ASTM D695 Compressive Strength & Modulus Testing for Plastics
ASTM D695 test method is used to evaluate compression strength and modulus of rigid plastics materials used in various engineering applications.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D695 is a standard test method for determining the compressive properties of rigid plastics.
This test assesses the behavior of a plastic under compressive force. The two critical mechanical properties that are obtained from this test are the compressive strength and the compressive modulus of the plastic. These properties are essential in determining the plastic’s resistance to compressive forces.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM D695 evaluates:
- Compressive strength of rigid plastics
- Compressive modulus (stiffness)
- Yield stress under compression
- Stress–strain behaviour
- Failure characteristics under compressive load
The method applies to reinforced and unreinforced rigid plastic materials.
Applications
- Structural plastic components
- Automotive interior and exterior parts
- Electrical enclosures
- Industrial housings
- Construction materials
- Medical device components
- Packaging structures
- Research and development
Benefits
- Provides standardized compressive property data
- Supports material selection and design
- Enables performance comparison of plastics
- Assists in quality assurance programs
- Helps predict in-service behavior
- Supports product development
- Ensures compliance with engineering specifications
Test Process
Specimen Preparation
Blocks or cylindrical specimens are prepared to specified dimensions.
1Fixture Setup & Alignment
The specimen is placed between the platens, and the crosshead is adjusted for proper contact.
2Compressive Loading
The load is applied steadily at a constant rate until failure.
3Strain Measurement & Data Recording
Deformation is measured with an extensometer, and load-displacement data are captured.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Rigid plastics (reinforced & unreinforced) |
| Block Specimen Size | 12.7 × 12.7 × 25.4 mm (½ × ½ × 1 in.) |
| Cylindrical Specimen | 12.7 mm diameter × 25.4 mm length |
| ISO Specimen (Modulus) | 50 × 10 × 4 mm |
| ISO Specimen (Strength) | 10 × 10 × 4 mm |
| Loading Mode | Constant crosshead speed |
- Universal testing machine
- Compression platens
- Extensometer
- Load cell
- Data acquisition software
- Alignment fixtures
Instrumentation Used for Testing
Results and Deliverables
- Maximum compressive load
- Compressive strength (MPa or psi)
- Compressive modulus
- Stress–strain curve
- Yield stress (offset method)
- Failure mode description
- Comparative performance reports
- Quality control documentation
Frequently Asked Question
ASTM D695 determines the compressive properties of rigid plastics, including compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, yield stress, and deformation behavior under compression.
The method applies to unreinforced and reinforced rigid plastics, including high-modulus composites. It is suitable for materials subjected to relatively low, uniform rates of strain or loading.
Compressive modulus, or modulus of elasticity in compression, indicates a material's resistance to deformation under compressive loading. A higher modulus generally indicates greater stiffness under the specified test conditions.
Not necessarily. Some plastics deform substantially without fracturing, continuing to flatten under compression. In such cases, a definitive compressive strength may not exist, and the result can depend on the specified deformation criterion.
ASTM D695 provides standardized compressive-property data for research and development, quality control, material qualification, and specification acceptance. The results can help compare materials and evaluate their suitability for applications involving compressive loads.
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