profilometrit

Profilometrit are instruments used to measure the surface profile of a material. They can be classified as contact profilometers, which use a stylus that traces the surface as it moves, and non-contact profilometers, which use optical methods such as laser scanning, confocal microscopy, interferometry, or focus-variation. They provide 2D line profilometry and 3D areal profilometry.

Measurement produces a height function h(x,y) along a path or over a field. From the height data, surface roughness and form attributes are extracted. Common 2D metrics include Ra (arithmetical mean roughness), Rq (root-mean-square roughness), Rz (mean peak-to-valley height). In 3D profilometry, Sa, Sq, Sz and other areal parameters are used. The data can also reveal waviness, form errors, and step heights. Standards such as ISO 4287 for roughness, ISO 25178 for areal roughness guide parameter definitions and measurement procedures.

Profilometry is used in manufacturing quality control, process development, coating characterization, optics, and tribology. It supports material testing, surface engineering, and metrology workflows. Key considerations include measurement range, stylus tip radius, the choice between contact and non-contact methods, sampling density, and environmental conditions.