Application Note | Texture Consistency
Surface Texture Consistency Using 3D Profilometry
Quantifying a Repeating Floor Texture for Production Quality Control
Research & Experimental Testing
Craig Leising
Visual Design & Editorial
Andrew Shore
Introduction
Throughout many industries, surface texture is an important aspect of product design. Surface texture not only refines the physical appearance of a product but also serves applications requiring a controlled level of friction or grip, such as flooring. For this reason, machined and molded surface texture production environments are increasingly seeking ways to improve and enhance the control of the intended surface texture.
Importance of 3D Non-Contact Profilometry for Texture Consistency
Unlike other techniques such as touch probes or interferometry, the 3D Non-Contact Profilometer, using axial chromatism, can measure nearly any surface; sample sizes can vary widely due to open staging and there is no sample preparation needed. Nano through macro range is obtained during surface profile measurement with zero influence from sample reflectivity or absorption, with advanced ability to measure high surface angles and no software manipulation of results. It easily measures any material: transparent, opaque, specular, diffusive, polished, rough, etc. The technique of the non-contact profilometer provides an ideal, broad and user friendly capability to maximize surface studies when surface texture analysis is needed, along with the benefits of combined 2D and 3D capability.
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Measurement Objective
In this application, the NANOVEA ST400 Profilometer is used to measure the surface texture of linoleum flooring. The intended surface texture should be a repetitive structure with the same relative size. Measuring a small area shows how consistently this texture is being produced.
NANOVEA ST400 Standard
Optical 3D Profilometer
Results
The topography of a 10 mm × 10 mm surface and each individual depression with its deepest point are shown in Fig. 2. From these, the mean data for the depressions are calculated, as listed in Table 1.
| Depression statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Mean area | 0.394016 mm² |
| Mean volume | 0.000408109 mm³ |
| Mean of mean diameters | 0.683262 mm |
| Mean form factor | 0.638741 |
| Mean aspect ratio | 1.67253 |
| Mean roundness | 0.636164 |
Table 1: Mean data for the depressions.
The power spectrum density shows dominant wavelengths around 0.68 mm and 0.74 mm, with minor peaks up to 1.72 mm.
The density of depressions shows a fairly even distribution, with a peak around 2.3 per mm².
Surface roughness and surface area are calculated from the 3D measured area (Fig. 5 and Table 2).
| ISO 25178 parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sa | 4.67062 µm |
| Sq | 5.34149 µm |
| Sz | 27.4532 µm |
| Sp | 14.2310 µm |
| Sv | 13.2221 µm |
| Sku | 1.82375 |
| Ssk | 0.0363592 |
| Sdar, developed area | 110.278 mm² |
| Spar, projected area | 100.000 mm² |
Table 2: Surface roughness and surface area (from Fig. 5).
Conclusion
In this application, we have shown how the NANOVEA 3D Non-Contact Profilometer can precisely characterize the surface texture of linoleum flooring. To check consistency, it would be helpful to measure a batch of samples and compare the parameters shown here. The values of average area occupied, wavelength and density of depressions should be particularly helpful when creating a quantitative quality control process. Surface roughness and surface area are particularly useful when considering the average height of the peaks and valleys (Sa), the maximum peak height and pit depth (Sp and Sv), and the increased surface area created by the texture (Sdar).
Frequently Asked Questions About Surface Texture Consistency
Why measure texture consistency?
Surface texture refines appearance and controls friction or grip, as on flooring, so machined and molded texture production needs a way to confirm the intended texture is being reproduced.
How was the flooring texture analyzed?
A 10 × 10 mm area was scanned, each depression was segmented with its deepest point, and statistics, power spectrum and roughness were calculated.
How large were the depressions?
Mean area 0.394016 mm², mean diameter 0.683262 mm, mean form factor 0.638741, aspect ratio 1.67253 and roundness 0.636164.
What is the texture wavelength?
The power spectrum shows dominant wavelengths around 0.68 mm and 0.74 mm, with minor peaks up to 1.72 mm.
How rough is the texture?
Sa 4.67062 µm, Sz 27.4532 µm, with a developed area of 110.278 mm² over 100 mm² projected (ISO 25178).
How would this be used in production?
Measure a batch of samples and compare these parameters; depression area, wavelength and density are especially useful for a quantitative quality control process.
