In a compression test, the specimen is subjected to a pushing force, often to determine compressive strength, deformation behaviour, or buckling performance.

These tests can be carried out as static tests, where a constant load is applied until a target or failure point is reached, or as dynamic tests, where the load varies over time to simulate operational conditions. Static tests are often used for basic material characterisation and quality control, while dynamic or fatigue tests provide insight into long-term durability and failure modes.

Electromechanical test systems, such as the MultiTest-dV, are widely used for both tension and compression applications. They combine precise motor control with digital measurement sensors, enabling highly repeatable testing and detailed performance data capture.

Electromechanical and servohydraulic systems

Two main actuation technologies are used in tension and compression testing: electromechanical systems and servohydraulic systems.

Electromechanical systems use motor-driven screws or actuators to apply force. They offer high precision, excellent repeatability, and fine control across a wide range of forces and speeds. This makes them suitable for applications that require high measurement resolution, such as testing delicate assemblies, plastics, elastomers, and small metallic parts. For example, the MultiTest-dV range provides accurate force control to within ±0.1% of indicated load, flexible speed settings from 0.1 mm/min to over 1000 mm/min, and integrated data capture.

Servohydraulic systems use pressurised hydraulic fluid to generate motion. They are capable of delivering very high forces and are commonly used for testing large or structural components in sectors such as aerospace and automotive. They are well suited to high-speed cyclic and fatigue testing but require more maintenance and are generally less energy-efficient than electromechanical systems.

Static and fatigue testing

Static testing applies a constant load or displacement until a set point or failure occurs. This is essential for determining properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, and compressive modulus.

Fatigue testing repeatedly applies and removes loads to replicate the stresses a component will experience in service. This is crucial for predicting product lifespan and identifying potential failure points. High-cycle fatigue tests may run for up to a million cycles at lower loads, while low-cycle fatigue testing evaluates performance under higher stresses and fewer cycles.

A typical test involves:

• Specimen preparation – The specimen is prepared to the relevant standard, with controlled dimensions and surface finish. Materials commonly tested include metals, plastics, elastomers, composites, and textiles.
• Mounting in the test frame – The specimen is secured using suitable grips or fixtures that prevent slippage or damage. Compression tests typically use flat platens or compression jigs.
• Force application – The machine applies a controlled load at a set speed. Load cells measure the applied force, and extensometers track elongation or compression.
• Environmental control – Tests may be conducted at ambient temperature or within chambers to simulate heat, cold, or humidity.
• Data capture and analysis – Measurements are recorded as force-displacement or stress-strain curves, revealing parameters such as elastic modulus, yield point, and maximum load before failure.

Systems such as the MultiTest-dV can be paired with high-accuracy sensors including VFG, AFG, or ELS load cells. Extensometers capture fine strain measurements to ensure accurate and repeatable results.

Industrial applications

Tension and compression testing is used across multiple industries to validate design performance, assure quality, and meet regulatory requirements:

• Automotive – Evaluating drive shafts, bolts, springs, and fasteners to ensure safe operation under load.
• Medical devices – Measuring syringe plunger forces, tubing elasticity, and suture tensile strength in line with safety standards.
• Packaging – Testing push-off and pull-off forces for bottle caps, seals, and closures to balance sealing strength with ease of opening.
• Aerospace and defence – Assessing the structural integrity of fasteners, brackets, and composite components under extreme conditions.

Quality assurance and product lifecycle

When applied early in product development, these tests help detect material defects, validate designs, and simulate service conditions. By using control and analysis software such as VectorPro, engineers can automate test sequences, gather detailed datasets, and generate compliance-ready reports. The resulting data supports product improvement and predictive maintenance planning.

Mecmesin offers a range of systems for static and cyclic testing, including:

• MultiTest-dV motorised force testers – Compact electromechanical systems for quality control and research, offering fine speed control, digital outputs, and compatibility with a wide variety of grips and fixtures.
• OmniTest single-column materials testers – Suitable for medium-force applications, offering greater load capacity and adaptability for a wide range of test types.
• OmniTest twin-column materials testers – Designed for high-load or large component testing, providing the stability and capacity needed for demanding applications.

All systems support custom test setups, environmental chambers, and integration with extensometers, high-accuracy load cells, and advanced analysis software.

Tension and compression tests are governed by international standards that ensure comparability and regulatory compliance:

• ISO 527 – Tensile properties of plastics
• ISO 7500 – Verification of testing machine force measurement systems
• ASTM D638 – Tensile properties of plastics
• ASTM E8 – Tension testing of metallic materials
• ASTM D695 – Compressive properties of rigid plastics

In regulated sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices, compliance with these standards is essential for product approval and quality assurance.

Choosing the right tension and compression testing equipment depends on factors such as material type, force range, test speed, environmental conditions, and applicable standards. Mecmesin’s technical team can advise on selecting the most suitable equipment and developing test procedures to ensure accurate, repeatable, and standards-compliant results.