Understanding Nanoindentation: A Key Technique for Characterizing Mechanical Properties at the Nanoscale

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Application Notes

How Nanoindentation Works: Principles and Process - Micro Material UK

Nanoindentation is a technique used to measure the mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale. It involves applying a precisely controlled force to an indenter that penetrates the surface of a material, and then measuring the depth of indentation as a function of applied force. The resulting load-depth curve provides detailed information about the material’s mechanical behavior, including its hardness, stiffness, elasticity, and other properties at a microscopic scale.

How Nanoindentation Works:

  1. Indenter and Loading:
    An indenter, typically made of diamond or another hard material, is pressed into the surface of the material under a precisely controlled force. The force is increased incrementally, and the indenter continues to penetrate deeper into the material.
  2. Unloading:
    After reaching the maximum applied load, the indenter is slowly retracted, and the material begins to recover, showing how well it can return to its original state.
  3. Force-Depth Curve:
    The resulting data is plotted as a load vs. depth curve, which is the key to interpreting mechanical properties. From this curve, a range of material properties can be derived.


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Localised heating at 700°C on a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system - high temprature- nanotesting- micro materials uk - Buy Nanotesting instrument

Localised heating at 700°C on a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system 


Inside a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system, capable of testing at high  temperatures,  upto and exceeding 1000 °C , under high vacuum conditions


Inside a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system, capable of testing at high  temperatures,  upto and exceeding 1000 °C , under high vacuum conditions - Micro Material UK buy
high temperature nanoindentation testing at temperatures over 900 °C using the NanoText Xtreme instrument supplied by Micro Materials Ltd Order

Image showing high temperature nanoindentation testing at temperatures over 900 °C using the NanoText Xtreme instrument supplied by Micro Materials Ltd


Image taken by Adrian Harris of Micro Materials Ltd, showing localised heating at 950 °C on an Xtreme system

localised heating at 950 °C on an Xtreme system Nano Testing Instrument Micro Materials UK Buy Order
heating at   750  °C on an Xtreme system in use at the University of Oxford - Micro Material UK - Order Mechanical Test Instrument

Image taken by Andrew Bird (Micro Materials Ltd), showing localised heating at 

750  °C on an Xtreme system in use at the University of Oxford 

Nanomechanical testing to 1000 °C

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Explore More

To further enhance your experience and understanding, we invite you to check out the following pages on our website that we believe are essential to your journey with us:

  1. High-Temperature Nanoindentation Testing for Advanced Material Characterization
  2. Advanced Nano Scratch and Wear Testing for Coatings and Materials
  3. Nano-Impact Testing for Advanced Material Performance in High-Stress Applications

These pages offer valuable insights and resources to help you achieve your goals.