stylus method – The basis of tactile roughness measurement

The stylus method is one of the most precise and frequently used methods for measuring surface roughness. It belongs to the group of tactile roughness measurement methods and is used primarily in quality assurance and the manufacturing industry to check the surface quality of workpieces.

What is that stylus method?

At the stylus method The roughness of a surface is determined using a so-called stylus device measured. A fine diamond stylus moves mechanically over the surface to be measured. During the process, the stylus records the unevenness of the surface by recording its height and depth differences. These deviations are converted into electrical signals, digitized and then analyzed to determine roughness parameters such as Ra (arithmetic mean of roughness) or Rz (average roughness depth) to be calculated.

The process is based on the principle of direct contact and delivers extremely precise results – even with microscopic irregularities. This makes it an essential component of stylus method.

How does it work stylus method?

1. Preparing the measurement: You clean the surface of the workpiece thoroughly to ensure that no contaminants distort the measurement.
2. Probe movement: You guide the probe over the surface and thereby determine a defined measuring distance, the so-called stylus length. This procedure is typical for the stylus method.
3. Data collection: As the stylus moves, record the profile curve of the surface. This curve provides detailed information about the roughness.
4. Evaluation: You then analyze the collected data and convert it into standardized roughness values, which are often defined in manufacturing standards.

Advantages

• High precision: It enables measurements with an accuracy in the micrometer range.
• compliance with standards: The method meets international standards such as ISO 4287, which makes it universally applicable and a key strength of the stylus method.
• versatility: It is applied to a wide range of materials including metals, plastics and glass.

In addition, it is comparatively cost-effective because the devices are robust and durable.

Limitations of the stylus method

Despite its precision, there are also some limitations:

• sensitivity to dirt: Dust or oil on the surface can distort the measurement results.
• contact-based method: Since the stylus moves directly over the surface, there is a risk of scratches on sensitive materials, which must be taken into account in the practice of the stylus method.
• time expenditure: Compared to non-contact measurement methods, the process may take longer.

For particularly sensitive or complex surfaces, alternative methods such as optical roughness measurement be more suitable.

Conclusion

The stylus method is the basis of tactile roughness measurement and impresses with its precision, reliability and compliance with standards. It is ideal for quality control in industry, but requires careful preparation and is not always the best choice for sensitive surfaces. Despite its limitations, it remains one of the most proven methods for determining surface roughness and a key component of the stylus method.