NOTE Software setup will vary based on:

  • Specimen Material
  • Specimen Shape
  • Specimen Size
  • Data Collection

If you are not sure where to begin for your specific material testing needs, the Instron website has a small library of common ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) protocols that can be found here: Instron ASTM Standards.

The following example software setup is for a Compression test that uses these parameters:

  • Specimen Material: acrylic plastic
  • Specimen Shape: 90-degree angle beam (i.e., ankle joint)
  • Specimen Size: variable
  • Data Collection: to see if the joint could withstand 25 points of compressive force (i.e., compressive load and compressive extension)

Navigation Parameters Selected
  • Pane 1: Graph 1
  • Pane 2: Test Inputs
  • Default Dimensions
    • Geometry: Rectangular
    • Width: 10 mm.
    • Thickness: 1 mm.
    • Anvil height: 100 mm.
    • Final width: 10 mm.
    • Final thickness: 1 mm.
    • Final anvil height: 100 mm.
  • Ramp 1
    • Control mode 1: Compressive extension
    • Rate 1: 18 in/hr
  • End of Test 1
    • Compressive load: 25.0000 lbf (This should be less than the load cell rating)
  • End of Test 2
    • Time: 20 min
  • Action: Stop
  • Data capture: Manual
  • Criteria 1
    • Channel 1: Time
    • Interval 1: 100.0000 ms
  • Axial strain
    • Source for compressive strain: Extension
  • Transverse strain 1
    • Source for transverse strain 1: Unconnected
  • Transverse strain 2
    • Source for transverse strain 2: Unconnected
  • X-axis Definition
    • Channel: Compressive extension
    • Units: in
  • X-axis Scaling
    • Automatic scaling: Selected
  • Y-axis Definition
    • Channel: Compressive load
    • Units: lbf
  • Y-axis Scaling
    • Automatic scaling: Selected
  • Select a Graph Type
    • Multi-specimen: Selected
    • Graph title: Compressive Load vs. Compressive Extension
    • Curves per graph: 10
    • Offset each curve by: None
    • Show excluded specimens: Yes
    • Enable data point selector: No
  1. Time
    • Heading: Time
    • Units: sec
    • Rounding format: Decimal places
    • Value: 5
  2. Compressive extension
    • Heading: Compressive extension
    • Units: in
    • Rounding format: Decimal places
    • Value: 5
  3. Load
    • Heading: Compressive Load
    • Units: lbf
    • Rounding format: Decimal places
    • Value: 5
  • Export results: Yes
    • Export raw data: Yes

Next Steps:

  • Compression Test: Running a Tension Test – page under construction

Previous Steps: