Gives procedures by which short term compressive properties can be determined for a range of plastics materials, excluding films, thin sheets and cellular materials. Type 1 test pieces are suitable for thermoplastic and thermosetting sheet materials, and flat injection or compression mouldings. If the material thickness is less than 12mm, type 2 test pieces can be used. Type 3 test pieces are suitable for casting and laminating resins and thermosetting materials, excluding those containing fibre reinforcement and Type 4 test pieces are suitable for thermoplastic or thermosetting sheets and mouldings, including filled reinforced and/or laminated materials.