Optical profiling produces a high-precision three
dimensional measurement of the surface height of many materials.
Peak to valley sensitivity can be expressed in angstroms. Surface
peaks, valleys or step heights
are accurately and repeatably measured using NIST-traceable processes
- without surface contact, a non-destructive test.
Grinding, honing and polishing
3D optical profiling has been beneficially
used in determining and maintaining quality control in honing and grinding
of precision engineered surfaces.
For example, in polishing, honing
or grinding processes, successive measurements can be made of the
exact same location, to determine the cumulative effect or effectiveness
of the finishing process. Subsequent measurements are not affected by
smearing caused by stylus contact on fragile or soft surfaces. Sharp
microscopic peaks can be rounded by stylus contact, reducing their height
for subsequent measurements of the same location.
For high-slope surface effects, MicroXAM's
proprietary image stitching feature
allows multiple images at greater slope sensitivity to be stitched into
a contiguous single data plot.
Optimizing cutting tools and materials
Using optical profiling, cutting tools may be optimized by analysis
of wear on the cutting surfaces after successive cuts. Cutting speed,
materials and lubricating materials can be varied for testing and process
improvement and tribology of wear.
Texture of cut surfaces
Optical profiling with MicroXam is ideal for measurement of cut materials.
Whether your interest is analysis
of texture after cutting or distortion of materials as a result
of the process, vertical scanning interferometers are ideal for determining
the texture, roughness, asperity
and peak to valley parameters on cut surfaces.
