Relevance of surface texture in industrial quality control
Surface texture defines the topographical features of a workpiece surface, including characteristics such as roughness, waviness, and lay. These parameters may affect the performance, appearance, friction, corrosion resistance, fatigue behavior and thus the functionality of a component. So the surface texture influences a wide range of products, whether in industrial machines and systems, medical devices or consumer goods. Surface texture is crucial throughout industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
TopMap optical profilers provide 3D texturing measurement data based on precise height data by large areal scanning technique, enabling fast and repeatable measurements and reliable results. Contact us for a free demo and feasibility study!
Roughness explained
Webinar June 5th, 11am CEST
How to interpret, manufacture & measure roughness acc. to ISO 21920 & ISO 25178: What is roughness, how to define it? What is relevant in ISO 25178 and what does the new standard ISO 21920 mean?
Join the webinar on Thursday, 5th of June 2025 and learn about…
- ... the basic concept of measuring roughness in 2D + 3D
- ... understand and apply measurement settings the right way
- ... orientation and what changes with ISO 21920
- ... where optical areal profiling speeds up while revealing more insights of your workpiece
Definition and ISO standards for surface texture
Surface texture is defined and characterized using various parameters and standards, including those established by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The relevant ISO standards for defining and measuring surface texture include:
- ISO 4287: This standard defines terms, definitions, and parameters related to surface texture. It provides a comprehensive guide to understanding surface texture terminology and tactile measurement methods.
- ISO 25178: This standard addresses the measurement of surface texture using areal (3D) measurement techniques, such as contact profilometer, chromatic confocal gauge, coherence scanning interferometry and focus variation. It introduces parameters like Sa (arithmetical mean height) and Sq (root mean square height) for characterizing 3D surface texture.
- New ISO 21920: This series featuring three parts replaces some of the standards, some of which are decades old, consolidating information and providing greater clarity in many areas. At the same time, there is a harmonization with the American ASME standard and ISO 25178 for surface finishes.
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Download the exclusive guide on ISO 21920
Read the full exlusive paper (login) about the relevance of technical drawings (replacing ISO 1302), why ISO 21920 is more than just Ra (replacing ISO 4287 and ISO 13565-2/ -3) and how to achieve valid measurement results (replacing ISO 4288).
Characterize (3D) textures with optical and tactile profilometry
There are different approaches for measuring surface texture:
- optical, non-contact measurements
- and tactile, line-based measurements.
ISO standards provide a common framework for characterizing and specifying a surface texture, regardless of the measurement method used.
Tactile surface texture measurement
Tactile surface profilers use a stylus or probe to physically touch the surface of the material being measured. The stylus moves along the surface, recording height variations during movement. These profilers are used for measuring surface roughness and texture parameters like Ra, Rz, and Rq. They are typically ok for a wide range of surfaces, including those that may be transparent or opaque. Tactile measurement provides a direct contact with the surface, analyzing for detailed surface features. However, tactile profilers can potentially damage delicate or soft surfaces, and become time-consuming and slow when measuring large or entire areas. In addition the stylus is prone to wear resulting in measurement deviations over time.
Optical scanning of 3D textures
White-light profilometers or coherence scanning interferometers are optical surface profilers, providing a non-contact measurement approach, reliably capturing 3D surface topography data without physically touching the surface. They are excellent for measuring 3D surface roughness parameters and texture, such as Sa and Sq, as well as for capturing detailed surface structures and shapes. Optical profilers are non-destructive and suitable for all sorts of surfaces including fragile or delicate ones. They are also faster for measuring larger surface areas. However, optical profilers may have limitations on shiny and bent surfaces. In summary, the choice between optical and tactile surface profiling methods depends on the specific application, the type of surface being measured, the required accuracy, and other factors. Both methods have their advantages and limitations.
How to quickly analyze surface texture, structural details & roughness in 3D - without contact
Related products
TopMap Micro.View+
TopMap Micro.View®+ is the next generation optical surface profiler in a modular design to reliably measure the most challenging analysis tasks regarding surface finish and microstructures with utmost precision. Focus Finder and Focus Tracker assist in keeping samples focused at all times, with fully motorized positioning units ready for automation. Find out more!
TopMap Micro.View
TopMap Micro.View® is an easy to use and compact optical profiler. Choose Micro.View® as the cost-effective quality control solution for surface analysis of precision-engineering, for inspecting roughness, microstructures and more surface details.
TopMap Pro.Surf+
The all-in-one 3D optical surface profiler from Polytec. The precision of a white-light interferometer, complemented by chromatic confocal sensors to overcome form deviations and any roughness determined with one device. Pro.Surf+ measures topography over a large area and, in so doing, characterizes structures with nanometer resolution.
Further applications in steel, aluminum and metal
- Form deviation & roughness
![Evaluating form deviation and roughness on metals and cnc manufactured parts]( "Evaluating form deviation and roughness on metals and cnc manufactured parts")
Evaluating form deviation and roughness on metals and cnc manufactured parts - Surface roughness
![Surface roughness masurement and measuring Ra, Rz roughness parameters]( "Surface roughness masurement and measuring Ra, Rz roughness parameters")
Surface roughness masurement and measuring Ra, Rz roughness parameters - Optical polishing
![Optical polishing inspecting micro scratches and imperfections on optics and glass components]( "Optical polishing inspecting micro scratches and imperfections on optics and glass components")
Optical polishing inspecting micro scratches and imperfections on optics and glass components - Surface parameters
![Surface parameter characterizing the form, waviness and texture of a workpiece]( "Surface parameter characterizing the form, waviness and texture of a workpiece")
Surface parameter characterizing the form, waviness and texture of a workpiece
