STANDARD
72 s in standard mode
Plan with around 72 seconds per measurement point in the regular Eco workflow.
Product
i3D® Eco for compact local material data
For teams that want to use local material data in-house without starting directly with maximum automation and mapping depth. i3D® Eco brings the indentation method into the lab in a compact way.
System design
i3D® Eco
Core points
OPTIONAL
Superspeed for fast comparisons
If variants need to be compared faster, a clearly quicker mode can be added.
PLATFORM
Compact entry
Eco brings local material data into the lab without requiring a large automation project.
3D
Optical extension optional
Optical 3D information from residual indent and topography can be added when needed.
What matters directly in the setup
Eco is the right system when local material data should become available in-house and the first step should remain compact. It uses the same basic method logic as larger i3D® platforms, but stays closer to classic lab operation in installation effort, entry barrier and routine handling.
This makes Eco particularly suitable for first in-house workflows, feasibility checks, screening, variant comparison and documented lab work, without being designed first for maximum point counts and large-scale campaigns.
Technical key data
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Test method | Indentation-based method according to DIN SPEC 4864 for local yield strength RIp0.2, local tensile strength RIm and stress-strain curves. |
| System logic | Compact lab platform for local material characterisation and first in-house routines. |
| Standard mode | Around 72 seconds per measurement point in the regular workflow. |
| Superspeed | Optional for shorter point times when variants have to be compared faster. |
| 3D module | Optical 3D measurement optional for surface, residual indent and additional documentation. |
| Software | Inverse FEM evaluation in the same digital workflow as on larger i3D systems. |
| Procurement logic | Project-based configuration with optional modules, software packages and procurement options. |
When teams search for i3D® Eco
Search patterns around i3D® Eco often look like determine local material data in-house, alternative to tensile testing for small samples, start materials screening in the lab or measure local stress-strain curves. Eco answers exactly that point: compact, manageable in-house and without having to start with a large automation or inline project.
For many teams Eco is the right first step when local properties should no longer be available only through external service testing or through rough hardness conversion. The page therefore answers not only the product question, but the actual search intent: how do I get reliable local material data faster inside the lab?
Why this matters
- Lower effort and shorter paths than classic tensile-test series for small or local questions
- Local yield strength, tensile strength and flow curves available in-house instead of only through external lab routes
- Suitable for lab, R&D and QA when first routines have to become reproducible
- Good entry point when later scaling to PRO or Inline should remain open
Which questions Eco answers in practice
LAB
How do I start with local data in-house?
Eco helps teams establish local material characterisation internally without moving directly into large-scale campaigns or integration projects.
SCREENING
How do I compare variants faster?
For feasibility checks, variant comparison and first screening routines Eco is often more economical than repeated classic tensile-testing workflows.
HARDNESS
Why not only convert hardness?
DIN SPEC 4864 was developed to close the gap between quick hardness testing and more meaningful local material behaviour.
What DIN SPEC 4864 and ASTM E3499 mean for Eco
DIN SPEC 4864 describes a low-destructive, local method for deriving flow curves and tensile-like comparative properties. ASTM E3499 continues the same basic logic internationally as indentation plastometry: yield strength, tensile strength and plastic stress-strain behaviour are derived from residual indent, final geometry and inverse FEM.
For Eco this means: compact entry, but methodically the same core idea as on larger platforms. At the same time the ASTM E3499 limit remains important here as well: the method does not provide fracture elongation or fracture properties. If those values are required, classic tensile testing remains necessary.
Why Eco is searched for as a local materials testing system for R&D
Eco is aligned with search tasks such as local materials testing system for R&D, materials characterisation in the lab, determine local properties in-house or automated materials testing for small samples. The system logic stays deliberately compact: local yield strength, tensile strength and stress-strain curves should become available in-house without immediately triggering a large automation or inline integration project.
That is why Eco is strong when teams look for an alternative to tensile testing for small samples, for materials screening with local properties or for a first system that provides local stress-strain curves on the component. Methodically the logic stays the same: instrumented indentation, inverse FEM and local material data from the indentation workflow.
Where Eco typically creates the entry point
- Lab use: internal local material characterisation instead of external lab-only paths
- Screening: set up metal-probe comparison and first campaigns economically
- FEM-oriented development: derive local material data for first material models and simulation-related evaluation
i3D® Software
Eco uses the same evaluation logic for local material properties and stress-strain curves.
Same evaluation logic, more compact entry
The compact entry changes nothing about the actual evaluation logic: inverse FEM, local yield strength, local tensile strength and stress-strain curves run in the same digital workflow. Statements, comparability and documentation therefore remain reliable even in the smaller setup.
Practice & expansion path
LAB
Fast in-house start
Good for lab, R&D and QA with a clear first task and an economical entry route.
SCREENING
Build first routines cleanly
Useful for feasibility assessment, screening, variant comparison and reproducible local comparisons.
EXPANSION
Scalable later on
If later more points, automation or mapping are needed, the transition to PRO or Inline is easy to define.
Adjacent system logics
AUTOMATED CAMPAIGNS
i3D® PRO
When many points, grids and structured campaigns have to run with clear point logic.
PROCESS-NEAR QA
i3D® Inline
When local material data should move closer to production, QA and critical component zones.
Get in touch
Questions about applications, demos, or quotes?
Questions about i3D® Eco
What is the difference between Eco and PRO?
Eco is the more compact lab entry for first routines and in-house local material data. PRO is the stronger platform for many points, XY positioning, grids, weld zones and larger screening campaigns.
When is local material characterisation more useful than classic tensile testing?
Especially for small samples, local zones, variant comparison and first screening routines. DIN SPEC 4864 closes the gap between fast hardness testing and more time-consuming tensile tests when local mechanical statements are needed economically.
Which properties are derived from the indentation?
Mainly local yield strength RIp0.2, local tensile strength RIm and stress-strain curves. Fracture elongation and fracture behaviour are not part of the results according to ASTM E3499.
How fast can screening or comparison campaigns run?
Around 72 seconds per point in standard mode. For faster comparison logic an optional superspeed mode from roughly 20 seconds per point is possible.
Is the system suitable for welds, small samples or real parts?
Yes, if the task remains compact. Eco fits small samples, local comparisons, selected weld zones and real parts when no large automation or grid project is the main requirement.
How do the data move into FEM or material models?
Eco also uses inverse FEM for evaluation. This produces local stress-strain curves and properties that can be reused for variant comparison, material assessment and simulation-oriented material models.