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i3D® BVR indentation & hardness testing system

i3D® BVR

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Imprintec – Material Testing Solutions.

i3D® BVR

Yield strength RIp0,2, tensile strength RIm, and ductility from indentation – i3D® plus integrated hardness testing

The i3D® BVR expands into automated high-throughput testing for mechanical properties and adds standard hardness testing per Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, and Knoop.

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i3D® BVR – side view with raised head
i3D® BVR – side view
i3D® BVR – front view
i3D® BVR – front view


Fully automated test sequences via XY cross table and a height-adjustable Z table.

i3D® BVR – front view with lowered XY cross table
i3D® BVR – XY cross table lowered

Technical functions of i3D® BVR

Function Description
Indentation testing Determines RIp0,2 (yield strength) and RIm (tensile strength) on metallic materials per DIN SPEC 4864 — without a tensile specimen
Measurement time (standard mode) Approx. 72 seconds per point
Measurement time (high-speed mode) Optional high-speed configuration from approx. 20 seconds per point
XY cross table Automated raster positioning — ideal for multi-point measurements and component mapping
Overview camera Visual targeting and precise placement of indents for traceable results
Hardness testing (Brinell, Vickers, Rockwell, Knoop) With the integrated universal hardness tester you can perform standardized tests per Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell, and Knoop — with test loads from 0.2 to 3000 kgf.
3D surface metrology (optional) White-light interferometry for optical height profiles and topography analysis

Key capabilities in detail

High-precision XY cross table
XY cross table

High-precision motion control for automated measurement grids across parts or sample arrays.

6-position turret with objectives and indenters
6-position turret

Automated workflows via turret with selectable objectives and indenters.

Overview camera for point selection
Overview camera

Image-assisted selection and verification of indent locations for best-in-class repeatability.

Multisample screening automation
Multisample screening

Fully automated multi-point testing — ideal for series testing, microstructure mapping, or process studies.

3D surface measurement via WLI
Optional 3D metrology

White-light interferometer for standalone, high-precision surface analysis.

i3D® software + Hardwin XL

i3D® is available across all Imprintec test systems. Inverse FEM models characterize stress–strain curves from indent geometry, complemented by a second UI for classical hardness testing.

Learn more about inverse FEM
i3D software and KB Hardwin interface
i3D® user interface and KB Hardwin
Indent maps inside the i3D® software
Indents in the i3D® software

Inverse FEM — rapid mechanical property evaluation from indents

The DIN SPEC 4864 indentation method enables low-damage, precise, and automated determination of yield strength (RIp0,2), tensile strength (RIm), and flow curves — without a tensile specimen. The three-dimensional indent geometry (including pile-up) is captured optically, then an inverse finite-element model evaluates the indent to deliver strength values within minutes. This reduces specimen preparation and provides fast, local, decision-ready data — ideal for small parts, graded materials, or serial analyses.

Learn more about the test method

Integrated classical hardness testing

Alongside the innovative i3D® method for yield (RIp0,2) and tensile strength (RIm), the BVR provides the full functionality of a universal hardness tester. Standardized tests per Vickers, Brinell, Rockwell, and Knoop are supported — with test loads from 0.2 to 3000 kgf.

Control is via KB Hardwin XL with automatic evaluation, autofocus, and precise light control — ensuring high repeatability, fast throughput, and flexible reporting to PDF, Excel, or SAP.

Brinell hardness impression with i3D® BVR
Brinell hardness indent

Procurement details for i3D® BVR

Lead time

Currently approx. 17 weeks after order (ex works)

Device classes

New units

Commercial models

Purchase (one-time)

Leasing (flexible terms)

Optional modules

3D surface metrology via white-light interferometry (WLI)

Superspeed mode (approx. 20 s/point)

Software packages

Questions?

Explore the complete i3D® range for R&D and quality assurance.

Portrait of Peter Zok, materials testing specialist

Peter Zok

Applications – Materials Testing

Imprintec GmbH

15 years of experience in materials testing.

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