Profilometrista

A profilometrista is a professional who uses profilometers to measure surface topography and texture. They work in manufacturing, materials science, and research settings to characterize how a surface functions and to ensure conformance with design specifications.

Profilometers come in two broad families: contact stylus profilometers that draw a stylus across a surface to record height variations, and non-contact optical profilometers that use light or lasers to map topography. Optical methods include interferometric, confocal, and white-light profilometry, often enabling faster, damage-free measurements and higher vertical resolution.

Typical measurements include surface roughness parameters such as Ra, Rq, and Rz for 2D profiles, and areal parameters like Sa and Sq under ISO 25178. Profilometrista may also measure film thickness, step heights, waviness, and 3D surface textures. The data are analyzed with specialized software, and results are documented in calibration certificates, measurement reports, and traceability documentation.

Responsibilities include instrument setup and calibration, selecting appropriate measurement regimes (roughness vs texture), ensuring traceability to standards, evaluating measurement uncertainty, and maintaining metrology records.

Industries include automotive, aerospace, electronics, optics, medical devices, and research labs.

Education and training typically involve a background in mechanical engineering, materials science, or metrology, with vocational training for technicians. Knowledge of standards such as ISO 4287, ISO 25178, and ISO 9001 is common, along with proficiency in metrology software and data interpretation.

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