Hydraulic Compression and Tension Testing

Understanding hydraulic compression and tension testing

Hydraulic compression and tension testing is a method of determining how materials or products will react to a sequence of push and pull forces. This is invaluable in working out whether materials are suitable for their intended purpose. It can also help manufacturers check whether a finished product will behave the way they expect it to when it’s in the hands of the consumer.

Hydraulic compression and tension testing is a key step in the QA chain for many different industries, from aerospace to construction. It can be used to discover the tensile or force-resistant properties of a wide swathe of materials, including paper and packaging, plastic pipes, foams, and medical device components such as stents.

Hydraulic compressions and tension testing machines

Typically, compression and tension testing are carried out via a hydraulic press equipped with a load cell designed for measuring axial stress.  An electronic control system is responsible for adjusting measurement criteria recording results. A hydraulic compression and tension testing machine may also have a thermal chamber, to control the temperature during the testing process.

Compression and tension testing are typically performed by a universal testing machine (UTM), that is equipped with the right specialist components. This includes things like compression test tools or compression plates, which will be chosen depending on factors like the types of material or size of samples being tested.

UTMs for hydraulic compression testing

At Industrial Physics, we have a wide breadth of experience in the variety of applications of compression and tensible testing. Our specialist brand United Testing Systems is a leading manufacturer of UTMs, and we offer a full suite of test and inspection solutions offering great accuracy as well as the powerful force application a hydraulic press provides.

Our universal testing machines range includes everything from large scale machines to portable options. For example, the United Testing LCH Speedy Tester, is a powerful yet portable, hydraulic testing machine that’s perfect when it’s not feasible to have a full-sized machine permanently in the lab or on the factory floor. We also have a selection of fixed floor and tabletop models,

If you’re not sure which UTM machine might be the right match for your needs, why not check out our guide to choosing the right UTM for the job. Our expert engineers will also be happy to help you out with any questions. We can even offer ongoing maintenance and training for our test and measurement solutions, to ensure you get the most out of your set up.

Hydraulic compression testing made simple

Adhering to appropriate industry standards, our UTMs offer reliable and repeatable testing for a variety of industries, from automotive and electronics through to pharmaceutical, packaging, and textiles. Browse our full range of accurate and powerful universal testing machines.