At Rocky Mountain Testing Solutions, we provide tensile and compression testing to ensure that our clients’ materials are ready to withstand the pressures of transportation. We offer state-of-the-art equipment to perform tensile and compression testing per ASTM, ISTA, IEC and Mil-Std specifications.
What Is Tensile and Compression Testing?
Tensile testing, also referred to as pull testing, is a basic materials test during which a sample is subjected to controlled tension until failure. The test measures properties such as breaking strength, ultimate tensile strength, reduction in area, and maximum elongation.
Compression testing, also known as push testing, is a compression test that simulates the effect of stacking packages during transportation and storage. Such testing allows manufacturers to see how a package on the bottom of the stack—which experiences more compression force than a package at the top of the stack—will fare.
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Tensile and Compression Testing Services and Simulation Facility
The top-of-the-line equipment at Rocky Mountain Testing Solutions performs tensile and compression testing for commercial, aerospace, automotive, and military products. We provide both a tensile machine and box compression machine for the purpose.
Standards for Tensile and Compression Testing
Rocky Mountain Testing Solutions has the expertise to perform tensile and compression testing in accordance with these common test specifications and more:
- MIL STD 202
- MIL STD 810
- ASTM E8
- ASTM F88
- ASTM D638
- ASTM D882
- ASTM D4169
- ISTA 3A
- ISTA 6 Amazon
- ISTA 6 FEDEX
- Customer Specified
ASTM E8 Test Method for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials
ASTM E8 covers the tension testing of metallic materials in any form at room temperature. This test is used to determine vital mechanical properties for the determination of yield point elongation, yield strength, elongation, tensile strength, and reduction of area. This information is important for alloy design, development, and quality control, and for comparing different varieties of metals.
The ASTM E8 Method
The ASTM E8 method is followed strictly to ensure compliance. The specimen dimensions are first measured and recorded to ascertain the cross-sectional area at its finest point. Once the measurement is taken, the test specimen is marked with ink or a punch at the correct gage length. The percent elongation at the break is calculated using the distance between the gage marks after the specimen has broken. The gage lengths must be uniform to accurately compare elongation values between separate tests.
Once these parameters are set, the sample is loaded, installed between grips. Material-specific testing speed is determined by the rate of specimen straining, specimen stressing, or separation. The test rate remains constant through yield, but it can be increased when the goal is to determine elongation at break and ultimate tensile strength. With the sample in place and the parameters set, the test is run until specimen fracture or failure. The ends of the broken specimen are fitted together, and the distance between the gage marks is measured to the nearest 0.05 millimeters.
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ASTM F88/F88M Test Method for Flexible Barrier Materials
The ASTM F88/F88M test method measures the strength of seals in flexible barrier materials, accounting for the force necessary to separate a test strip of material containing the seal. Additionally, the method can identify the mode of specimen failure. The ASTM F88/F88M method even encompasses seals between a rigid material and a flexible material.
The ASTM F88/F88M Method
To prepare test specimens for the ASTM F88/F88M method, they are cut to the dimensions specified in ASTM F88. Each leg of the specimen is then clamped into the tensile testing machine, ensuring that the sealed area of the specimen is at approximately equal distance between the grips.
The maximum force encountered as the specimen is stressed to failure is recorded, and the mode of specimen failure is identified. During this and all methods of tensile and compression testing performed and Rocky Mountain Testing Solutions, our experienced technicians adhere to the necessary safety precautions before, during, and after the test. Clients can expect a full report to help them in their packaging preparations.