Prediction of bluntness for pyramidal indenters from nanoindentation curves

► An indenter bluntness model was developed and confirmed with an indenter observation. ► Blunted heights were predicted for two Berkovich indenters according to the model. ► A loading curve correction with the bluntness yielded consistent indentation data. ► The correction was also tried for nanoindentation data of a thin coating. ► Apex bluntness and unexpected substrate deformation were discussed from results.