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!

Quality control of optical polishing and optical components
Quality control of optical polishing and optical components

Application note

Roping characterization methods on aluminum alloy sheets
Roping characterization methods on aluminum alloy sheets

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Surface quality control for additive manufacturing / 3D-printing
Surface quality control for additive manufacturing / 3D-printing

Application note

Surface roughness measurement, profile and areal evaluation of roughness parameters
Surface roughness measurement, profile and areal evaluation of roughness parameters

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Additive manufactured parts produced with different machining parameters resulting in different surface textures
Additive manufactured parts produced with different machining parameters resulting in different surface textures
Classification chart of topography components: form deviation, texture and flatness
Classification chart of topography components: form deviation, texture and flatness
Opticlal profiler TopMap measuring various 3D surface texturings of additive manufacturing
Opticlal profiler TopMap measuring various 3D surface texturings of additive manufacturing
3d texture of a 3D printed surface by whitelight interferometry
3d texture of a 3D printed surface by whitelight interferometry
Additive manufactured parts produced with different machining parameters resulting in different surface textures
Additive manufactured parts produced with different machining parameters resulting in different surface textures
Classification chart of topography components: form deviation, texture and flatness
Classification chart of topography components: form deviation, texture and flatness
Opticlal profiler TopMap measuring various 3D surface texturings of additive manufacturing
Opticlal profiler TopMap measuring various 3D surface texturings of additive manufacturing
3d texture of a 3D printed surface by whitelight interferometry
3d texture of a 3D printed surface by whitelight interferometry

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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Application guide Roughness evaluation according to the ISO 21920 standard
Application guide Roughness evaluation according to the ISO 21920 standard

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).

Scheme of line profile evaluation of surface roughness according to ISO 4287, 4288 and ISO 3274
Scheme of line profile evaluation of surface roughness according to ISO 4287, 4288 and ISO 3274

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.

 

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Scheme of areal evaluation of surface roughness acc. to ISO 25178-1,-2,-3
Scheme of areal evaluation of surface roughness acc. to ISO 25178-1,-2,-3

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

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Further applications in steel, aluminum and metal

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