What to know before you buy
This collection covers surface finish profilometer systems and related optical metrology tools. The benchtop precision contact measuring profilometer traces a stylus across the surface to record roughness and step height. It suits opaque samples, machined parts and coatings where contact with the surface is acceptable.
Non-contact options start with 3D optical surface profilometers in 220 x 220, 300 x 300 and 320 x 200 mm table sizes, with 1.85 or 8 µm/s scanning speeds. The white light interferometer has a 400 x 400 mm table and 20 kg load capacity for height mapping on larger parts. Confocal microscopes come with 200 x 200, 300 x 300 and 450 x 450 mm tables, and suit steep slopes and rough or patterned surfaces.
There is also a profilometer for optics surfaces and an optical grating length measurement system for length and displacement work. For more on stylus systems, see introducing the profilometer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I choose a contact or optical profilometer?
A contact profilometer drags a stylus across the sample and works well for roughness and step height on hard surfaces. Optical profilometers measure without touching, so they suit soft, delicate or patterned samples and give full 3D maps. Compare the contact profilometer with the 3D optical profilometers.
When is a white light interferometer the better choice?
White light interferometry gives very fine vertical resolution across the field of view, so it suits smooth surfaces such as polished wafers, optics and thin film steps. The MSE PRO white light interferometer has a 400 x 400 mm table with 20 kg capacity for larger parts.
What does a confocal microscope add for surface measurement?
Confocal microscopes handle steeper slopes and rougher surfaces than interferometers, and give sharp 3D images. Pick the table size to fit your parts: 200 x 200 mm, 300 x 300 mm or 450 x 450 mm, all rated for 10 kg.
How do I choose between the 3D optical profilometer models?
Start with the largest part you need to measure, then compare scan speed. The 320 x 200 mm table comes with 1.85 or 8 µm/s scanning speed. Faster scans suit routine checks, while slower scans suit fine detail. Check vertical resolution on each product page.
How do I request a quote for a metrology system?
Use the quote request page and include your sample materials, part size, the features you need to measure and the roughness or step heights involved. That helps match a profilometer, interferometer or confocal model to your work.
