Appropriate dimensions for test type:

• Dogbones are preferred for tensile testing and tensile bars for bending.
• Rounds are preferred for compression.
• Samples must be less than 16 mm thick for 50 and 5 kN grips, 6 mm for 10 N grips.

Tensile and compression testing are methods of determining material properties of samples. Samples are placed between grip fixtures and force is applied by the motion of the cross head. Stress and strain values are recorded digitally and used to calculate modulus, strength, and other material properties useful for material performance.

Information on material properties for strength and toughness.