Welcome to the Surface Roughness Analysis Blog
Why do brakes squeak? When will a gasket leak? What caused the haziness in my painted finish?
Surface texture and function are tightly linked. Understanding the relationship between texture and function, and sharing that information with engineers and quality professionals, is what Michigan Metrology is all about.
The articles in this blog explore the concepts of surface texture analysis and measurement. We show how you can apply these concepts to solve problems related to leaks, squeaks, appearance, wear, noise, fit, friction, vibration, adhesion, and many other functions.
Looking for more information on specific surface texture parameters? Visit our Surface Texture Parameters Glossary for an introduction to dozens of 3D surface roughness analysis parameters.
And, if you want to learn much more about surface texture consider attending our online and in-person classes for an immersive introduction to the many concepts in surface analysis.
Surface Measurement Series Video – Clutch Plates
June 1, 20263D surface texture impacts friction, wear, and many other functions. This video looks at 3D surface roughness measurement of clutch plates. We look at how these surfaces can be tuned
Surface Measurement Series Video – Medical Devices
May 19, 2026Surface texture on medical devices affects many aspects of performance: how well an implant will bond to tissue, how blood will move over a device without clotting, how well a
Surface Measurement Series Video – Brake Rotors
April 10, 20263D surface texture measurement shows us a lot about a surface and how it will function. In this video series we show you how 3D measurement works and all we
Surface Measurement Series Video – Step Heights
March 24, 20263D surface texture measurement shows us a lot about a surface and how it will function. In this new video series we show you how 3D measurement works and all
Surface Roughness Top Ten
July 9, 2025If you work with precision surfaces, you’ve most likely encountered callouts for surface roughness/surface texture. At first glance, roughness may seem straightforward…you run a roughness gage over a surface, it
Why do seals leak…when Ra meets spec?
June 13, 2025Surface texture plays a major role in sealing. But just making a surface “rougher” or “smoother” may not improve how well your surfaces seal. Interested in a deep dive into
I need 3D surface texture measurement (but a new system isn’t in the budget)
April 22, 2025Measuring surface roughness in 3D can offer a host of benefits. But for many companies, a measurement system may not be in the near-term budget. Here’s a way to reap
My Ra values are different…should I care?
March 25, 2025The average roughness parameter (Ra, or Sa for 3D measurements) is helpful for spotting changes in a surface or in surface-forming processes. A common question, however, is: how much of
What makes this measurement system so special?
January 2, 2025Through Michigan Metrology’s 30 years in business, we’ve owned many generations of 3D surface texture measurement instruments. For the past 10 years we’ve been lucky to have what we consider
3D surface texture measurement through the years
December 19, 2024As we’re continuing to look back on our 30 years in surface texture measurement, we thought it would be interesting to look at how far measurement technology has come over
Video Intro to Michigan Metrology
November 8, 2024Don Cohen decribes Michigan Metrology’s contract measurement services, measurement consulting, and surface roughness/wear/tribology training classes. Learn how Michigan Metrology can help you solve issues related to leaks, squeaks, friction, wear,
New paper focuses on surface finish for castings
October 17, 2024The surface finish of castings can be as critical to quality as for any precision surface. Yet, finish requirements in the industry are often ill defined, loosely referencing RMS roughness