Depth-sensing 30 N high load head
The 30 N high load head greatly expands the capability of the NanoTest systems to cover both the nano and micro ranges. NanoTest Vantage and Xtreme systems can be equipped with the high load head on it’s own, or in addition to the low load head. For dual load head systems, the low load and high load heads are permanently mounted side-by-side, allowing easy transfer of the sample between both.
Materials commonly tested using micro-indentation include cemented carbides, metals, shape memory alloys and hard coatings.
The Micro-indenter can be used for:
- Micro-indentation, micro-hardness
- Micro-impact and fatigue
- Micro scratch and wear
- These tests can be done at high temperature (max 850°C) or in inert environments.
- The optical microscope can be used for precise positioning of indentations.
Micro-indentation example: Cemented carbides
A knowledge of both hardness and toughness is required to assess performance under severe mechanical loading. Even subtle changes to the % binder and carbide grain size in cemented carbides can have a dramatic influence on tool life. It is the sub-surface mechanical properties that control the fatigue performance in applications such as high performance stamping. Micro-Indentation is used to determine the mechanical properties of different cemented carbides.