The Institute of Fundamental Technological Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPPT PAN), together with PIK Instruments, has secured funding under the European Funds for a Modern Economy (FENG), SMART Path programme to develop an innovative nanoindenter – a device designed for highly precise measurements of the mechanical properties of materials at the nanometre scale.
The project will be carried out at the Experimental Micromechanics Laboratory (LMD) of IPPT PAN, under the leadership of Dr. hab. inż. Dariusz Jarząbek, Professor at IPPT PAN. For many years, LMD has been developing unique methods for characterizing the mechanical properties of thin films, coatings and bulk materials. The acquisition of this grant further confirms the Laboratory’s leading position in Poland in the field of micromechanical testing, including micro- and nanoindentation.
Fig. Project kick-off meeting
The aim of the project is to design and test the first metal-based microforce sensor in Poland, manufactured using additive, electrochemistry-based microfabrication methods. This technology represents a groundbreaking alternative to silicon MEMS structures that currently dominate the global nanoindenter market.
The new type of sensor will significantly improve measurement accuracy, sensitivity and mechanical robustness, while at the same time greatly reducing production costs. This will enable the development of measurement devices with performance parameters previously available only in the most advanced and expensive commercial systems.
Within the project, LMD will develop advanced manufacturing technologies for miniature metallic and ceramic components, perform their optimization, and conduct comprehensive experimental validation. PIK Instruments will be responsible for building the prototype nanoindenter, integrating its subsystems, and preparing the device for future commercialization.
The project will result in the construction of a stationary nanoindenter featuring a force measurement error on the order of 100 nanonewtons and displacement detection capability at the picometre level. The device will open new possibilities in fields such as materials engineering, nanotechnology, electronics, micro- and mechatronics, and biomaterials research.
The project will run until 2028 and will further strengthen the position of IPPT PAN – and especially the Experimental Micromechanics Laboratory – as a national leader in precision micromechanics and advanced metrology.
Agreement No. FENG.01.01-IP.01-A0IP/24
Project value: PLN 10 912 399,69
European Funds contribution: PLN 9 097 529,65
# EUFunds # EuropeanFunds
