Compression testing is a way of determining how something will react when it is squashed, or when a force is applied to it in compression.
It is performed to:
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assess the strength of component, eg automotive and aeronautical control switches, compression springs, bellows, keypads, package seals, PET containers, PVC / ABS pipes, solenoids etc
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characterise the compressive properties of materials, eg foam, metal, PET and other plastics and rubber
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assess the performance of products, eg the expression force of a syringe or the load-displacement characteristics of a tennis ball