Nanoindentation and surface characterisation are essential techniques in materials research, enabling detailed analysis of mechanical properties and surface behaviour at the micro- and nanoscale.
This page provides an overview of these techniques, their common applications, and their use in research and industry, alongside insights from a Blue Scientific workshop on nanoindentation and surface characterisation.
Blue Scientific is the official distributor of the NanoForce in the UK and Scandinavia. If you have any questions or if you would like more information, please get in touch.
What is nanoindentation and surface characterisation?
Nanoindentation is used to measure mechanical properties such as hardness and modulus by applying controlled force to a material’s surface. Surface characterisation techniques, including AFM and profilometry, provide complementary information about surface structure, roughness, and behaviour.
Together, these techniques enable a complete understanding of material performance at small scales.
Applications in materials research
Nanoindentation and surface characterisation are used across a wide range of applications, including:
- Thin films and coatings
- Polymers and soft materials
- Metals and alloys
- Tribology and wear analysis
- Nanomaterials and advanced materials development
The following programme provides an example of the topics covered in a workshop on nanoindentation and surface characterisation.
Example Workshop Programme
| 9:00 am | Registration and coffee |
| 9:45 am | Introduction and welcome |
| Nanoindentation and the Mechanical Properties of Soft Biological Materials Brian Derby, University of Manchester |
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| Static and Dynamic Instrumented Indentation using NanoForce Ilja Hermann, Bruker Nano Surfaces USA |
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| The Recent Development of Standards for Instrumented Indentation Testing Xiaodong Hou, National Physical Laboratory |
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| Latest Advances in AFM modes: Nanomechanics using PeakForce Tapping Khaled Kaja, Bruker |
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| Nanoindentation: Challenges around Tribofilm Characterisation Chun Wang, University of Leeds |
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| Lunch | |
| Practical session: Nanoindentation with the Bruker NanoForce | |
| Practical session: AFM with the Dimension Icon | |
| 4:30 pm | Close |
Who This Training is Relevant For
The workshop is for:
- Industrial and academic nanoindentation specialists
- AFM users wanting to learn about additional probe-based techniques, to enhance the capability of their existing systems
- Anyone who would like an introduction to the theory and practice of nanoindentation.
Interested in nanoindentation training or systems? Contact our team to discuss your application or arrange a demonstration.
Bruker NanoForce
The new NanoForce nanoindenter combines proven Bruker technology: the most stable platform and precision stage together with best-in-class voice coil nanoindenter detectors, resulting in the highest precision and accuracy. The system includes an AFM head for true nanoscale imaging, with positioning accuracy in the 100nm range. This opens up new applications, including pile-up measurement and fracture crack analysis.
See the new technology in action at the workshop. Bring your own samples to test, and see live demonstrations of:
- Imaging capability of the separate, integrated AFM head
- Positioning accuracy of the stage, combined with low thermal drift
- Indents from μN up to 45 mN
into steel; 1 μm grid spacing.
Last updated: March 2026