Nanoindentation equipment and advice

[labrat]

My name is alex and I am currently researching nanoidentation work as part of my fourth term research project.

Our nanoidenter requires replacement and I have been asked by my supervisor to identify a suitable replacement machine. I was wondering if anyone can recommend a good nanoidenter apparatus that is reasonably cheap.

I also would appreciate any advice on nanoidenter tip selection. We have a range of diamond tips that have pyramidal tips (Berkovich and cube corner tip) and cylindrical flat punch tips.

I am advised that for softer materials like polymers and tissues it is necessary to use spherical tips. If anyone can recommend the best tip for soft tissues that would be appreciated.

Thanks very much,

Alex

[labrat]

I should have mentioned that I have done some work already in finding a suitable nano-identer. Here are the ones I have identified so far:

MFP-3D™ Stand Alone Atomic Force Microscope from Asylum Research
(in conjunction with the MFP-3D NanoIndenter™)
http://www.asylumresearch.com/Products/M...3DSA.shtml
http://www.asylumresearch.com/Products/N...anoI.shtml

SA2000.N TEM-Nanoindentor system (from Gatan) but this is only for use in conjunction with a TEM
http://www.gatan.com/holders/nanoindenter.html

CSM Nano-Hardness Tester (from CSM instruments)
http://www.csm-instruments.com

DUH-W201/W201S
Dynamic Ultra Micro Hardness Tester (from Shimadzu)
http://www.ssi.shimadzu.com/products/produ...?product=duh201

Nano-Indentation Tester (from Micro Photonics)
http://www.microphotonics.com/nht.html

The MultiView 3000™ (Nanonics NanoIndentation systems)
http://www.nanonics.co.il/main/prod_item.p...h_str=indenters

[Guest]

hi alex,

i know that there is a long list of hardness testing machines at globalspec.com.

that might have a few leads for you.

any idea how much a nanoidenter costs? i have never used one myself.

cheers, glen [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]