Encountering Surface Finishes in the Everyday World

There is probably no quality characteristic more important than surface finish. One can’t look around their immediate environment without finding a requirement involving surface finish — and probably needing to be controlled.

Engineered surfaces are often specified as part of the manufacturing process to achieve the proper function of a manufactured product. Surfaces are often critical, as they can define essential functions such as:

• How well paint or coatings may adhere
• How much contact area exists between two mating surfaces
• How much a specific type of lubricant will be held in place by the surface
• How the surface will be affected by load, speed or direction of motion
• How it physically appears to the human eye

Selecting the optimal measurement method to ensure accurate analysis of engineered surfaces is crucial. Surface finish measurement techniques can generally be classified into two categories: contact and noncontact. Contact methods involve linear measurement (profile method), where a stylus tip traces along a single line of the sample surface and rises and falls to determine roughness measurements.

In addition, there are 3D measurement tools that provide new insights into surface structures and processing. Areal 3D measurements are a recent advancement that can analyze a larger surface sampling area, offering comprehensive information about the surface’s structure, properties and characteristics. Whether a full waviness or contour analysis is conducted or a standard roughness parameter is measured, surface measurement is becoming increasingly important to ensure proper performance.

These advanced surface measurement tools are not only beneficial in the manufacturing industry but also have unconventional applications. Here are some examples of atypical applications for surface finish:

Golf clubs: In the last few decades, dramatic technical changes in golf clubs have made the game a little easier to play. It has been demonstrated that new club head and face designs help players hit the ball farther and straighter and also make it easier to hit it out of the rough.

In response, the United States Golf Association (USGA) has revised its rules, placing restrictions on the cross-sectional area and edge sharpness of a golf club’s grooves, with the exception of drivers and putters. The revisions are designed to help restore the challenge of playing to the green from the rough by reducing backspin on those shots.

As implemented, the rule limits groove edge sharpness on clubs with lofts equal to or greater than 25 degrees — generally a standard five-iron and above. Golf club manufacturers can use surface finish and contour systems to measure club faces to ensure they meet these specifications.

Slip hazards: Slips and falls can cause injuries and result in legal liabilities and financial losses. However, property owners can take proactive measures to minimize slip hazards and manage surface finishes to mitigate the risk of accidents. By doing so, the well-being of occupants is protected, and potential cost savings related to injury claims, legal disputes and insurance premiums are also possible.

By utilizing roughness measurements, engineers can conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the slip potential of a floor surface. This evaluation is crucial in identifying high-risk areas and implementing appropriate measures to mitigate potential hazards. Moreover, various flooring materials and finishes possess different slip-resistance properties. Surface finish measurement enables building designers and facility managers to make well-informed decisions about the most suitable material selection for specific areas.

Surface finish measurement is also necessary in some industries to comply with safety regulations and standards such as OSHA. Regulatory agencies have specific requirements for slip resistance in different settings, such as public spaces, workplaces or residential buildings. Measuring and documenting the surface finish enables property owners and facility managers to ensure compliance; thereby reducing liability risks.

Household paper products: There is a surprising amount of science behind making household paper products such as paper towels and toilet tissue that optimize characteristics such as absorbency or smoothness. Surface finish and texture are significant factors. Measuring the surface finish helps optimize key product attributes by identifying the ideal combination of smoothness and porosity. This ensures that household paper products can effectively absorb liquids while providing a soft, gentle feel.

Surface finish measurement also helps determine performance characteristics. For example, strength and tear resistance are affected by surface finish. Measuring and controlling these parameters enables manufacturers to produce household paper products that are durable and strong. Surface finish measurement further ensures consistent quality, and manufacturers can certify that final products meet specifications by measuring the smoothness, roughness or texture.

From everyday items to vital technologies, surface finish plays a critical role in a wide variety of applications. The ability to accurately measure surface finish is crucial to ensuring that engineered surfaces comply with specific quality requirements.