ASTM D695 Compressive Strength Testing for Rigid Plastics: Accurate Lab Testing Guide
ASTM D695 compressive strength testing machine measuring rigid plastic sampleASTM D695 is the standard test method for determining the compressive properties of rigid plastics, providing critical data on compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, yield point, and deformation behavior under uniaxial compressive loading. This data supports material selection, design calculations, and quality control for load-bearing plastic components across the automotive, aerospace, construction, electronics, and medical devices industries. For manufacturers seeking compressive strength testing at a US-based ASTM testing lab, Infinita Lab provides comprehensive mechanical property evaluation through its accredited laboratory network.
How ASTM D695 Testing Works
A right cylinder or prism specimen is placed between parallel platens of a universal testing machine and compressed at a constant crosshead rate of 1.3 mm/min. The force and displacement are continuously recorded until the specimen yields, fractures, or reaches a specified strain limit. Compressive strength is calculated as the maximum stress sustained, while compressive modulus is determined from the initial linear portion of the stress-strain curve.
Key Properties Measured
ASTM D695 determines compressive strength (maximum stress at failure or yield), compressive modulus of elasticity (stiffness), compressive yield point, and compressive strain at failure. For materials that do not fracture, the compressive strength is reported at a defined deformation percentage (typically 10% strain).
Industry Applications
Compressive testing per ASTM D695 serves structural plastic components in construction (support blocks, bearing pads), automotive load-bearing elements (bushings, spacers), aerospace structural inserts and sandwich core materials, electronic device housings and connectors, and medical device components, including orthopedic implants and dental materials.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Compressive Strength Testing?
Infinita Lab is a leading provider of Compressive Strength Testing and streamlined material testing services, addressing the critical challenges faced by emerging businesses and established enterprises. With access to a vast network of over 2,000+ accredited partner labs across the United States, Infinita Lab ensures rapid, accurate, and cost-effective testing solutions. The company’s unique value proposition includes comprehensive project management, confidentiality assurance, and seamless communication through a Single Point of Contact (SPOC) model. By eliminating inefficiencies in traditional material testing workflows, Infinita Lab accelerates research and development (R&D) processes.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does ASTM D695 measure? ASTM D695 measures the compressive strength, modulus, yield point, and deformation behavior of rigid plastics under uniaxial compressive loading at a controlled strain rate.
What specimen shapes are used for ASTM D695? Standard specimens are right cylinders (12.7 mm diameter × 25.4 mm) for strength and yield measurements, or prisms (12.7 × 12.7 × 50.8 mm) for modulus determination using a compressometer.
How is compressive modulus different from tensile modulus? Compressive modulus measures stiffness under compression, while tensile modulus measures stiffness under tension. For most rigid plastics, compressive modulus is similar to or slightly higher than tensile modulus.
Which plastics are tested with ASTM D695? ASTM D695 applies to rigid plastics, including nylon, acetal, polycarbonate, PEEK, epoxy, phenolic, and fiber-reinforced composites. It does not cover foams, elastomers, or flexible materials.
How does compressive strength relate to load-bearing design? Compressive strength data from ASTM D695 provides the design stress limits for plastic components subjected to compressive loads. Safety factors are applied based on the application’s criticality, temperature, and loading duration.
