In addition to our Form and Difference Measurement solutions, we offer non-contact, high-resolution profile and area-based surface finish measurement of surfaces down to 1.2 µinches. Our surface roughness tester, 3D surface profiler technology is capable of measuring the surface roughness, surface finish, surface profile, and surface texture of almost any material, including metals, ceramics, and plastics.
Our surface measurement capabilities are particularly valuable for validating the superior finishes achieved through processes like our Fine Hole Drilling Service, where interior surface quality is critical to component performance. Our goal is to support OEM customers and manufacturing service providers within the major Aerospace, Automotive, Communications, Defense, Medical and Scientific industries.
Profile roughness measurements allow for measurement of both roughness and waviness along an extracted profile to measure roughness values including Ra, Rq, Rz, and many others.
Area-based roughness measurements characterize the surface texture of an entire area through the use of surface texture parameters (Sa, Sq, Sz) and bearing area curve parameters (Sk, Spk, Svk).
Through the use of advanced form removal algorithms, roughness parameters can be extracted on complex surfaces including radii, threads, spherical surfaces, and other surfaces with underlying form. This technology allows EDM 3D Metrology Services to measure roughness on complex parts that are otherwise not measurable using traditional surface roughness measurement methods.
Surface roughness itself is defined as the frequency of peaks and valleys in the base material of a surface. In machined parts, such as those produced through our Wire EDM services, the surfaces are composed of complex shapes made of a series of peaks and valleys of widely varying heights, depths, and spacing. The surface roughness is affected by the asperities of that surface. Surface texture measurement is a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of any manufacturing project.
Surface Roughness Measurement both characterizes and quantifies a surface, which is crucial for precision applications like Sinker EDM components that require specific surface properties. Surface finish callouts are typically listed as requirements on engineering drawings along with the other dimensions and tolerances of a part. These surface roughness measurement values are calculated using a surface roughness tester, called a 3D surface profilometer, and are expressed as a single numeric parameter, Ra, if the calculation involves calculating the roughness of a part’s linear profile or Sa if it involves the roughness of a parts full surface area.
Intelligent solutions to manufacturing and measurement challenges are what we do. Over the past 25 years, we’ve completed thousands of measurement and metrology projects. What differentiates EDM Intelligent Solutions 3D Metrology services from the competition is our unique understanding of each manufacturing process. The EDMIS metrology technicians and applications engineers support their colleagues in our tight tolerance CNC machine shop that produces ultra-precision components for customers every day. Harnessing this unique relationship with manufacturing, our metrology team has the experience needed to fully assist our customers leverage the measurements taken of their components to improve their manufacturing processes. We are confident that we can measure your most challenging components and work with you to fully understand what those measurements tell you about them. To learn more about how EDMIS can help you, contact our metrology team with your request for quote.
Here are quick answers to common questions we receive about 3D surface roughness measurement and testing:
Profile roughness measures the waviness along a single extracted line or profile on a surface, while area roughness measures the surface texture of an entire area. Profile roughness uses parameters like Ra, Rq and Rz, while area roughness uses parameters like Sa, Sq and Sz, plus bearing area curve parameters like Sk, Spk and Svk.
A 3D surface profilometer is a type of surface roughness tester used to characterize and quantify the surface of a part. It calculates surface roughness measurement values, typically expressed as a single numeric parameter like Ra for linear profiles or Sa for full surface areas. The equipment is critical for precision applications requiring specific surface properties, like aerospace and medical, where component performance is paramount.
To handle surface contamination during measurement, we maintain a clean environment and use careful sample handling protocols to get the most accurate reading. As for reflectivity issues, like highly polished or glossy surfaces, our advanced non-contact 3D surface measurement technology is designed to effectively manage them.
Using sophisticated optical techniques and advanced algorithms, our technology can accurately capture surface data on a wide range of materials, including those with reflective properties.
For surface roughness, we can measure parameters like Ra, Rq, Rz and more. For area-based roughness characterizing an entire surface, we provide Sa, Sq, Sz parameters and Sk, Spk, Svk for bearing area curve parameters. These detailed parameters give you a complete and comprehensive understanding of your surface texture.
When looking for surface roughness services near your business or headquarters, EDM Intelligent Solutions is ready to serve you wherever you are located in the USA. Whether you are located in Utah, Washington, Alabama, Michigan, or beyond, we are happy to serve you.
