KOCAELI UNIVERSITY · METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING
Nanoindentation and Scratch Testing
Testing and analysis services with the Anton Paar Step 501 (NHT³ + MCT³)
Surface Mechanics at the Nano and Micro Scale
The Anton Paar Step 501 mechanical surface testing platform in our laboratory combines the NHT³ nanoindentation and MCT³ micro combi tester heads in a single instrument. With a force range from 0.1 mN to 30 N, hardness, elastic modulus, coating adhesion and scratch resistance can be measured at the nano and micro scale on the same sample, from thin films to thick coatings and bulk materials.
With this instrument, one of the few in Türkiye, we provide nanoindentation, micro indentation and scratch testing services to companies, universities and research centers. We deliver the data you need for coating development, process optimization, failure analysis and quality control.
To request a test or analysis, please use the request form on the Laboratory page; we will contact you after reviewing your request.
Tests We Perform
Indentation and scratch testing at the nano and micro scale in a single instrument
Nanoindentation (NHT³)
NANO SCALE · 0.1 - 500 mN
Indentation hardness and elastic modulus
Hardness (HIT) and elastic modulus (EIT) are determined from load-depth curves according to ISO 14577 and ASTM E2546.
Thin films and coatings
Shallow measurements at very low forces minimize the influence of the substrate.
Multi-point measurements
Matrix measurements reveal the distribution of hardness and modulus across the surface.
High resolution
20 nN load resolution, 0.01 nm depth resolution and a 200 µm depth range.
Micro Indentation and Scratch Testing (MCT³)
MICRO SCALE · 10 mN - 30 N
Scratch testing
During a scratch under increasing load, the critical loads (Lc) at which the coating cracks and delaminates, the friction force and the penetration depth are determined.
Coating adhesion and scratch resistance
Adhesion of PVD/CVD, thermal spray and other coatings is evaluated according to ISO 20502 and ASTM C1624.
Micro indentation and Vickers hardness
Hardness and elastic modulus of thick coatings and bulk materials.
Basic tribology
Multi-pass tests to study friction and wear behavior.
Technical data
Scratch speed 0.1 - 600 mm/min, depth resolution 0.03 nm, depth range 1000 µm.
Technical values are taken from Anton Paar product data.
Applications and Standards
Which materials, which standards?
Materials and Industries
Hard coatings and thin films
PVD and CVD coatings, thin films at the nano and micro scale.
Thermal and plasma spray coatings
Coating adhesion, cohesion and hardness.
Metals and powder metallurgy materials
Alloys, sintered parts and surface-treated materials.
Polymers, composites and biomaterials
Polymer surfaces, composites, implant surfaces and their coatings.
Industries
R&D and quality control in the automotive, aerospace, biomedical, cutting tool and surface coating industries.
Standards
ISO 14577
Metallic materials - Instrumented indentation test for hardness and materials parameters.
ASTM E2546
Standard practice for instrumented indentation testing.
ISO 20502
Fine ceramics - Determination of adhesion of ceramic coatings by scratch testing.
ASTM C1624
Adhesion strength and mechanical failure modes of ceramic coatings by scratch testing.
ASTM G171
Scratch hardness of materials using a diamond stylus.
ISO 27307
Evaluation of adhesion and cohesion of thermal sprayed ceramic coatings by transverse scratch testing.
Samples, Reports and FAQ
From test request to report
Samples and Reports
Sample preparation
Sample size, surface preparation and test conditions are defined together with you during the request, based on your material and goals.
Reporting
Measurement results are reported together with the test conditions and the values obtained.
Test request
Fill in the request form on the Laboratory page; we will review your request and contact you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between nanoindentation and micro indentation?
Nanoindentation (NHT³) works with very low forces of 0.1 - 500 mN and minimizes the substrate effect on thin films. Micro indentation (MCT³) uses forces up to 30 N for thick coatings and bulk materials.
What does a scratch test measure?
A diamond stylus scratches the surface under increasing load. The critical loads (Lc) at which the coating cracks and delaminates, the friction force and the penetration depth are determined.
What coating thicknesses can be tested?
Nanoindentation is suited to thin films at the nanometer scale. According to Anton Paar, micro scratch and indentation tests with the MCT³ are ideal for hard coatings 1 - 20 µm thick.
How long does it take to get results?
It depends on the number of samples and the test plan; you will be informed during the request.