Mechanical Properties Microprobe

	Nanoindent (Vickers indenter)

Special microhardness tester capable of operating at four load ranges (0-4, 0-20, 0-100,0-650 mN)

Sensitive capacitance gage for constant monitoring of position of indenter relative to surface of specimen

Constant monitoring of load as a function of displacement

Plastic and elastic components of displacement are separated either by continuous sensing of sample stiffness while force is being applied, or by calculating the hardness based on the recorded measurements of load vs. displacement.