news

New Tutorial: Predicting fatigue failure—a better texture parameter

Where will cracks develop in a surface's texture? In a lot of literature researchers often focus on the deepest valley, using roughness parameters such as Rv and Sv. But cracks don't always form at the deepest valleys. A better way to predict cracking is to focus on the sharpness of features rather than the depth. In this tutorial we’ll show you a better method, and better parameters, for estimating sharpness and predicting crack development. Learn more! Read More

Video Tutorial: Gaussian Filtering Basics

Do you really know the difference between roughness and waviness?

If we want to understand and describe surface texture, we need to understand how to separate roughness from waviness. We often do this by applying a Gaussian filter. In this short video we show you how that process works. We'll also show you the importance of the "filter cutoff wavelength," where we choose to separate roughness from waviness. This cutoff has a huge impact on the values of our surface roughness parameters!

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TraceBoss+ Reference Profile – Watch the 60-Second Surface Analysis Video

Do you ever want to compare a surface you're making to a past surface that you know performed well? TraceBoss+ now gives you that ability with a single click! Find out how the new Reference Profile gives you an immediate visual reference, so instead of just honing by numbers you can target the SHAPE that you know is good. Read More

The Surface Texture Answer Book—now in hardcover format!

We've had a lot of requests for a hard bound version of The Surface Texture Answer Book—and now it's here! The new hardback edition is ready to withstand daily use in in manufacturing, in a lab, in a greasy shop...wherever your need to have this reference close at hand. The Answer Book is also available in paperback, and in e-book format for viewing on a Kindle device or using the free Kindle app. Now you have three ways to get answers when you need them! Learn more about this valuable reference and purchasing options here. Read More

Join us for a FREE webinar on August 28

Join us for a FREE webinar! On August 28, 12:00–1:00 PM (CDT), Digital Metrology's Mark Malburg will present, "Intros and Advancements in Surface Measurement," as part of NCSL International's "Metrology in Motion" Webinar Series. The event is free of charge and open to all NCSL members and non-members. For more information and to register visit ncsli.org/page/mmws. Read More

Don’t be fooled by your measuring microscope!

Measuring microscopes (or “optical dimensional microscopes”) can be used to measure lateral features like circumferences. Some also report 3D surface roughness statistics...but there's a big difference between optical dimensional measurement and optical surface texture measurement. OmniSurf3D software can help you to verify that the measured feature heights are "real" — see how in this Surface Notes blog post.   Read More

Free Webinar: Surface Finishes When Reconditioning Engine Components

On Thursday, Aug 1, join us for the free webinar, "Looking Beneath The Surface – Ensuring Proper Surface Finishes When Reconditioning Engine Components.  
 
Total Seal’s Lake Speed Jr., LN Engineering’s Charles Navarro, and Digital Metrology's Mark Malburg will discuss the importance of correct surface finishes in reconditioning engine components. Topics will include honing, cleaning, and measurement techniques to ensure proper function, and techniques to determine if critical surfaces have been properly prepared for reassembly. 
 
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60-Second Surface Analysis Video: Wear Analysis

Analyzing wear depth is not something you’d usually think of as “fun”…but with the Wear Analysis in OmniSurf3D, it kind of is! In this video we use the Wear Analysis tool to quickly measure the depth and volume of a wear scar. The whole process is super-fast and really intuitive.

 

 

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Wear Analysis Tool

You have a worn component...but worn by how much? Or, perhaps you have several parts that have worn differently, and you need to know why. 

The new Wear Analysis tool in OmniSurf3D lets you see the wear and describe it numerically, in just a few clicks. It can even handle complex underlying geometries. 

See it in action in this video! 

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Notepad Series Video: Do our measurements agree?

What do you do when your measurements don’t match what your supplier or customer measured?  In this Notepad Series video we show you a technique that can help you compare the measurements—not just the differences in the average values but also the variability in the measurements. It’s very helpful for interpreting differences in data.

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