2D / Line Profile Surface Profilometers

Description

2D/Line Profile Surface Profilometers are instruments designed to measure surface profiles, roughness, waviness, and other finish parameters. They provide a two-dimensional (2D) or line profile of a surface, capturing the variations in height along a line across the surface. These profilometers are essential tools for assessing the texture and quality of surfaces in various engineering and manufacturing contexts.

Working Principle

2D/Line Profile Surface Profilometers operate using either contact or non-contact methods. Contact profilometers, also known as stylus-based instruments, work by dragging a sharp, pointed tool across the surface. As the stylus moves, it records the height variations of the surface, which are then used to form a texture profile. Non-contact profilometers, on the other hand, measure surface texture by optically scanning the surface with a light or laser. These optical instruments may use techniques such as triangulation or interferometry to capture the surface profile. The utility of these profilometers lies in their ability to provide precise measurements of surface characteristics, which are crucial for quality control and ensuring the functionality of engineered components.

Applications

2D/Line Profile Surface Profilometers are used in a variety of specific applications. For instance, they are employed in the inspection of machined parts to ensure that surface roughness and waviness meet specified tolerances. They are also used in the quality control of optical components, where precise surface measurements are critical to the performance of lenses and mirrors. Additionally, these profilometers are utilized in the semiconductor industry to measure the surface profiles of wafers and other components.

Advantages over other Surface Profilometers

One of the key advantages of 2D/Line Profile Surface Profilometers, particularly the contact type, is their ability to provide highly detailed and accurate measurements of surface profiles. They are often more straightforward and less expensive than 3D or areal topography instruments, making them suitable for applications where detailed line profiles are sufficient. Additionally, contact profilometers can be advantageous in environments where optical methods might struggle, such as on surfaces that are highly reflective or transparent.

Limitations

Despite their advantages, 2D/Line Profile Surface Profilometers have limitations. Contact profilometers can be limited by the size of the probe, which may not be suitable for measuring very small or intricate features. Non-contact profilometers, while avoiding physical contact, may face challenges with surfaces that have steep slopes or complex geometries. Additionally, optical profilometers require precise light orientation and may not perform well on surfaces that are highly reflective or have varying optical properties.

Considerations

When selecting a 2D/Line Profile Surface Profilometer, several considerations should be taken into account. Initial costs can vary depending on the complexity and capabilities of the instrument. Operating expenses may include maintenance of the stylus or optical components, as well as calibration to ensure accuracy. Durability is another factor, particularly for contact profilometers, where the stylus may wear over time and require replacement. Accuracy is a critical consideration, as it directly impacts the reliability of the measurements. Finally, replacement and maintenance costs should be evaluated, as these can affect the long-term cost-effectiveness of the instrument.

17 Results
Blue laser scanner for industrial series applications -- scanCONTROL LLT2510-100/BL
from Micro-Epsilon Group

scanCONTROL 25x0 laser scanners are designed for industrial measurement tasks. Thanks to their high signal stability, versatility and excellent price-performance ratio, the scanners are particularly suitable for measurement tasks involving large quantities. They measure and evaluate, for example,... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile; Defects, dimples or film residues; Flatness; Step Height; Thickness; Warp / Bow
  • Vertical Range: 7.48 to 11.42
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Applications: Aerospace / Defense; Automotive; Coatings / Films; Flat Panel Display; Electronics; Bearings, Gears, Shafting, Seals, etc.; Medical; MEMS; Precision Machining / Grinding; Semiconductors; Production or Factory Use
High-performance green laser scanners with 4K resolution -- scanCONTROL LLT8500-100
from Micro-Epsilon Group

The new scanCONTROL 8500 laser scanners set new standards in industrial 3D measurement technology. For the first time, complete 3D data processing is performed directly in the sensor head in addition to 2D evaluation. The calculated measurement values are transmitted directly to a controller via... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile; Defects, dimples or film residues; Flatness; Step Height; Thickness; Warp / Bow
  • Vertical Range: 4.33 to 8.07
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Applications: Aerospace / Defense; Automotive; Coatings / Films; Flat Panel Display; Electronics; Bearings, Gears, Shafting, Seals, etc.; Medical; MEMS; Precision Machining / Grinding; Semiconductors; Production or Factory Use
Powerful 2D/3D blue laser scanners with highest precision -- scanCONTROL LLT3000-25/BL
from Micro-Epsilon Group

The scanCONTROL 30x0 laser profile scanners provide calibrated profile data with up to 9.6 million points per second. Thanks to their high accuracy, high profile frequency and versatility, these powerful scanners are suitable for demanding measurement tasks. They measure and evaluate, for example,... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile; Defects, dimples or film residues; Flatness; Step Height; Thickness; Warp / Bow
  • Vertical Range: 3.05 to 3.64
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Applications: Aerospace / Defense; Automotive; Coatings / Films; Flat Panel Display; Electronics; Bearings, Gears, Shafting, Seals, etc.; Medical; MEMS; Precision Machining / Grinding; Semiconductors; Production or Factory Use
Powerful 2D/3D laser scanners -- scanCONTROL LLT3002-430
from Micro-Epsilon Group

The scanCONTROL 30x2 laser profile scanners provide calibrated profile data with up to 7.9 million points per second. Thanks to their high accuracy, high profile frequency and versatility, these powerful scanners are particularly suitable for demanding measurement tasks. They measure and evaluate,... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile; Defects, dimples or film residues; Flatness; Step Height; Thickness; Warp / Bow
  • Vertical Range: 12.99 to 27.56
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Applications: Aerospace / Defense; Automotive; Coatings / Films; Flat Panel Display; Electronics; Bearings, Gears, Shafting, Seals, etc.; Medical; MEMS; Precision Machining / Grinding; Semiconductors; Production or Factory Use
Stylus Profilers
from Bruker Corporation

Bruker's Dektak ® stylus profilers are the product of over four decades of proprietary technology advances. They provide repeatable, accurate measurements on varied surfaces, from traditional 2D roughness surface characterization and step height measurements to advanced 3D mapping and film... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile; Roughness; Thickness
  • Applications: Electronics (optional feature); Semiconductors (optional feature); Photovoltaic Solar Cell Manufacturing
  • Technology: Contact / Stylus
  • Mounting / Loading Options: Benchtop (optional feature); Floor (optional feature)
3D White Light Interferometer Optical Measuring Unit - MarSurf -- WM 100
from Mahr Inc.

The precision optical measuring instrument MarSurf WM 100 with sub-nanometer resolution and measuring accuracy. A 3D white light interferometer measuring system. Features. Maximum precision with sub-nanometer resolution and measuring accuracy. Suitable for all optical and reflective surfaces, fine... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Vertical Range: 7.87
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Applications: Electronics; Bearings, Gears, Shafting, Seals, etc.; Medical; Optics / Photonics
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- CXMM 50
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

Seamlessly acquire full internal and external measurements of your components with the CXMM 50, a true X-ray Metrology CT system. Whether you need to measure the inside of a fuel injector or the coating thickness on a heart valve, the CXMM 50 was designed to give the user an unparalleled product... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 12
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 12
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- IMAGIX
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The ImagiX is North Star Imaging ’s most compact system. The generous scanning envelope can handle products up to 5 in (12 cm) in size making it a great choice for laboratories, small electronics and R &D applications. SYSTEM CAPABILITIES. Advanced 2D X-ray inspection. 2D CT Slice... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 5
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 5
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X25
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X25 is quite possibly the most conveniently sized system on the market. The system offers all of the same creature features as the larger systems while still maintaining the ability to fit through a standard interior door. The X25 is well suited for small to medium sized objects. SYSTEM... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 6
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 9
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X3000
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X3000 is North Star Imaging ’s newest standard system. Whether you are inspecting small or large components, the X3000 is the best option for customers needing a compact system with unique capabilities generally available on a larger X-ray or CT system. SYSTEM CAPABILITIES. X-ray Energies... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 19.5
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 24
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X3500
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X3500 is the standalone manipulator from North Star Imaging ’s newest system, the X3000. Whether you are inspecting small or large components, the X3500 is the best option for customers needing a compact system with unique capabilities generally available on a larger X-ray or CT system. [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 19.5
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 24
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X50
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X50 is one of NSI ’s most popular models for electronics, aerospace components and medical devices. It offers an excellent balance of power and space sensitivity. The system can handle products up to 12 in (30 cm) in size while seated nicely in your failure analysis lab or busy production... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 12
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 12
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X5000
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X5000 is the most versatile system offered by North Star Imaging. The system boasts a large scanning envelope and excellent ergonomics for loading sizable objects while still maintaining the sensitivity to inspect even the smallest of items. SYSTEM CAPABILITIES. X-ray Energies from 10 kV - 450... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 32
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 48
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X5500
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X5500 is the standalone manipulator from North Star Imaging ’s most versatile system, the X5000. The system boasts a large scanning envelope and excellent ergonomics for loading sizable objects while still maintaining the sensitivity to inspect even the smallest of items. SYSTEM... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 32
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 48
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X6000
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X6000 is specifically designed for castings and other large and heavy products. The system features a programmable C-arm manipulator for automated and repeatable inspection sequences. The massive access door and external indexing rotational stage make loading quick and easy. SYSTEM CAPABILITIES. [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 30
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 68
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X7000
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X7000 is North Star Imaging ’s largest standard system. The large scanning envelope and generous focal distance allow for unparalleled inspection capabilities of very large objects. The system is great for composites, castings, pipes, tubes, welds and similar parts. SYSTEM CAPABILITIES. [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 60
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 60
2D Digital Radiography and 3D Computed Tomography Inspection Systems -- X7500
from North Star Imaging, Inc.

The X7500 is the standalone manipulator from North Star Imaging ’s largest standard system, the X7000. The large scanning envelope and generous focal distance allow for unparalleled inspection capabilities of very large objects. The system is great for composites, castings, pipes, tubes, welds... [See More]

  • Measurement Capability: 2D / Line Profile; Area or three dimensional profile
  • Diameter / Width: 60
  • Technology: Optical / Laser
  • Height / Length: 60