Stage for high temperature indentation test

An indentation tester for testing a sample heated at a heating temperature above 800° C. to 1200° C., the indentation tester comprising:

• a stage including an outer base that houses an inner base made of a temperature resistant material sufficient to maintain shape at the heating temperature;
• a removable crown that fastens to the outer base,
• wherein the removable crown includes a support that holds an axisymmetric pipe made of a temperature resistant material sufficient to maintain shape over the range of heated temperature,
• wherein the axisymmetric pipe guides an indenter to penetrate the sample,
• wherein the removable crown includes a first rim that has a central threaded ring mated with a threaded nut and tightening the nut places a compressive force on the pipe and the compressive force presses the axisymmetric pipe which pushes against the sample to secure the sample in place.