COMPRESSION TESTING is the process whereby the tester crosshead starts at a predetermined start position and then moves in a downward direction to a predetermined end position. A spring located on the platen above the load cell will be thus compressed and will produce an increasing reaction force as the crosshead continues to move downwards. The tester acquires both force and position data simultaneously for every point between the start and end positions. Force data is then available for any spring deflection or deflected height. Furthermore the data is used to present the results of the spring free length and the spring constant.
TENSION OR EXTENSION TESTING is the process whereby the tester crosshead starts at a predetermined start position and then moves in an upward direction to a predetermined end position. A spring which hooks are located between pins on the load cell and on the crosshead will be thus extended and will produce an increasing reaction force as the crosshead continues to move upwards. The tester acquires both force and position data simultaneously for every point between the start and end positions. Force data is then available for any spring extension or extended height. Furthermore the data is used to present the results of the spring free length, initial tension and the spring constant.