Nanoindentation measures the local mechanical response of materials from metals and ceramics to polymeric and biological materials. The technique measures hardness and elastic modulus and can also characterise hardening exponents, creep parameters and residual stress.

Typically, diamond tips are used to make local indentations and image the surface before and after indentation. Matrices can be programmed to image local mechanical properties. Atomic Force Microscopes can also perform nanoindentation. Force, displacement and time are all recorded during the indentation process.