Introduction

All parts have surfaces. Depending on their function, different types of parts require different
types of surfaces. Some parts require a smooth surface finish, like the ball bearing and
some require a rougher surface.

There are various instruments to measure surface roughness. The most common type is
portable surface roughness tester or surface profilometer. Most of these devices use
diamond stylus connected to a probe. The stylus is a cone-shaped, spherical tip that
contacts the surface being measured. It moves at a constant speed perpendicular to the lay
pattern and traces the irregularities across the work piece surface. The distance the stylus
travels is the cut-off. This movement is converted into an electronic signal and read by the
instrument.

It is a handy-type device that eases surface roughness measurement tasks, i.e. selection of
parameters to measure, adjusting the position of the stylus, reading of information (surface
roughness parameters, printing of information (measurement results), management and
calculation of information in digital systems and reading memory cards.
Objective

This practical task will be used to demonstrate the student’s ability to measure surface
roughness obtained from various manufacturing processes. It will used to interpret the
student’s knowledge and understanding of the theories and techniques discussed within the
topics into their practical application.

Main Resources

1. Roughness Precision reference Specimen (Mitutoyo :SJ-30)

2. Surface Replica 1 ( cylinder surface )

3. Surface Replica 2 (milling surface )

4. Surface Replica 3 (grinding surface )

Picture 1 : main resource

Theory

Calibration (Gain Adjustment)

After setting the roughness specimen in place, touch the [CAL] button in the Home Screen.
• Default setting for calibration Cutoff length :2.5mm
Number of sampling length : 5
Measured profile :R-profile
Filter : Gauss

Touch the [Specimen roughness] button if the displayed value need to be modified to the
actual roughness of the specimen. The specimen Roughness Input screen is displayed.
Change the value on the screen.

After changing the specimen roughness value, press the [ START/STOP] key.

Calibration measurement is performed.

A bar appears on the on the screen indicating the process of calibration. After the
measurement is complete, the measurement data is displayed.
Touch the [ENTER] button.
The calibration factor is update, and the calibration is complete
Measurement

After setting up the SJ-301 on the workpeice, press the [START/STOP] key.
• Default setting for measurement
Standard :JIS200i
Cutoff length : 0.8 mm
Number of sampling length : 5
Measured profile : R-profile
Filter :GAUSS

Measurement starts.

After the measurement is complete, data processing is performed. A bar appears on

the screen indicating the process of data processing.
 After the data processing is complete, the measurement data are displayed.
Resources and Facilities
Result

(cylinder surface)

Ra : 2.02 µm
Rz : 10.12 µm
 Rt : 18.12 µm
Rp : 5.87 µm
(milling surface)

Ra : 0.66 µm
Rz : 5.22 µm
 Rt : 8.48 µm
Rp : 1.83 µm
(Grinding Surface)

Ra : 0.35 µm
Rz : 2.37 µm
Rt : 2.93 µm
 Rp : 0.95 µm

Conclusion

We able to measure surface roughness obtained from various manufacturing process.

These interpret our knowledge and understanding of theories and techniques discussed in
this topic into practical application.

Discussion

We can see the result of number (Ra,Rz,Rt,Rp), where the smaller of number of
Ra,Rz,Rt,Rp the smooth of surface.

suggestion / comment

The sensor of portable surface roughness tester difficult to stand at worktable. So, we
suggest the equipment must be improve at the supporter/ stand of sensor.

The advantage of this machine is easy to carry to any place.

References
• Surftest SJ-301 Quick-reference Manual
• Bulletin 1967 ( 2009 Mitutoyo America Corporation, Aurora)
• http://www.mitutoyo.com