As manufacturing tolerances have grown smaller, there has developed a need to control more than the dimensional properties of products during manufacturing. The geometrical component is contained in the first 0.001 in. To evaluate the specifications and the process, surface texture and form must be measured using microsurface metrology techniques. Manufacturers measure this component to ensure that product specifications are met and to control the manufacturing process. While most manufacturers understand the necessity of ensuring specifications, the use of microsurface metrology to control manufacturing processes often is not understood.
Surface texture determines how efficiently a surface does work, or transfers energy.
For example, on a bearing surface a plateau of short peaks is desirable to support loading tall peaks will wear off rapidly. It is also important to maintain enough deep valleys to retain lubrication. Lubrication retention in the surface ensures adequate oil film thickness between moving components. Correct control of the surface texture ensures a component will meet criteria for wear life, heat generation, noise, and vibration. Measuring the surface texture provides information that is vital to effective control of the manufacturing process.