This stand-alone nanomechanical instrument is capable of performing a variety of quasi-static and dynamic automated nanoindentation tests. The direct coupling of a three-plate capacitive transducer to an SPM piezo scanner enables true in-situ SPM imaging of the test surface immediately before and after the indentation test. This system allows the user to characterize the mechanical properties of a wide variety of materials including ceramics, metals, glasses, polymers, biomedical materials and biological samples, whether they are in the format of thin films, coatings, composites or bulk materials.

Features and specifications

For details on Hysitron TI 750 Ubi nanoindenter, please fast forward to 1:40. The instrument description is followed by examples of aplications. Please note, not all tests featured in the movie are available on our instrument.

Nanoindenter probes

Probe	Applications	SEM image
Berkovich (TI-0039)	Bulk ceramics, glasses and metals Thin, hard films and coatings greater than 100nm thick Hard, smooth biomaterials (polished bone) Hard polymers (modulus greater than 1GPa) in situ imaging
cube corner 90° (TI-0037)	Ultra-thin coatings less than 100 nm thick Micro/nano-composites Fracture of samples Higher resolution in-situ imaging
The fluid cell probes have an extended shaft (approximately 4 mm in length), which allows the end of the probe to be completely immersed in a fluid while the probe holder and transducer remain in the air. The diameter of the extended shaft is approximately 700 µm to minimize meniscus forces that will be present when the probe penetrates the fluid. The fluid cell probe is useful for biomaterials and electrochemical testing.
fluid cell, conical, 3 μm 90° (TI-0093)	Harder polymers (modulus greater than 0.5 GPa) Hard biomaterials Nanoscratch testing Measuring coefficient of friction in-situ imaging of tested region
fluid cell, conical, 100 μm 90° (TI-0077)	Soft polymers (modulus less than 0.5 GPa) Soft biomaterials (tissue, skin, contact lenses, etc.) Nanoscratch testing Measuring coefficient of friction

For comprehensive overview on available nanoindentation probes, please refer to Hysitron Probe Selection Guide web page.