Nanoindentation technology is used to analyze the mechanical properties of a material specimen, such as hardness and modulus of elasticity. Instruments used for nanoindentation testing are operated by pushing an indenter made of hard material, such as diamond or sapphire, onto a softer material for a prearranged pressure and time interval. Material specimens are mounted firmly on a holder on top of an insulated stage, allowing for fine positioning and minimal environmental disturbances. The stage often includes temperature control as a feature. The indenter, a tiny mechanical probe, is mounted onto a holder and is available in a wide variety of geometric shapes, such as a sphere, pyramid, wedge or cone, depending on the application. The tip of the indenter can also be sharp, flat or rounded.

As a load of force is applied from the indenter to the material, an imaging system measures the depth of the penetration during and after contact. This information, along with the known geometry of the indenter, allows software to determine a variety of mechanical properties. The depth of the indentation depends on the load and is usually a few hundred nanometers to a few micrometers.

This technology is commonly used by the electronics industry to acquire mechanical data for semiconductor wafers. Industrial-coatings and paint firms use it to test the resiliency of their materials. It is also routinely used by optical-lens manufacturers for their products. Other application materials include thin films, metals, ceramic materials and biological specimens, such as teeth or bone. The instruments are widely used by universities and private researchers as well.

One of the largest manufacturers is Keysight Technologies, which was recently spun out of Agilent Technologies (see IBO 11/30/14). Keysight’s G200 and G300 models are common nanoindentation platforms. CSM Instruments, acquired by Anton Paar last year, (see IBO 11/30/14) also provides nanoindentation instruments in a wide variety of configurations and models, ranging from the simple-to-use Table Top Nanoindentation Tester to the Ultra Nanoindentation Tester. Another popular vendor is Hysitron, known for its TI-950 TriboIndenter.

Bruker is a provider of nanoindenter probes that can be installed as an option on its AFM microscopes to test hardness. On December 1, Bruker introduced the Nanoforce Nanoindenting and Nanomechanical Testing System, a platform enabling the measurement of numerous nanomechanical-testing properties. Nanomechanics and Nanoscience Instruments recently partnered to offer the new, easy-to-use iNano nanoindenter. Other significant vendors include Fischer Technology, Oxford Instruments, Zwick-Roell, Nanovea, Asylum Research and Micro Materials.

Once a market with small vendors, the rise in interest from larger firms reflects increasing demand over the past several years. The market is therefore expected to experience strong growth in the near future.

Nanoindentation at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• Keysight Technologies

• Hysitron

• CSM Instruments

(Anton Paar)

Largest Markets

• Electronics

• Coatings

• Optical Lenses

Instrument Cost

• $20,000–$800,000