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Surface roughness evaluation
Optical profilometers are increasingly replacing tactile measuring systems. Eventually in the near future, 2D parameters will only endure where their informative value is sufficient. A comprehensive and full 3D characterization of the entire sample surface e.g. by using optical surface metrology like TopMap whitelight intefereometers offers an intuitive visualization of measurement data while permiting extensive evaluation options for a deeper analysis and feedback on the production process. Sign up and read in the full paper about surface roughness and how to measure surfaces faster and more efficient.
How to quickly measure surface roughness in 3D
This video shows how to measure and characterize surface roughness on mechanical engineered components, e.g. polished surfaces using non-contact optical surface profilers like the TopMap whitelight-interferometers. Choose your magnification, benefit from motorized turret and the automatic Focus Finder for areal 3D roughness measurement and evaluation. Manage and load your individual and predefined measurement recipes for simplified quick starts of 3D roughness evaluation and easily report and share your insights on roughness evaluation e.g. according to ISO 25178 and more.
Optical vs tactile surface roughness and texture evaluation
If the surface has randomly distributed features, the result for the roughness parameter is strongly influenced by the measuring position. In many cases, profile-based surface description is insufficient to provide information about functional behavior of the surface. Profile based surface characterization allows only limited information about the cause of poor functionality and so includes limited information for quality control purposes.
Custom roughness measurement and evaluation?
Areal 3D surface roughness measurement data
Three-dimensional, areal topography measurement is not subjected to those limitations. Not only does it provide an image of the surface that makes it easier to understand, but areal measurements also enable a function- and structure-oriented evaluation. Furthermore, 2D profiles can easily be extracted from the areal measurement data which can again be evaluated according to the common rules of profile-based roughness evaluation. In contrast to a tactile roughness measurement, optical 3D roughness measurement is non-contact and non-reactive thus avoiding any damage or influence on sensitive surfaces by the measurement procedure.
Areal surface roughness measurement data provides an easy and complete view of an entire surface. In contrast, a profile measurement contains only a limited section of the entire surface and is less intuitive.
ISO for profile and areal surface evaluation
The measurement chains for the areal or profile-based surface evaluation are described in ISO 25178 or ISO 4287, they differ from each other with some details.
Related products
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 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 Pro.Surf+
The all-in-one 3D optical metrology solution from Polytec. This ultra precise white-light interferometer combines a chromatic confocal sensor for roughness profiles with an areal measurement of geometrical paramters and form deviation in a multi-sensor system. Pro.Surf+ is the choice to measure both the topography of large sampels with a large field of view (FOV) while also characterizing structural details with nanometer resolution.
Further applications
- 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 - 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 - 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
