BSTRACTModern nanoindentation devices are capable of dynamic experimentations

which allow us to exploit instrumented hardness tests extensively. Beside the assets of recording mechanical properties continuously over displacement

there are ongoing debates whether the superimposed force alters the material’s hardness. We will show for a broad range of materials that significant hardness differences are noted between dynamic and static tests

even for large displacements. Those mainly result from a changing indentation strain-rate during the hold segment at peak load. This fact must be implicitly considered in studies using static indentation tests to guarantee comparability of obtained nanoindentation hardness values and derived quantities.