3D Metrology: Easy analysis of surfaces

Application Case 1: Measuring roughness and microgeometry on dental implants

The surface texture plays a central role in dental implants. The miniature components must meet specific requirements in order to be able to integrate into the jaw quickly, without complications and permanently. Continuous measurement of 3D surface roughness during the manufacturing process is required to ensure adherence to specified roughness tolerances. In addition, it is important to check the surface geometries.

The confocal 3D measuring system MarSurf explorer is ideal for both measurement tasks: it is suitable for testing extremely rough and fissured surfaces where tactile measurement technology often fails. Even on steep flanks, such as on the thread of a dental implant, the measuring microscope provides accurate and repeatable measurement results. The measurement takes only about 5 to 10 seconds. The result is standardized, reproducible 3D characteristics with which the quality-critical processes can be safely controlled.

Application Case 2: Determining the roughness of sandblasted surfaces

If a surface is to have a certain texture, appearance or fit, it can be changed by sandblasting, for example. Structurally modified surfaces can be found almost everywhere – from frosted glass panes to gearbox parts made of metal, during which the lower-strength layers have been removed in the course of production.

When a surface is sandblasted, in addition to the roughness, in particular the texture direction, the bearing components and the peak density change. These very individual, sometimes arbitrary parameters have a major impact on the function or visual appearance. In order to meet them in terms of quality assurance, the highly complex condition must be analyzed on the individual workpiece by means of optical 3D measurement, for example from the MarSurf CM series. With the confocal measuring technique, deep structures in the centimeter to nanometer range can be detected – results that are not achievable with a tactile or optical 2D measurement.