Instrumented indentation testing instead of traditional hardness testing

Instrumented Indentation Testing (IIT), also known as Depth Sensing Indentation (DSI), has become a key technique for precise mechanical characterization of modern materials. As traditional hardness testing methods like Vickers, Brinell, and Rockwell reach their limits with miniaturized components and thin films, IIT offers a reliable way to measure not only hardness but also elastic modulus directly from load–displacement data.

This application note provides a comprehensive overview of how instrumented indentation works, why it outperforms conventional hardness testing for small-scale materials, and how it delivers accurate mechanical properties across metals, polymers, glasses, and advanced material systems. Engineers, researchers, and quality professionals will gain insight into the methodology, data interpretation, and practical advantages of IIT—making it an essential resource for anyone looking to improve their material testing capabilities.