tutorials

The Basics of Gaussian Filters

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!

Specification and Measurement of Plateau Honed Surfaces

The surface texture inside a cylinder bore is critical to engine performance. We've put together a guide to the types of surfaces and the best parameters to control them. We also discuss other critical aspects of cylinder bore texture , including crosshatch angle, torn and folded metal, and the pits and porosity caused by pull-out.

Areal Surface Texture Analysis

Areal Surface Texture Analysis for Both the Lab and the Engineer's Desk
March 7, 2019

This tutorial discusses a step-by-step and visual approach to surface texture analysis. The process, which is the basis of the OmniSurf3D software, allows designers, managers, process engineers and lab staff to explore, understand and communicate surface texture. By providing a common language for surface texture analysis, OmniSurf3D helps everyone involved to improve component performance.

What Do You Mean By “Roundness?”

What frequencies do we include in a roundness measurement?
June 26, 2014

This tutorial discusses aspects of specifying and measuring roundness - including the concepts of filtering for roundness and the choice of reference circles.

3 Steps to Understanding Surface Texture

October 19, 2023

“I have a surface finish specification. Where do I begin?  What do I need to know?”  This tutorial will help you get started with surface texture measurement and analysis.