Laboratory Services
- NRL Capabilities
- Nanomechanical Applications
- Consultation Service
- Education and Training
- Contact NRL
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NRL Capabilities
The Nanomechanics Research Laboratory (NRL) offers analytical nanomechanical and nanotribological testing services to both the industrial and academic nano-community. The NRL also researches and develops new applications and novel testing methods using Hysitron products. Our experienced lab engineers and scientists are ready to provide quality services to meet your application, quality control, and root-cause failure analysis requirements. The NRL has several TS-series & TI-series nanomechanical testing instruments on-premises, which are the only commercially available nanoindentation systems with in-situ SPM imaging capabilities. The TI 900, TI 700 and TS-series encompass a wide spectrum of applications, and currently play vital roles in numerous academic institutions and advanced technology industries. Utilizing our extensive experience and advanced instrumentation, the NRL has the capability to meet your nanomechanical and nanotribological testing requirements. The ultimate goal of Hysitron's NRL lab services is to help you better understand the materials critical to your continued success.
Nanomechanical Applications
Through extensive research and service experience, the NRL has encountered many different material systems, providing insight into materials such as metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and polymers, and biomaterials. The NRL has the capability of testing samples in various formats, such as bulk materials, thin films, powders and small particles, and composites, etc. Examples of some relevant applications are listed below. More information is available at: Applications
- Bulk Hardness and Modulus Determination via Nanoindentation
- Hardness Differentiation of the Head Slider Phases of Magnetic Storage Devices
- Nanomechanical Profiling of a Dentin-Enamel Junction using Nanoindentation
- Nanoindentation of Biomaterials such as a King Cobra Fang, Pig Artery, or Dragonfly Wing Cuticle
- Nanoscratch Testing of Interfacial Adhesion
- Lubricant and Anti-Wear Film Analysis on Tribological Coatings i.e. Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) and Tungsten Carbide/Carbon (WC/C)
- Characterization of Viscoelastic Materials with nanoDMA®
- Acoustic Emission Monitoring of SiC Coating Fracture Induced by Nanoindentation
- Characterization of MEMS Devices and Structures
Consultation Services
The NRL offers both short and long term consulting and sample testing services to meet your nanomechanical and nanotribological needs. Our experienced engineers and scientists will work with you to design advanced testing procedures to be carried out at the NRL to solve your research and application problems. Appropriate testing methods and techniques will be used to generate materials solutions based on your schedule and budget. Detailed results identifying material failure modes and mechanisms will be furnished for your future product design and improvement. For current owners of either the TI-series or the TS-series instruments, the NRL can assist in the design of testing procedures for your own use as well as in the modification of your existing software to meet your unique testing requirements.
Education and Training
The NRL offers education and training to provide both the basics and the latest developments in nanomechanical and nanotribological research and applications. The information will keep you up to date on the latest theories, tips, and procedures for operating our instruments, as well as offering the latest in Hysitron software and hardware developments. The NRL offers flexible scheduling and consultation services to meet your informational needs.
Contact NRL
For technological solutions or sample testing requirements, please contact the Hysitron NRL or your local Hysitron representative. The NRL staff can be reached via telephone at 952-835-6366, fax at 952-835-6166, or e-mail at info@hysitron.com. Upon making initial arrangements, all samples and sample testing information may be sent to Hysitron for processing. The NRL also recommends that you visit Hysitron to observe how our nanoindentation testing systems can work for you.