The Nanovea Micro / Macro Module, optional on Platform or Compact Base, with loads from the mN range to 200N during micro/macro scratch tester, indenter and wear tester modes of thicker coatings and substrate materials. The higher loads are ideal for testing hard coatings (DLC, TiN, TiC) such as the one used in the tooling industry. However the more sensitive loads of the micro range are ideal for the characterization of industrial coatings; ranging from plasma processed layers used in semiconductor and optical technology, to decorative and protective coatings used for automobile parts and consumer goods. The Micro / Macro Module uses independent force and depth sensors to obtain depth-versus-load curves used in instrumented indentation. True load feedback control ensures stable micro scratch, microindenter and micro wear testing.*For Micro/Macro Module specifications please see brochure download. For Micro Module technical testing data see application notes.

MICRO/MACRO TESTING

Contrary to competitors who use capacitor sensors attached to a mechanical arm that must touch the surface to obtain useful data, Nanovea microindentation technology uses an optical white light sensor (Patented Technology) directly connected to the diamond in reference to the surface of the sample. This technique allows quicker tests and eliminates depth errors caused by surface roughness or sinking of the reference on soft materials when a physical reference is used to determine the height of the surface. The Micro / Macro Module also provides true depth measurements during scratch or wear testing. On other instruments, a ring or skate reference cannot be used when the sample is moved. For these instruments, the depth given during scratch is masked by the instrument compliance. Only scanning of the scratch track at low enough loads after the test gives good information but solely on plastic and not on the combined elastic/plastic deformation that actually occurred during the scratch. The optical white light sensor performs as a full 3D Non-Contact Profiling tool which gives 3D images of scratch, indent or wear track results and can be used for all other types of profiling including surface roughness or height of steps.

TESTING MODES

Micro / Macro Indentation | Hardness Testing
Micro / Macro Scratch | Adhesion Testing
Micro / Macro Wear | Friction Testing


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