SMT-5000
The SMT-5000 is a fully integrated platform for instrumented indentation, scratch testing, tribology, 3D optical profilometry, and coating thickness measurement. Designed for research laboratories, quality control, and industrial materials development, it delivers unmatched flexibility by combining multiple characterization techniques within a single modular system. From ultra-low force nanoindentation to macro scratch testing up to 200 N, the SMT-5000 provides accurate, repeatable measurements across the widest force range available. Advanced automation, intelligent software, and high-resolution surface analysis streamline laboratory workflows while ensuring reliable, standards-compliant results. Whether evaluating thin films, coatings, metals, ceramics, polymers, semiconductors, or biomedical materials, the SMT-5000 adapts to your testing requirements today and evolves with your future needs.
Key Features
- One Platform for Indentation, Scratch, and Tribology Testing Across the Complete Nano-to-Macro Force Range
- Patented In-line 3D Profilometer: Confocal Microscopy and White-Light Interferometry
- PiQ Micro and Nanoindenter Head Technology
- Non Destructive nm accuracy Film Thickness
- Environmental Chambers
- Advanced Automation for High-Throughput Testing
Manufacturer
Rtec Instruments
Rtec Instruments develops and manufactures advanced mechanical and surface testing and measurement solutions for research and industrial applications. They specialise in combining techniques that provide a unique perspective in material testing. Their testers include tribometer, profilometer, scratch tester, high-temperature indenter, and corrosion testers. Furthermore, their testers provide the most robust and versatile platform in the market for testing friction, wear, adhesion, hardness, roughness, and film thickness from nano to macro-scale.
One Platform for Indentation, Scratch, and Tribology Testing Across the Complete Nano-to-Macro Force Range
Comprehensive mechanical testing from nano to macro scales with versatile scratch and indentation capabilities. Perform scratch or tribological tests from millinewtons up to 200 N, and instrumented indentation using interchangeable PiQ Nanoindenter (500 mN) and Microindenter (20 N) heads, enabling seamless transitions between nanoscale and microscale material characterization.
Patented In-line 3D Profilometer: Confocal Microscopy and White-Light Interferometry
PiQ Micro and Nanoindenter Head Technology
Non Destructive nm accuracy Film Thickness
Based on spectroscopic reflectance, in line film thickness measurement (FT-100) module provides a super fast and direct non contact film measurements.
Environmental Chambers
SMT-5000 allows to measure coating properties such as adhesion, wear etc. under controlled environmental conditions using temperature chambers , humidifier etc.
Advanced Automation for High-Throughput Testing
Maximize productivity with the SMT-5000's advanced automation. An integrated XYZ stage enables unattended multi-sample testing, while customizable recipes automate complete test sequences. Automatic data analysis and report generation ensure consistent, repeatable results, reducing operator intervention and accelerating materials characterization for research, quality control, and industrial laboratories.
Instrumented Indentation
The SMT-5000 Instrumented Indentation Tester delivers precise measurement of hardness, elastic modulus, creep, fracture behaviour, and other mechanical properties through advanced load-displacement analysis. Furthermore, its modular design supports nano and micro indentation across a wide force range, while patented capacitive sensing additionally ensures exceptional accuracy and repeatability. The system is furthermore compatible with Berkovich, Vickers, Knoop, Cube Corner, spherical, and custom diamond indenters. As a result, it also performs traditional Vickers hardness testing, consequently providing a complete solution for advanced materials characterization.
Scratch Testing
Complete Scratch Characterization from Nano to Macro
The SMT-5000 Scratch Tester performs comprehensive evaluation of coating adhesion, scratch resistance, scratch hardness, friction, and surface failure mechanisms. Furthermore, it covers the industry’s widest force range, from nano to 200 N macro scratch testing. Its unique synchronized 3D imaging and scratch data acquisition (Patent US 10,024,776 B2) additionally enables direct correlation between mechanical measurements and surface deformation, therefore allowing deeper failure analysis. Moreover, with exceptional friction force sensitivity, modular scratch modules, and environmental testing options, the SMT-5000 consequently delivers unmatched flexibility for advanced scratch characterization. It furthermore provides the ability to measure both flat and curved surfaces.
Tribology Testing
Integrated Friction and Wear Characterization
The SMT-5000 can be equipped with linear or rotary tribology modules, providing comprehensive evaluation of friction, wear, lubrication, and coating durability under real operating conditions. Its modular architecture allows tribology to be seamlessly integrated with instrumented indentation, scratch testing, 3D optical profilometry, and coating thickness measurements on a single platform. By correlating hardness, friction, wear volume, surface roughness, and topography without moving the sample between instruments, the SMT-5000 delivers deeper insight into material performance while improving laboratory efficiency and data consistency.
I particularly like the sentence “without moving the sample between instruments” because it highlights a real customer benefit: better correlation, reduced handling, and improved accuracy. This is a stronger message than simply listing the available modules.
Patented 3D Scratch Visualization
Correlate Mechanical Data with 3D Surface Topography
Following each scratch test, the SMT-5000 automatically generates a seamless 3D stitched image of the complete scratch track using high-resolution post-test imaging. Furthermore, combined with synchronized mechanical data (Patent US 10,024,776 B2), users can instantly identify critical loads and visualize coating failure mechanisms. As a result, they can consequently correlate surface damage with mechanical measurements. Additionally, comprehensive 3D analysis provides quantitative evaluation of scratch depth, penetration, residual deformation, wear volume, roughness, and material displacement. This therefore delivers a complete understanding of scratch behaviour and coating performance from a single integrated software platform.
Non-Destructive Coating Thickness Measurement
Fast, Accurate Film Thickness Analysis
The SMT-5000 can be equipped with a non-destructive coating thickness measurement module based on spectral reflectance technology. It furthermore provides rapid and accurate characterization of thin films and coatings. With an extensive library of over 500 materials, the system additionally delivers one-click measurements of film thickness, refractive index (n & k), and surface roughness in real time. Moreover, advanced software features including automatic analysis, scaling correction, dynamic measurements, and multi-sample workflows simplify operation. As a result, they ensure fast, reliable, and repeatable results without requiring specialized expertise.
Pre- & Post-Test 3D Surface Analysis
Automatically compare high-resolution 3D surface images captured before and after testing to quantify deformation, material displacement, and damage. Direct visualization of surface changes provides valuable insight into coating performance and failure mechanisms.
Automated Scratch Testing
Perform single or multiple scratch tests using customizable test recipes for fully automated, repeatable measurements. Intelligent workflows improve productivity, ensure consistent testing conditions, and support high-throughput characterization.
Continuous Cross-Profile Analysis
Generate cross-sectional profiles at any position along the scratch track to analyze penetration depth, residual deformation, and coating damage. Continuous profile analysis provides a detailed understanding of scratch geometry and failure evolution.
Automatic Report Generation
Create professional, fully customizable reports with a single click. Correlate 3D surface images, scratch data, critical loads, friction, roughness, residual depth, wear volume, and permanent deformation into a comprehensive report for efficient analysis and documentation.
Advanced Sensors & Environmental Testing
Expand Your Testing Capabilities
The SMT-5000 supports a wide range of advanced sensors and environmental chambers, enabling realistic testing conditions that replicate real-world operating environments. From coating adhesion and corrosion studies to elevated temperature and controlled humidity testing, the modular platform provides comprehensive insight into material performance and failure mechanisms.
Electrical Contact Resistance (ECR)
Monitor electrical contact resistance in real time during scratch testing to accurately identify coating breakthrough and failure. ECR measurements provide a sensitive, non-destructive method for evaluating conductive coatings and multilayer systems.
Acoustic Emission Monitoring
Detect crack initiation and brittle failure by measuring acoustic emission signals generated during testing. This advanced sensor helps identify fracture events that may not be visible through conventional optical inspection.
Corrosion Testing
Evaluate coating durability under corrosive environments by combining scratch testing with corrosion studies. This integrated approach provides valuable insight into coating adhesion, degradation, and long-term performance.
Environmental Chambers
Perform mechanical characterization under controlled temperature, humidity, and custom environmental conditions to simulate real operating environments. Environmental testing enables more accurate evaluation of coating and material performance.
Additional Measurement Sensors
Further expand the SMT-5000 with dedicated sensors for friction, force, electrical properties, temperature, and other application-specific measurements. Multiple synchronized data channels provide deeper insight into material behavior during indentation, scratch, and tribology testing.
Industries
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Bio-materials
- Ceramics
- Hard Coating
- Metal
- Optics and Glasses
- Pharmaceutical
- Polymer
- Semicon
Technical Information
| Scratch - Maximum load | 1 - 40 - 200 N |
| Scratch - Load resolution | 0.01 - 6 - 100 μN |
| Scratch - Maximum Friction force | 1 - 40 - 200 N |
| Scratch - Friction resolution | 0.01 - 6 - 100 μN |
| Scratch - Maximum displacement | 1000 - 1000 - 1000 μm |
| Scratch - Displacement resolution | 0.01 - 0.03 - 1.5 nm |
| Indentation - Maximum load | 500 mN - 30 N |
| Indentation - Load resolution | 0.01 - 6 μN |
| Indentation - Displacement resolution | 0.01 - 0.03 nm |
| Coating thickness - Light source | Halogen |
| Coating thickness - Wavelength | 400 - 1100 nm |
| Coating thickness - Thickness range | 0.01 to 75 μm |
| Coating thickness - Precision | <0.01 nm |
| Coating thickness - Accuracy | 1 nm |
| SMT Platform - XY axis | 150 x 200 mm |
| SMT Platform - XY speed | up to 50 mm/s |
| SMT Platform - Z | 100 mm |
| SMT Platform - Position Resolution | 0.25 μm |
| Tribometer - mode | Pin-on-Disk, Ball on Disk |
| Tribometer - Load Range | 1 mN – 200 N |
| Tribometer - Rotary Speed | 0.1 – 2500 RPM (optional 5000 rpm) |
| Tribometer - Reciprocating drive | up to 15 Hz (optional 80 Hz) |
| Tribometer - Temperature Range | -50 °C to 1000 °C (optional chamber) |
| Tribometer - Humidity Control | 5% – 95% RH |
| Tribometer - Integrated Sensors | Friction, wear depth, electrical contact resistance |
| Tribometer - Available modules | Rotary; Linear Reciprocating |
Applications
Cohesion And Adhesion Of Hard Coatings
Varying in their composition, hard coatings are typically used to harden the surface of a product. They can be nitrides (Titanium nitride, TiN), carbides (Tungsten carbide, WC) or other types (Diamond like carbon, DLC). Their functionality goes beyond the simple hardening, some are used to protect against corrosion, reduce the wear of a part or avoid the formation of blood clot on materials in contact with blood. They are applied to many different substrates with many different techniques.
Clear Coat And Paint Testing
Studies have found that 50% or more of consumer complaints regarding the aspect of cars were associated with scratch, mar, and chip imperfections. Therefore, any improvement to the automotive paints would extend the long-term appearance of cars, reduce warranty claims, and increase the resale value. The improvement of scratch-resistant automotive clear coats has become a high research priority in the automotive industry.
Scratch Resistance of Strengthened Glass
Indentation and scratch testers provide new and accurate techniques to analyse scratch resistance of glass for any application. Since its introduction in 2008, the Corning® Gorilla® glass has been an omnipresent glass in the smartphone’s screens. The introduction of the Victus® version of Gorilla® glass in 2020 shows that the development of such materials is a continuous effort. In addition of the consumer electronics that brought them to common knowledge, these products are also used in industrial, automotive, aviation, architectural and pharmaceutical applications.
Scratch Testing of Thermal Spray Coatings
Thermal spraying is a coating technique in which melted material is projected onto a surface to coat it. Compared to other deposition techniques, the thermal sprays offer the ability to cover large area at high deposition rates and provide thicker coatings. Thermal sprays are used in various industries such as aerospace, automobile, marine and heavy machinery. The applications for those coatings cover wear and abrasion resistance, low friction, corrosion protection, altering thermal and electrical conductivity and many others.
Wear Resistance of Screen Protector Tempered Glass
Smartphone screen protectors are most of the time made from tempered glass with a polymer backing. But when searching for one of those screen protectors, the question always arises: which one is better? All the products claim the same hardness and high wear resistance. But are all these tempered glass products truly similar in terms of wear? The main cause of scratches or wear are metallic objects such as keys and dust including sand particles (quartz) that damage those screen protectors the most.
Scratch Hard Coating Quality Control
Different methods of testing have been used for the characterisation of the mechanical properties of hard coatings. Tribological measurements provide useful information on the essential properties related to their final use in real applications. Instrumented indentation testing provides information on hardness and elastic modulus of the coatings. Scratch testing is measuring the adhesion and scratch resistance of coatings and providing unmatched information on the mechanical integrity of the coating-substrate system.
Instrumented Indentation
Hardness testers have evolved over time and they now provide different hardness scales for different materials and applications. A new technique proposed in 1992 called Instrumented Indentation Testing provides both indentation hardness and elastic modulus of the material tested, taking the hardness test a step further.
Videos
Indentation & Scratch Tester SMT-5000
The Surface Mechanical Tester SMT-5000 is a versatile instrument. It merges the ability to measure mechanical properties, such as hardness, modulus, scratch adhesion, film thickness, in addition to surface roughness and many others. All this power is consolidated in one single platform. To that end, the IST module provides both indentation and scratch. Combining piezo actuation and capacitive sensing technologies, the IST brings the highest precision measurements from nano to micro ranges.
Besides the IST module, the SMT 5000 incorporates spectral reflectance film thickness with 3D profilometry and environmental modules. All these capacities cater to demanding engineers and researchers in many fields.
Downloads
Indentation and Scratch Tester SMT-5000 Brochure
Surface and Materials Testers Product Overview
Quality Control of Hard Coatings by Scratch Testing
Reproducibility of Scratch Testing Adhesion Using BCR-692 Standard DLC Coating
Investigation of Scratch Adhesion and Cohesion of Hard Coatings
Scratch Resistance of Chemically Strengthened Glass
Scratch Testing Analysis of Automotive Paints
Scratch Testing Analysis of Thermal Spray Coatings
Wear Resistance of Screen Protector Tempered Glass
Related Products
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.
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- Annual Preventive Maintenance
- Priority Technical Assistance
- Preferred Parts Availability
- On-Site User Training
- Remote Diagnostics
- No surprise repair expense and much more!
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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.