SMJP1022-EXPERIMENTAL METHOD 2017

EXPERIMENT 2
SURFACE ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT
1. OBJECTIVE

This experiment mainly has the following set of objectives:

a) To use a stylus-type surface roughness measurement system.
b) To understand the principle of operation of a stylus-type instrument.
c) Estimate uncertainties related to surface roughness measurement.
d) Calculate the values of roughness parameters R a, Rrms, Rt and Rp for specimen profile.

2. APPARATUS

Tilting Adjustment Unit

Auto Set Unit

X-axis Adjustment Unit

Stylus Detector Drive Unit

Figure 1 MITUTOYO SURFTEST SJ-410 with Simple Column Stand

Figure 2 MITUTOYO SURFTEST SJ-410 Setup With Data Interface

 SMJP1022-EXPERIMENTAL METHOD 2017

3. THEORY

A surface measurement is the difference between two surfaces (where one as it is and the other as it is
intended to be); or it is the comparison of a surface that exists to a reference (which may or may not
exist). Surface roughness is the average deviation of a surface from a mean center line. Surface
roughness is important in the industry as to determine fatigue, wear and bearing (lubrication) in
manufacturing. The smoothest surface is not necessarily the best in reality.
There are four roughness parameters, as indicated in Figure 3 below:

i. Rt, maximum peak to peak height

ii. RP, maximum peak to mean height
iii. Rrms, root mean square height; for a waveform with period, L

Where Z(x) = y is in the direction of the height and x is in the direction of the waveform.
Simplifying Rrms;

iv. Ra, center line average height

Ra, the center line average is the most commonly used parameter in surface roughness evaluation. It is
calculated as follows:
1. Choose L to cover a significant number of surface finish cycles.
2. Draw line X-X (near center is easiest)
3. Calculate the distance, z where

4. Draw line Y-Y parallel to line X-X and at a distance z from it. Line Y-Y is the mean center line.
5. Calculate Ra.

Peak Line
Rt
Rrms
Ra
Mean Line
Rp

Valley Line
Sampling Length = Lr

Figure 3 Roughness Parameters

4. PROCEDURE
 SMJP1022-EXPERIMENTAL METHOD 2017

For this experiment, a few samples shall be provided to be tested and the results should be given clearly
with comprehensive discussion. Utilizing MITUTOYO SURFTEST SJ-410 device, the samples shall be
tested for roughness profile.
1) Perform vertical positioning so that the measurement range of the detector can be
obtained. Adjust the height of the detector unit so that the stylus comes in proper contact
with the measuring surface by turning the up/down knob on the height/tilt adjustment unit.
2) By moving the detector from side to side and turning the tilt knob of the height/tilt unit,
adjust tilt of the drive/detector unit so that the measured surface and drive unit are parallel
to each other.
3) If the measurement range of the detector cannot be obtained, perform step (1) and (2)
again.
4) After setting the workpiece properly, press the [START] key to begin measurement. The
operation button can be touched to switch the measurement results display.

Home screen -=> START button => Measurement Waveform Display screen => Home screen
(measurement being conducted)

5) After measurement and calculation is done by the device, a result will be printed out.
6) Repeat step 1— 5 for 2 other specimens/workpieces.

5. RESULTS AND DATA

Table 1
Test Specimen A B C
Ra Experiment
Rrms (Rq) Experiment
Rt (Rz) Experiment
L Experiment
Ra Calculated
Rrms (Rq) Calculated
L Specified

a) Decide on a particular wavelength, L on the roughness profile.

b) Plot the roughness profile for the specified L, and calculate R a and Rrms.

6. DISCUSSION
a) Discuss on the roughness profile, what each values mean.
b) Discuss on the deviation of calculated values against the printed result.
c) Determine and discuss error(s) that may have happened throughout the experiment.

7. CONCLUSION
Come out with a conclusion of what roughness measurement is, and how important it is for the
engineering industry.