Instrumented indentation test
Instrumented indentation testing measures force and depth during the penetration of an indenter into the material. It provides information about hardness, elasticity, and work hardening.
Physicochemical Mechanism of Action
Instrumented indentation testing (IIT) uses an indenter that is continuously pressed into the test material. During the indentation process, force and depth are recorded. The force increases with increasing depth and hardness of the material.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
IIT enables precise measurement of mechanical properties such as hardness, elasticity, and work hardening. Incorrect interpretation or inaccurate measurements can lead to erroneous conclusions, which can affect quality assurance.
Workshop Practice & Operating Instructions
For proper IIT, it is important that the material is fully cooled before the test. The indenter tip must be clean and defect-free. Force and depth data should be measured over a defined range to ensure accurate characterization.