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2D Contact Profilometry

Standards We Test

ISO 4288:1996

Geometrical Product Specifications (GPS) — Surface texture: Profile method — Rules and procedures for the assessment of surface texture

Service Overview

The OIC offers surface characterization and contour analysis services. These testing procedures provide valuable information at critical points throughout the product lifecycle. Information obtained can be used preproduction during the material selection process. Design engineers can use the information as they strive to improve specific surface characteristics. During manufacturing, these procedures play a significant role in validation and quality control. Following implantation, researchers are able to characterize surface damage on retrieved implants, and feed this information back to designers who can then improve existing products and optimize new products.

Additional Information

What equipment do you use for carrying out these measurements?

We perform all of our measurements using the Surfcom 2900SD2, which is manufactured by Carl Zeiss Industrial Metrology. The CNC-controlled contact profilometer is able to perform 2D roughness and contour scans according to ISO standards for profilometry. We are able to perform scans on a variety of materials and geometries.

What are the contour equipment specifications?

Parameter Specification
Probing System Measuring Range 50mm
Resolution 0.025μm
X Tracing Driver Transversing Stroke 100mm
Measuring Speed 0.03-20mm/s
Resolution 0.1μm
# Measuring Points Max. 100 000
Sensing Arm Measuring Force Max. 30mN
Stylus Tip Radius 25μm
Follow-up Angle 77° upwards/downwards
Z Column Height 450mm
Travel Speed Max. 10mm/s

What are the surface roughness equipment specifications?

Parameter Specification
Probing System Measuring Range 1000mm
Resolution 0.1nm
X Tracing Driver Transversing Stroke 100mm
Measuring Speed 0.03-3mm/s
# Measuring Points Max. 100 000
Sensing Arm Measuring Force Max. 0.75mN
Stylus Tip Radius 2μm-60° cone
Stylus Tip Material Diamond
Z Column Height 450mm
Travel Speed Max. 10mm/s

Why is this type of measurement important?

A thorough knowledge of surface topography is essential when selecting a material for a specific function, creating a design, and manufacturing a product. The use of surface characterization and contour analysis during product development, design, and manufacture will assure that the incorporated surface is able to meet essential design and performance criteria.

What other capabilities does your technology have?

In addition to 2D roughness measurements, the 2900SD2 is able to perform 3D roughness measurements through the use of an automated external y-table. Visualization of specific surface features is possible with the SurfMap software, which provides numerous evaluation techniques that can be applies to the data obtained from the 3D scan. The available evaluation techniques include volume calculations, photo simulation, step height analysis, and Abbott-Firestone curves.

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