Optical 3D surface profiling

Roughness

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. 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.

Flatness

Surface flatness tolerances are defined for many manufactured parts since flatness is crucial for many applications in order to ensure functionality of technical components. With flatness being an essential surface parameter, it influences e.g. the leakage of sealing surfaces on flanges and valve seats. In precision optics where optical polishing is applied, the flatness of e.g. glass substrates, optical mirrors or beam splitters is one of the most important quality indicators. But not only precision mechanics and optical components widely use flatness tolerances. In the electronics industry it is important to know whether the flatness of PCBs is within specified tolerances to ensure electrical connectivity when attaching multiple parts e.g. via soldering process. For surfaces that move relative to each other, surface flatness can also affect noise levels and sound emission of components. Simply put, flatness tolerances widely influence product reliability, functionality and even noise.

Step-height

The inspection of step height plays an important role in quality inspection. For this reason, many technical drawings contain tolerance specifications for height dimensions, for example for shoulders, grooves and bores. If the specifications for step height are violated, disadvantageous gap dimensions occur or two component surfaces come into unintentional contact. This can lead to leakage at sealing surfaces, interrupted current flow at electrical contacts or increased frictional resistance and wear. In addition, the step height measurement can also be used to optimize build-up or ablation manufacturing processes; both the thickness of non-transparent layers can be determined and the material removal e. g. by laser pulses can be checked.

Microstructures

Using the versatile surface measurement systems from Polytec, you can complete your micro and nano technology tasks reliably, quickly and with a high level of precision. You can eject channel depths on your lab-on-a-chip, determine the step height on MEMS packaging, establish how flat pressure sensors are and analyze MEMS using surface parameters. Even performing dynamic out-of-plane and in-plane measurements on RF filters to determine MHz resonance frequencies will be a simple task.

Layer thickness

The scratch test is a popular adhesion test for thin, hard and well-adhering coatings such as TiC (titanium carbide) on steel or cemented carbide substrates. Coating thickness measurement of non-transparent materials can also be measured at the edge of a coating or by a step-height measurement of the scratch. Layer thicknesses from a few μm upwards can be detected on transparent coatings at any position. 

A wide variety of surface defects in coating and metallizing can be measured, qualified and catalogued, including voids, streaks, chatter, droplets, spots, dimples, holes, scratches, coating disturbances, contaminants, orange peel, and visual texture appearance. Defects can be quickly visualized, measured and the information used to help identify its cause, so that process cures can be quickly implemented, optimized and then monitored to show the improvements in end coated surface quality control. Defects can be measured and qualified on a coating to help identify the cause.

Texture

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.