Surface Texture Metrology Matures
The answer to whether a part meets specification is often a “yes” or “no” on a printed report, a “good” part versus “bad.” However, these numerical values—the information passing from quality to engineering and manufacturing—is often not enough information to solve quality issues or improve processes.
Form Measurement: Back to Basics
Form is a relatively easy thing to measure in many senses. In the simplest manner, form measurement involves a probe or stylus being moved along an ideal circular or linear path to gather data on the probe movements relative to that ideal geometry. The analysis is usually pretty straightforward; the measured data points are filtered and mathematical operations are performed to ascertain the results.
Flatness – Surface vs. Feature of Size
Surface flatness is the type of flatness that most people are familiar with. On a drawing, the flatness callout can point straight to the surface with a leader arrow or be extended out from the surface and away from the feature of size.