Abstract: An automated indentation system based on finite element solutions or performing a non-destructive compression test by loading a compressive indentation load (P) and calculating a elastic modulus (E) and a yield strength (&sgr;0), and a hardening exponent (n) from measured indentation depth (ht) and indentation load (P), and unloading slope (S). The system comprises a stepmotor control system (1), a measurement instrumentation (2) having a load cell (15), laser displacement sensor (17) for measuring the indentation depth and ball indenter (18), a data acquisition system (3) having an signal amplifier for amplifying and filtering signals from the load cell (15) and laser displacement sensor (17), and a control box (4) pre-stored computer programming algorisms for adjusting and controlling the moving speed and direction of stepmotor (12).