What is non-contact surface scanning?

Non-contact surface roughness/profile measuring Instruments. A non-contact measuring instrument uses light in place of the stylus of used in a contact-type measuring instrument. These instruments come in multiple types, such as confocal and white light interference, and vary depending on the principle used.

What instrument measures surface roughness?

A roughness tester is used to quickly and accurately determine the surface texture or surface roughness of a material. A roughness tester shows the measured roughness depth (Rz) as well as the mean roughness value (Ra) in micrometers or microns (µm).

How does a stylus detect surface roughness?

With contact-type surface roughness instruments, a stylus tip makes direct contact with the surface of a sample. The detector tip is equipped with a stylus tip, which traces the surface of the sample and electrically detects the vertial motion of the stylus.

Is Lidar a non-contact measuring instrument?

Examples of non-contact devices include Vision Systems, CT Scanners, Laser Scanners, Photogrammetry, Articulating Laser Scanning Arms, Structured Light Scanners, and CFS Sensors (Confocal White Light Sensor) devices.

What is non-contact method?

Non-contact or touchless dimensional measurement devices are the modern new comer to an array of contact devices that have been traditionally used. Contact devices are discussed in this link on Common Contact Measurement Devices.

How do you measure RA?

Ra is measured using a profilometer. This is an instrument with a stylus that travels across the surface and measures the difference in height between the peaks and valleys of the surface profile. ISO standards use the term CLA (Center Line Average), which is interpreted identically to Ra.

How can surface roughness be measured electronically?

With a contact-type roughness meter, surface roughness is measured by tracing the probe across the surface of the target. In contrast, a laser-based non-contact roughness meter emits a laser beam onto the target and detects the reflected light to measure the roughness.

What is an example of a non-contact measuring instrument?

Non-contact scanners fall into a few general categories: Optical Comparator, Vision Systems, CT Scanning, Photogrammetry, Long Range, Laser, Structured Light, Laser Radar and CFS.