precision material testing

Automated Ball Indentation® Explained

The ABI® test is based on progressive indentation with intermediate partial unloadings until the required maximum depth (maximum strain) is reached, and then the indenter is fully unloaded. The indentation load-depth data are collected continuously during the test by a data acquisition system. The nonlinear spherical geometry of the tungsten carbide indenter allows increasing strain as the indentation penetration depth is increased. The incremental values of load and plastic depth are then converted to incremental values of true-stress and true-plastic-strain values according to established elasticity and plasticity theories.


The force required to indent the material to increased depth values is measured with a force transducer such as a load cell. The current stress at any time is a function of the current indentation force. Periodic partial unloadings during the test are used to determine the elastic strain. The elastic strain is subtracted from the total strain to give the plastic strain. The incremental values of the ABI® -measured true-stress and true-plastic-strain are calculated from the indentation force-depth data (based on elasticity and plasticity theories) and plotted to form a true-stress versus true-plastic-strain curve of the material. The ABI® -derived yield strength is determined from the force-depth data. The strain-hardening exponent, strength coefficient, Lüders strain, uniform ductility, and ultimate strength, are also determined from the ABI® test. 

Efficient

ABI®  tests can be completed quickly and efficiently, helping you stay on schedule and on budget.

Accurate

Proven to replace both the tensile and fracture toughness tests without specimen machining or service interruption.

Powerful

The backbone of ABI testing technology is over 11,000+ software programs to provide instant analysis when you need it.

ABI® Advantages

This is the text area for this paragraph. To change it, simply click and start typing. Once you've added your content, you can customize its design.

Direct Component Testing

ABI® testing allows for direct evaluation of components, eliminating the need for sample cutting and preserving material integrity.

Minimal Material Requirement

Only small amounts of material are needed for testing, with the smallest specimen size being 0.2" x 0.2" x 0.1" thick, ensuring efficiency in new alloy development.

Comprehensive Data

With ABI®, obtain stress-strain curves and fracture toughness data in one test, removing the necessity for separate tensile and fracture toughness tests.

Instant Comparison

ABI® testing provides an overlay of stress-strain curves from the base metal, weldment, and HAZ, facilitating immediate comparison of mechanical properties.