
Nano Indentation
Nano Indentation is a cutting-edge Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) mode designed for quantifying mechanical properties such as hardness and elasticity with nanoscale precision. This mode is ideal for studying materials in thin films, polymers, composites, and biological applications, offering unparalleled insights into mechanical behaviour.
Manufacturer
CSI
CSInstruments is a French scientific equipment manufacturer specialised in the conception of Atomic Force Microscope and options designed for existing AFM (Nano-Observer AFM, Resiscope™, High Voltage Amplifier, Magnetic modules). The product range proposed by CSInstruments is designed and manufactured to help the scientific community to achieve nanometre performances that meet the research needs and requirements for actual and future nanoscience applications.
CSInstruments was founded by a team of experts working in AFM field for more than 20 years, starting as pioneer with some historical manufacturers. CSInstruments activity is also based on a qualified and dynamic team, experienced in the fields of mechanics, electronics and data processing. This expertise ensures innovation and performance in the production of AFM and achieves an excellent price/performance ratio!

Key Features
- Quantitative Analysis: Measure hardness, elasticity, and other mechanical properties at the nanoscale
- High Precision: Achieve sub-nanometre displacement resolution and picoNewton force sensitivity
- Wide Applicability: Suitable for soft and hard materials, including biomaterials, polymers, and metals
- Depth Control: Accurately control penetration depth to avoid substrate effects
- Real-Time Data: Immediate feedback on material response during indentation
How does Nano Indentation Mode work?
Nano Indentation operates by applying a controlled force to a sample using a sharp AFM probe. The resulting displacement provides valuable data on mechanical properties such as Young’s modulus, hardness, and viscoelastic behaviour.
The Nano-Observer Series AFM ensures precise force application and displacement measurements for reliable data.
Advanced Nano Indentation with Nano-Observer Series AFM
The Nano-Observer Series AFM provides unparalleled capabilities for Nano Indentation, including advanced force control, real-time data acquisition, and customisable probe options.
- High Precision Force Control: Ensures accurate application of forces to avoid sample damage.
- Customisable Probes: Tailor measurements for specific applications, from soft biomaterials to hard coatings.
- Real-Time Feedback: Monitor material response during indentation for dynamic studies.
Specifications
Force Range | From picoNewtons to microNewtons |
Displacement Resolution | Sub-nanometre scale |
Tip Geometry | Standard and custom probe designs for various materials |
Sample Types | Thin films, polymers, composites, and biological samples |
Environments | Ambient, liquid, or controlled atmospheres |
Applications
Materials Science
- Measure hardness and elasticity in coatings and thin films.
- Analyse mechanical properties of advanced composites.
Polymers
- Study viscoelastic properties and creep behaviour
- Optimise formulations for enhanced performance
Biological Samples
- Characterise cell stiffness and tissue mechanics
- Investigate biomaterial elasticity for medical applications
Service Support
Comprehensive repairs and servicing
Annual Support Programs
Your metrology instrumentation is a major investment that is critical to your business operation and success. In today’s competitive climate, it is more important than ever to extend the functionality and peak performance of your metrology equipment years beyond the expiration of your factory warranty. CN Tech’s Support Programs will help ensure that your investment is protected, and that you and your instrument’s are always operating at peak performance.
With over 20 years’ experience servicing and repairing you can be assured that your system is in safe hands. The independent services we offer include system relocation, maintenance visits, parts and consumables, and break down interventions.
CN Tech’s Support Programs are an economical way to guarantee optimal working condition:
- Annual Preventive Maintenance
- Priority Technical Assistance
- Preferred Parts Availability
- On-Site User Training
- Remote Diagnostics
- No surprise repair expense and much more!
Support Contact Example
An example of our service and support contracts are shown below:

Metrology & Instrumentation Annual Support Programs 2024/25
CN Tech's Support Programs will help ensure that your investment is protected, and that you and your instrument’s are always operating at peak performance.