Compression Testing

Safety

• Must wear appropriate PPE, including safety glasses
• Know where the emergency off button is
• Use appropriate fasteners on load frame
• Sample fragments may cause projectile hazards

Procedure

1. Sign into the log book
2. Turn on the computer and open the software Testworks 4.
3. Attach the desired load cell (Futek 5000 lb) to the Instron 4206 Test Frame.
4. Ensure that the load cell is connected to computer.
5. Calibrate the load cell by selecting the correct calibration file.
6. Measure the width, depth, and length of the sample using a caliper.
7. Load the sample.
8. Go to file and select “New Sample”.
9. Zero the load, crosshead position and displacement channel.
10. Press start (green arrow). (If test will not run, the motor may have to be reset. This is done by pressing the “Reset motor” button in the lower right hand corner of screen)
11. A screen will appear asking for name, width, and depth of the sample. Input these parameters and press start test.
12. Let the test run. Do not touch the machine while it is running.
13. Once the test is done, remove the sample from the machine.
14. The data can be exported by opening the file menu and selecting the export option. This creates a text file within the export folder that can be retrieved.
15. Return crosshead to the starting height by pressing the yellow arrow when test is concluded.
16. Repeat for every sample.