Patent ID: 9046456
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An indentation tester comprising: an indenter column holding an indenter on a foremost end of the indenter column; an indenter coupling affixed to the indenter column and coupled with the indenter; a load-applier configured to displace the indenter column in an axial direction of the indenter column and further configured to apply a predetermined test force to a sample using the indenter; an indenter reference configured to reference a position of a foremost end of the indenter; an indenter position detector coupled to the indenter reference and configured to detect an amount of displacement of the indenter coupling; a pressure brace, wherein the indenter reference is attached to a lower portion of the pressure brace, and wherein the indenter position detector is attached to an upper portion of the pressure brace; an indenter reference driver configured to displace the indenter reference in the axial direction of the indenter column; and a measurer configured to displace the indenter column in the axial direction while maintaining contact between the indenter reference and a surface of the sample, the measurer further configured to thereafter measure a depth of an indentation formed when the indenter, while in contact with the sample surface, was pressed against the sample, wherein the indenter position detector is configured to measure the indentation depth by detecting the displacement amount of the indenter coupling; an adjuster configured to adjust a relative vertical-direction position relationship between the indenter coupling and the indenter position detector, the adjuster comprising: