Rigid cellular plastics – Determination of compression properties (Method A)
Material
Industry
Publisher
Our test laboratory performs testing in accordance with DIN EN ISO 844 (Method A) using an accredited procedure. This standard specifies a standardized test method for determining the compressive properties of rigid and semi-rigid cellular plastics (foams). The aim of the test is to determine mechanical parameters under uniaxial compression, in particular the compressive stress, the corresponding strain, and the compressive modulus.
The standard is applied to rigid and semi-rigid foams as used in technical applications, construction, packaging technology, and functional lightweight components. In contrast to test methods for flexible foams, the focus here is on materials with higher stiffness and structural load-bearing capacity.
In Method A, a standardized, cuboid specimen is placed between two parallel compression plates and subjected to uniaxial compressive loading. The load is applied at a defined deformation rate, with the displacement of the compression plate (crosshead travel) used to determine the deformation.
During the test, the applied force is continuously recorded and the specimen is compressed up to defined levels of relative strain. From the relationship between compressive stress and relative deformation (strain), characteristic parameters are derived, in particular the compressive stress at specified strain levels (e.g. 10%) as well as, depending on the evaluation, the compressive modulus.
The parameters obtained from testing according to DIN EN ISO 844 (Method A) provide a reliable basis for assessing the compressive strength and stiffness of foam materials. They enable a reproducible characterization of the mechanical behavior under load, particularly at higher deformation levels and stress ranges.