The surface quality is the critical determiner of the product characteristics. To analyze and improve modern tribological surfaces it is not sufficient to determine the parameters Rpk, Rk and Rvk from individual profile lines. In fact, surface characteristics must be evaluated as an area, e.g., by the areal functional parameters Spk, Sk and Svk as counterparts of the profile parameters. In the past, the quality assurance in the production of functional surfaces was judged by tactile devices. The strengths of the confocal measuring principle of structured illumination are seen particularly on reflecting, fine surfaces, also with transparent layers. With the patented Confovis technology, the geometrical structure even of fine surfaces and components can be monitored at every step in development and production.
For example, toolmakers can inspect milling cutters, taps or indexable inserts not only with respect to their geometrical features such as cutting-edge radius or cutting-edge angle but can also measure the roughness with reference to norms. Large angles are measured by focus variation. Extremely fine surfaces are measured with the confocal measuring principle down to the single-digit nanometer scale.
