Title: Three-dimensional surface-topography assessments using a stylus/computer system

Authors: Paul W. O'Callaghan, Ramiz F. Babus'Haq, S.Douglas Probert, G.N. Evans

Addresses: Department of Applied Energy, School of Mechanical Engineering, Cranfield Institute of Technology, Bedford, UK. ' Department of Applied Energy, School of Mechanical Engineering, Cranfield Institute of Technology, Bedford, UK. ' Department of Applied Energy, School of Mechanical Engineering, Cranfield Institute of Technology, Bedford, UK. ' Microprocessor Applications Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, Cranfield Institute of Technology, Bedford, UK

Abstract: A highly accurate measuring system has been developed for providing three-dimensional measurements of engineering surfaces and the quantification of surface degradations due to wear or other deformation processes. It is based on a stylus profile-tracing instrument, and incorporates an automatically controlled parallel-profile digitising stage. A software package has been developed to facilitate the processing, manipulation and visualisation of the data to research workers and/or customers. Examples of typical quantitative and qualitative full-colour surface representations produced by the system are shown.

Keywords: engineering surfaces; profile-tracing apparatus; surface degradations; stylus-based profilometers; computer systems; 3D surface topography assessment; surface measurement.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCAT.1989.062654

International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology, 1989 Vol.2 No.2, pp.101 - 107

Published online: 11 Jun 2014 *

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