Research Press

A method of simulating loading of an area on a workpiece in a production line type process comprising the steps:

• providing a workpiece comprising at least one layer;
• providing a first plate having a first surface, the first plate being operably coupled to a base;
• providing a second plate having a second surface, the second plate being operably coupled to an armature of an actuator, the actuator being further coupled to the base such that the direction of movement of the armature of the actuator is substantially axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of symmetry of the base and generally lies in the same plane as the base;
• and
• moving one of the first and second plates relative to the other of the first and second plates such that the first and second surfaces compress a point site on the workpiece so as to simulate compression loading of a point site on a workpiece in a production line type process.