Surface mechanical property testing by depth sensing indentation

In this paper, procedures for load and displacement calibration for depth sensing indentation instruments are described. Different methods for instrument compliance and indenter shape calibration are compared and the results evaluated using bulk materials with distinct elastic/plastic properties. After traceable calibration of load, displacement, frame compliance and indenter shape, mechanical properties measured with a depth sensing indentation instrument agreed with literature bulk values. The pronounced load dependence observed for the metal's moduli might be explained in terms of systematic errors in the frame compliance and in the procedures used to analyse the unloading data.