Surface Metrology

Precision Engineering
As products get ever smaller, new geometrical characteristics that weren’t quite as important in larger dimensions are influencing product functionality. Surface properties are very important when it comes to improving functions such as high-precision motion, automatic assembly or components’ service lives. This is particularly true in precision engineering. Only the right application allows you to manufacture parts with an extended service life for precision mechanics.
Last but not least, optical measuring technology is steadily gaining in importance in quality assurance operations for fine and microtechnology products due to its short measuring times, high resolution and contactless, non-intrusive measurement principle.

The Easier Way of Determining Surfaces’ Form Parameters
Product requirements in precision engineering – such as precise motion, improved service life, low wear, better packing densities and so on – for the most part go hand in hand with surface properties. Generally speaking, surfaces differ slightly in terms of size and form and satisfying the functional requirements, which is why even designers allow for a certain degree of variation.
Analyzing the surface properties is very easy using large-area measuring white-light interferometers. What’s more, you can measure several samples at the same time thanks to the large measurement ranges of Pro.Surf and Pro.Surf+, Metro.Lab or In.Line.
A Practical Example:
A certain degree of form variation is welcome when it comes to microdrives, so that the desired freedom of movement is guaranteed.

Related products

TopMap Metro.Lab
Being a complete measuring station, the TopMap Metro.Lab is ideally suited to large-area topographies on almost all surfaces. Since it offers great value for money, it is also attractive for smaller companies with fewer tasks.

TopMap In.Line
The TopMap In.Line’s compact design means it can be easily integrated into the production line and quickly carries out checks on differently reflective surfaces. Steps, larger ripples or other surface structures do not pose any problems here.

TopMap Pro.Surf®
Ideal for quick and precise 3D surface characterization. The areal measurement ensures that no details are overlooked. Short measuring times and a large field-of-view characterize the TopMap Pro.Surf®.
Modifying Material Distribution on Functional Surfaces in a Controlled Manner
Products’ performance can be modified and requirements optimized accordingly by characterizing material distribution on functional surfaces. With white-light interferometers from the TopMap series, you can capture such surfaces quickly and precisely – no matter whether you’re working in your metrology lab or in the production environment.
You should therefore opt for the surface measurement systems from Polytec, and specifically for the TopMap models.
A Practical Example:
In some applications, increased friction brought about by distributing diamond particles on one surface can help to prevent the undesirable relative movement of touching surfaces. The desired level of friction is achieved by modifying the particle size, shape and quantity.

Related products

TopMap Metro.Lab
Being a complete measuring station, the TopMap Metro.Lab is ideally suited to large-area topographies on almost all surfaces. Since it offers great value for money, it is also attractive for smaller companies with fewer tasks.

TopMap In.Line
The TopMap In.Line’s compact design means it can be easily integrated into the production line and quickly carries out checks on differently reflective surfaces. Steps, larger ripples or other surface structures do not pose any problems here.

TopMap Pro.Surf®
Ideal for quick and precise 3D surface characterization. The areal measurement ensures that no details are overlooked. Short measuring times and a large field-of-view characterize the TopMap Pro.Surf®.
Reliable Pass-Fail Analysis in-line or at-line
In industrial processes, everything depends on high precision during the manufacturing process, and accordingly tight tolerances must be complied with if this is to be achieved. Modern production measuring technology ensures that these limits are complied with at all times. After all, you will only continuously achieve high product quality if you use precise instruments.
Optical surface measurement systems that can be integrated in the production line as in-line applications detect defective parts within the process. These results enable you to take precautions that adjust production operations in good time. Reliable pass/ fail decisions in production lines increase efficiency and keep your reputation high.
Polytec's white-light interferometers allow you to contactlessly examine both structures and surfaces in the blink of an eye. In many cases, an object’s entire topography needs to be checked prior to certification. Polytec TopMap surface measuring systems increase testing efficiency due to its large areal measurements.

Related products

TopMap In.Line
The TopMap In.Line’s compact design means it can be easily integrated into the production line and quickly carries out checks on differently reflective surfaces. Steps, larger ripples or other surface structures do not pose any problems here.

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...
Guarantee Perfect Results when Measuring Wear
Now you can do more besides simply recording lubricant holding capabilities. The mechanical loading capacity can also be optimized through precise surface characterization. When such surfaces are manufactured, very small surface parameter tolerances are called for, while throughput must remain at a consistently high level. To this end, Polytec’s white-light interferometers from the TopMap range offer contactless surface metrology with a high repetition rate to record the entire surface’s topography in a matter of seconds.
Documents
A Practical Example:
Wear and tear studies are typical applications for TopMap products, which is why the figure illustrates a measurement on the surface of a brake disk. The wear is marked in green, making it clearly visible. The results are used in the fault analysis.

Related products

TopMap Metro.Lab
Being a complete measuring station, the TopMap Metro.Lab is ideally suited to large-area topographies on almost all surfaces. Since it offers great value for money, it is also attractive for smaller companies with fewer tasks.

TopMap In.Line
The TopMap In.Line’s compact design means it can be easily integrated into the production line and quickly carries out checks on differently reflective surfaces. Steps, larger ripples or other surface structures do not pose any problems here.

TopMap Pro.Surf®
Ideal for quick and precise 3D surface characterization. The areal measurement ensures that no details are overlooked. Short measuring times and a large field-of-view characterize the TopMap Pro.Surf®.
Related products

TopMap Metro.Lab
Being a complete measuring station, the TopMap Metro.Lab is ideally suited to large-area topographies on almost all surfaces. Since it offers great value for money, it is also attractive for smaller companies with fewer tasks.

TopMap In.Line
The TopMap In.Line’s compact design means it can be easily integrated into the production line and quickly carries out checks on differently reflective surfaces. Steps, larger ripples or other surface structures do not pose any problems here.

TopMap Pro.Surf®
Ideal for quick and precise 3D surface characterization. The areal measurement ensures that no details are overlooked. Short measuring times and a large field-of-view characterize the TopMap Pro.Surf®.