ASTM D1621 Compressive Properties Rigid Cellular Plastics
ASTM D1621 outlines the testing procedure for determining the compressive properties of rigid cellular materials, particularly expanded plastics. Rigid cellular, or foamed, plastics are manufactured in different forms for a variety of construction-related applications. Properties common to cellular plastic include thermal insulation (heat loss or fire protection), sound absorption, high strength-to-weight ratio, and earthquake resistance. The properties possessed by any given cellular plastic are a product of its resin, its cellular structure (open vs. closed), and its density. Material properties reported during ASTM D1621 testing include compression strength, strain at compressive strength, yield points, and if requested, compressive modulus.
Testing System
Depending on the maximum expected forces, ASTM D695 can be performed on either a single column or dual column universal testing machine such as those available in Instron's 6800 and 3400 Series.
| ASTM D1621 Test Setup | |
|---|---|
3400 Series Universal Testing System |
|
Bluehill Universal Software |
|
2530 Series Load Cell |
|
2501 Series Compression Platens |
|
Platens and Accessories
The preferred specimen dimensions for ASTM D1621 testing are a square or circular cross-sectional area between 4 and 36 square inches and a height between 1 inch and the specimen’s width (or diameter). Note the dimensional differences between a D1621 and D695 specimen, which are both ATSM compression test standards for plastic materials. Compression platens with integral spherical seats are ideal for ensuring platen to platen parallelism, which is a requirement of the standard. Depending on your application, the following are commonly used for ASTM D1621 testing:
- Upper compression platen with integral spherical seat (diameters vary from 2 to 8”)
- Lower rigid platen of matching size
- 2601-04X series LVDT (depending on required displacement)
- LVDT mount for platens (2601-071)
| ASTM D1621 Accessories | |
|---|---|
Self-Aligning Spherical Seat |
|
2601-04x Series LVDT |
|
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Compression platens with integral spherical seats are ideal for ensuring platen to platen parallelism, which is a requirement of the standard. The self-aligning nature of this fixture will maximize the contact area between the platen and the specimen.
- When measuring compressive displacement, ASTM D1621-16 allows for measurement using direct compression platen displacement or via crosshead extension by eliminating the effects of system compliance. If direct strain measurement is used, a displacement transducer is required to measure the distance between the upper and lower platen. The transducer must also be verified in conformance with ASTM E83 Class C or better. Instron's 2601-04x series LVDTs can mount directly on the 2501 series compression platens and are designed to measure displacement directly from the platens. To measure displacement via crosshead extension, Bluehill Universal testing software can do an automatic compliance correction to eliminate system compliance from the test curve. Please review the compliance correction whitepaper for more details.
- If reporting the modulus calculation, make sure the extensometer and load cell are both verified in the range that the calculation is being made. Labs sometimes unknowingly report calculations outside of the verified range of their devices.
- It is important to review ASTM D1621-16 in order to fully understand the test setup, procedure, and results requirements.
6800 Series Premier Testing Systems Brochure
Instron 6800 Series Universal Testing Systems provide unparalleled accuracy and reliability. Built on a patent-pending Operator Protect system architecture with an all-new Smart-Close Air Kit and Collision Mitigation features, the 6800 Series makes materials testing simpler, smarter, and safer than ever before.
3400 Series Universal Testing Systems Brochure
Instron 3400 Series universal testing systems for tensile, compression, bend, and other material property tests.
Bluehill Universal Brochure
Bluehill Universal is Instron’s advanced materials testing software, designed for intuitive touch interaction and streamlined workflows. It offers pre-loaded test methods, QuickTest for rapid setup, enhanced data exporting, and Instron Connect for direct service communication. Users of Bluehill 2 and Bluehill 3 can easily upgrade to the latest version for improved performance and usability
S572x Series Compression Platens with integral spherical seat
During the application of a small preload, the spherical seated compression platen provides the self-alignment required to accommodate compression specimens which have surfaces that are not completely parallel.
2501 Series Compression Platens
These easy-to-install compression platens are precisely machined fixtures that are designed for even distribution of compression loads during a test.
2601 Series LVDT Deflection Sensors
The 2601 Series Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) displacement transducers are measuring devices that measure the displacement of the load frames.
