Roughness & surface profile measurement

Roughness & Surface Profile Measurement

Roughness & surface profile measurement covers both contact stylus and profilometer methods and 3D areal measurements to ISO 4287, ISO 4288 and ISO 25178. For blasted surfaces, blast profile tests are carried out according to ISO 8503 and ASTM D4417 – using replica tape, depth gauges or comparison plates. Supplemented by calibration standards, statistical functions and digital reports, the methods ensure standard-compliant documentation of surface quality.

Applications & Benefits

Used in blasting shops, steel and plant construction, shipyards, pipeline and tank construction, automotive, mechanical engineering and by coaters. Precise surface characterization secures adhesion, optimizes the coating appearance and documents the quality of surface preparation – with audit-proof records from laboratory to construction site.

Measurement Tasks & Set Configuration

Roughness measurement (ISO 4287 / ISO 4288): Selecting a suitable evaluation length and cut-off parameters (λc/λs) in line with the surface structure. Using appropriate contact stylus probes and filters for precise acquisition of profile values. Parameters such as Ra, Rz, Rq and Rmr are evaluated according to the specified standards.

3D areal measurement (ISO 25178): Optical acquisition of complex surface structures using 3D areal methods to determine S-parameters (e.g. Sa, Sz, Sq). This method enables topographical analysis of surfaces and microstructures with high reproducibility.

Blast profile measurement (ISO 8503 / ASTM D4417): Determination of surface profile on blasted steel substrates with replica tape (Method B) or depth gauge (Method C). Comparison and verification with standardized ISO 8503-1 reference plates.

Documentation: Results are clearly assigned via photos and labels / QR codes and can be exported as PDF / CSV reports. Serial number tracking and limit checking ensure traceability within the quality assurance workflow.

Product Areas & Integration

The range includes profilometers (contact stylus and optical), 3D areal systems, replica tape kits, digital depth gauges, comparison plates and step-height and reference standards. These are complemented by apps/cloud solutions and interfaces to digital QA systems. We define scope of testing, reference standards (ISO 4287/4288/25178, ISO 8503, ASTM D4417) and a measurement location plan and integrate the instruments into QA workflows, photo and report archives and audit processes. The result: reproducible surface parameters with full traceability.

Key Benefits at a Glance

• Standard-compliant – ISO 4287/4288/25178, ISO 8503 & ASTM D4417
• Broad coverage – roughness (Ra/Rz) & blast profile in the field
• Digital documentation – labels/QR, statistics, PDF/CSV & traceability
• Reproducible – calibration standards & defined evaluation lengths/filters

Top Manufacturers – Roughness & Surface Profile

• Elcometer – replica tape/depth gauges, comparison plates & reporting.
• DeFelsko – PosiTector RTR/Depth, app/cloud documentation.
• BYK-Gardner – optical/visual assessment & accessories.
• TQC Sheen – profile/roughness test equipment & references.
• Mahr – contact stylus profilometers (MarSurf) & calibration standards.
• Mitutoyo – portable profilometers & evaluation software.
• Taylor Hobson – high-precision surface/contour metrology.
• Rubert – comparison plates & reference standards (ISO 8503-1).
• Neurtek – accessories & lab supplies.
• PCE Instruments – measuring instruments & data loggers.
• Testo – climate/ΔT for stable measurement conditions.
• Extech – field/electrical measuring instruments.
• Rotronic – climate/temperature monitoring.
• OMEGA – sensors, probes & data acquisition.
• Phoenix Instrument – laboratory/testing technology.
• Grant – temperature/data loggers.
• KSJ – portable inspection instruments.
• 3M – sampling accessories & PPE.
• SIS Verlag – standards/guidelines & training materials.
• SATA – accessories for compressed air.
• beschicht. – QA templates, QR/label sets & customer-specific kits.

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