Compression Testing Machines for Materials Characterisation
Universal testing machines configured for compression tests on plastics, metals, concrete, composites and construction materials. From 0.1 kN to 2,000 kN capacity.
Compression Testing Machines for Every Material and Load Range
Precision compression testing from micro-force on thin films to 2,000 kN on structural steel and concrete.
A compression testing machine applies a controlled compressive (crushing) force to a test specimen to determine how the material behaves under load. Key parameters measured include compressive strength, yield point, elastic modulus and deformation characteristics — critical data for quality control, material certification and product development.
Cermac’s UTM Series universal testing machines are designed to perform compression tests alongside tensile, bending and flexure tests, simply by changing the tooling. With load capacities from 0.1 kN to 2,000 kN, 24-bit digital control and Class 0.5 or Class 1 accuracy (ISO 7500), the range covers compression testing of rigid plastics, foams, metals, ceramics, concrete and composites.
All machines are designed, assembled and calibrated at our facility near Milan, Italy, with in-house electronics, firmware and Cermac Testing software for seamless integration and direct technical support.
Choose the Right Machine for Your Compression Tests
Three series covering every compression testing application.
Compact single and dual-column machines. Ideal for compression testing of rigid plastics (ISO 604 / ASTM D695), cellular foams, elastomers and small components. Class 0.5 accuracy.
Oil-free ball-screw machines for precision compression testing of metals, composites and construction materials. Speed range 0.001–500 mm/min. Class 0.5 accuracy.
Servo-hydraulic machines for high-load compression testing of concrete specimens, structural steel, forgings and castings. Four-column high-rigidity frame. Class 1 accuracy.
Compression Testing Features
24-bit Closed-loop Control
Real-time load, displacement and strain control with 24-bit ADC at 1 kHz. Ensures accurate, repeatable compression results on any material — from soft foams to hardened steel.
Compression Platens & Fixtures
Hardened, ground and polished compression platens with self-aligning spherical seats eliminate misalignment. Dedicated fixtures for cubes, cylinders, prisms and non-standard geometries.
Universal Capability
Every Cermac UTM is a universal machine: switch from compression to tensile, bending or flexure testing by changing the tooling. Quick-change accessory system minimises downtime.
Cermac Testing Software
Customisable test masks for compression standards, real-time stress-strain plotting, automatic calculation of compressive strength, modulus and yield. Centralised database with multi-user access.
Industry 4.0 Ready
TCP/IP LAN connectivity for networked data collection, automatic reporting and full traceability across all machines in your laboratory.
Class 0.5 / Class 1 Accuracy
Electromechanical models meet Class 0.5 (ISO 7500), hydraulic models meet Class 1. From 1% of full scale — ensuring valid results even at low loads.
Compression Testing Standards
Compressive properties of rigid plastics — strength, modulus and yield under uniaxial compression.
Compressive properties of rigid cellular plastics (foams) — closed and open-cell materials.
Compression testing of metallic materials at room temperature.
Compressive strength of cylindrical concrete specimens and hardened concrete cubes.
Combined tensile and compression testing of plastics (same machine, different tooling).
Proof load and compressive testing of fasteners — bolts and screws under compressive loading.
Applications
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Plastics and polymers — compressive strength and modulus of rigid plastics, engineering polymers, nylon and reinforced composites per ISO 604 and ASTM D695.
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Foams and packaging — crush resistance and compression set testing of expanded polystyrene (EPS), polyurethane and packaging foams per ISO 844.
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Concrete and construction — compressive strength of concrete cubes and cylinders per EN 12390-3 and ASTM C39. Testing of bricks, blocks and masonry units.
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Metals and alloys — compression testing of metallic specimens, bearing pads, bushings and sintered metal components per ASTM E9.
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Composites — compressive properties of carbon fibre, glass fibre and FRP laminates using anti-buckling fixtures.
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Ceramics and glass — compressive strength of technical ceramics, tiles and glass components.
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Quality control — incoming material acceptance and production QC across all industries where compressive performance is critical.
Why Choose Cermac
Since 1983, Cermac S.r.l. has designed and manufactured material testing machines at our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility near Milan. All core components — frame, electronics, firmware and software — are developed in-house. A single Cermac universal testing machine handles compression, tensile, bending and flexure tests, making it the most efficient investment for multi-test laboratories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a compression testing machine?
A compression testing machine applies a controlled compressive force to a specimen to measure compressive strength, yield point, elastic modulus and deformation. It is essential for quality control and material certification of plastics, metals, concrete, composites and construction materials.
What materials can be compression tested?
Rigid plastics, foams, metals and alloys, concrete and mortar, ceramics, composites, rubber blocks, bricks, masonry units and virtually any material requiring compressive characterisation.
What load capacity is needed?
Plastics and foams: 5–50 kN. Metals and composites: 100–600 kN. Concrete and high-strength steel: 600–2,000 kN. Cermac covers the full range from 0.1 to 2,000 kN.
Can the same machine perform tensile and compression tests?
Yes. All Cermac UTM machines are universal — they perform tensile, compression, bending and flexure tests by changing the tooling. The quick-change accessory system minimises changeover time.
What compression standards are supported?
ISO 604, ASTM D695, ISO 844, ASTM E9, ASTM C39, EN 12390-3, ISO 898-1 and many more international standards.
Machines & Accessories in Action
Cermac testing machines and accessories configured for real laboratory applications.
Tailored to Your Laboratory
At Cermac, every testing machine can be fully customised to match your specific requirements. From frame configuration and load capacity to grips, fixtures and software interfaces — we design the complete system around your laboratory’s workflow, materials and testing standards.
Our engineering team works directly with you to identify the optimal solution: the right machine, the right accessories and the right configuration to maximise productivity and ensure compliance from day one.
Every Cermac machine is compatible with a comprehensive range of dedicated testing accessories — extensometers, grips, furnaces, bending fixtures, impact accessories and more. Explore the full accessories catalogue →
Request a Quote for Compression Testing Machines
Tell us about your compression testing requirements and our team will respond within 24 business hours.