Details on the procedure
Determined values: comparative tensile strength RIm, comparative yield strength RIp0,2, hardening n, ductility D
Standard: DIN SPEC 4864 was the very first standard of its kind developed in collaboration with the Federal Institute for Materials Testing, the Materials Testing Office MPA-NRW, the "Physikalisch Technische Bundesanstalt" and industry partners (published by Beuth Verlag in Germany in November 2019).
Procedure: The Imprint Test is based on indentations and high-precision 3D measurements, using a white light interferometer, and finite element simulations to determine a plastic stress strain curve out of the indentation (pile-up profile). The indent, characterized by plastic deformation above the surface known as pile-up, reflects the unique mechanical properties of the tested material. Real measured data according to the geometry of the plastic deformation is brought into precise agreement with simulated data, and material properties such as yield strength and tensile strength from indentation are available.
Development: The test procedure was initially invented at the RUB (Ruhr-Universität Bochum) and developed by the team of Imprintec GmbH. Measurements can now be fully automated and completed in less than a minute, whether in laboratories, inline, or using mobile devices.
Applications: It enables the fast and cost-effective determination of mechanical properties. Furthermore, the indentation enables testing of components, thin/small parts, strength gradients and high-throughput testing. This makes a significant contribution to the development and optimization of components and processes. It is particularly impactful in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, civil engineering, oil & gas, construction, medical devices, mechanical engineering, and the energy sector.
