Indentation is a comparatively simple and virtually nondestructive method of determining mechanical properties of material surfaces by means of an indenter inducing a localized deformation. The paper present experimental results of the load-displacement curves

the hardness and the elastic modulus data

and associated analysis for poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces as a function of contact displacement. The experimental results include continuous stiffness indentations performed using constant loading rate and constant displacement rate experiments. The continuous stiffness indentation involves continuous calculation of a material stiffness

and hence hardness and elastic modulus of surfaces

during discrete loading-unloading cycles

as in a conventional indentation routine

and in a comparatively smaller time constant. The dependence of the compliance curves

the hardness

the elastic modulus and the plasticity index upon the imposed penetration depth

the applied normal load and the deformation rate are described. Tip area and load frame calibrations for the continuous stiffness indentation are also reported. The paper includes practical considerations encountered during indentation of polymers specifically at low penetration depths. The experimental results show a peculiarly harder response of PMMA surfaces at the submicron (near to surface) layers.