The cam plastometer is a physical test

Physical test

A physical test is a qualitative or quantitative procedure that consists of determination of one or more characteristics of a given product, process or service according to a specified procedure...

ing machine. It measures the resistance of non-brittle materials to compressive deformation at constant true-strain rates. In this way, it can be compared a bit to the gleeble. In the early days, the machine operates at relatively low strain rates, but over time it has been enhanced and currently it can operate over a wide range of strain rates

The machine is patent

Patent

A patent is a form of intellectual property. It consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an invention....

ed under the name of "United States Patent 4109516".

In the machine, deformation compressive forces are applied to a specimen by two flat, opposing platen

Platen

A platen is typically a flat metal plate pressed against a medium to cause an impression in letterpress printing...

s which impact a flat, rectangular specimen. The deformation forces can be varied during operation, to simulate actual conditions which occur during industrial pressing and forming operations. The plastometer is also capable of torsional testing of specimens".

The cam plastometers are expensive and there are only a few of them in the world.