Nanoindentation Module NH-3

With the progress of nanotechnology and development of thin films (solar cells, CVD, PVD, DLC, MEMS, etc. nanomechanical tests have become standard. They improve on the traditional tests by being done at low loads and shallow depths with very sharp tips, high spatial resolution, and in-situ precise load-displacement data.

Nanoindentation – single/multiple indents per the ISO 14577 to measure hardness, Young’s modulus, tensile and von Mises stresses, contact stiffness, etc. of thin films, thick coatings and bulk materials.

Nanoscratch at constant, increasable and user-defined programmable load to evaluate scratch-hardness and scratch-adhesion of thin films, thick coatings and bulk materials.

Dynamic indentation (with vibrating tip) to measure depth-dependant loss and storage moduli.

Micromodule MH-2

Micromechanical tests have been used to measure mechanical properties of coatings or bulk materials. Instrumented micromechanical test improves on the traditional ones by providing in-situ load-displacement data and by using advanced signals, like acoustic emission, ECR, friction, etc. for more comprehensive characterization.

Instrumented microindentation – per the ISO 14577 on macroscale (for loads greater than 2 N) to calculate hardness, Young’s modulus, tensile and von Mises stresses, contact stiffness, etc. of coatings and bulk materials.

Traditional Vickers and Knoop microhardness per the ASTM E384-99.

Microscratch at constant, increasable and user-defined programmable load to evaluate scratch-hardness and scratch-adhesion of coatings.

Features of NH-3:

• Electromagnetic force transducer
• 3-plate capacitance sensor to measure displacement with ultrahigh accuracy
• Berkovich, spherical, cube corner, etc. indenter tip geometries
• Mapping of unlimited number of indents
• Inline imaging options (AFM recommended)
• High throughput and repeatability
• Optional advanced in-situ sensors
• Thermal and acoustic enclosure, vibration isolation table
• ASTM, DIN and ISO compliant

Features of MH-2:

• Electromagnetic force transducer
• 3-plate capacitance sensor to measure displacement with ultrahigh accuracy
• Vickers, Rockwell, Knoop, spherical, etc. indenter tip geometries
• Mapping of unlimited number of indents
• Inline imaging options (3D profiler recommended)
• High throughput and repeatability
• Optional advanced in-situ sensors
• User definable analysis algorithm or models to calculate materials properties
• ASTM, DIN and ISO compliant

Nanotribology Options

• Easily interchangeable Linear and Rotary drives.
• Temperature, humidity and gases options.
• Wide range of speeds from ultra high to ultra low.
• Ultra Low loads - Precision servo-control of loads, speeds, and positions for uniquely reproducible test data.
• Patented sensors for simultaneous measurements of forces in X, Y and Z axes.
• Friction, wear, stiction, stick-slip.

Advanced in-situ Sensors

AE - The high-frequency acoustic emission sensor detects the crack initiation and propagation in the hard and metallic coatings.

COF - When the coating breaks or when the indenter digs deep in the coating the friction changes. Coefficient of friction (static and dynamic) is automatically calculated.

ECR - The electrical contact resistance changes as a conductive tip digs deeper into the coating.

In-line Imaging

Advanced in-situ and in - lineimaging options. The images a regenerated automatically after the test without removing the sample from the tool.

AFM-Scanning ranges from 50 x 50 x 3 μm up to 180 x 180 x 14 μm

3D profilometer-Scanning ranges from 10 x 10 x 10 μm up to 500 x 500 x 500 μm.

High Magnification Microscope - With revolving head and multiple objectives.

Medium Magnification Microscope - For in-situ imaging and precise positioning; both top and side views.

Instrument Highlights

• Modular design enables micro and nano modules to be interchangeable in less than 5 minutes.
• Combination of electromagnetic force transducer and 3-plate capacitance sensor to provide industry leading stability and accuracy.
• Multiple in-situ sensors (acoustic, electrical resistance, friction, temperature, humidity, velocities, etc.).
• Proprietary advanced servo control of loads, speeds and positions.
• In-line nano and micro imaging without removing the sample.
• Fast effective real-time data monitoring, recording and a powerful statistical analysis software.
• Optional environmental chambers.
• Automated handling of multiple small and large samples.

Three Head Positions

Left

Mechanical (easily interchangeable micro and nano heads).

Middle

Revolving-head microscope (up to 4 easily interchangeable objectives).

Right

Imaging (easily interchangeable AFM and 3-D profiler).

Standards

ASTM E2546

New standard practice for nano indentation

ISO 14577

Instrumented indentation for hardness

ASTM C1624

Standard method for adhesion and mechanical failure of ceramic coatings

ISO 20502

Standard test for fine ceramic scratching

ASTM D7187

Scratch behavior of paints

and many more