Surface Roughness Measurement & Analysis Software
Overview
Adcole’s Surface Roughness Measurement and Analysis software is engineered to deliver precise surface characterization for camshafts, crankshafts, and a wide range of cylindrical or near-cylindrical components. Designed for use with the Adcole 1000 and 1000-Z gages, this advanced software ensures optimal machine performance and extended service life by accurately measuring and monitoring surface roughness.
Surface roughness plays a critical role in key performance factors such as load-bearing capacity, sealing effectiveness, lubricant retention, friction, and wear. As modern engines evolve—with thinner lubricants and tighter bearing clearances—surface finish quality has become more vital than ever for high-performance manufacturing.
Key features of the software include:
- Comprehensive Roughness Analysis: Measures and reports standard surface roughness parameters.
- Tolerance Monitoring: Automatically flags out-of-tolerance values and highlights warning zones.
- Customizable Reporting: Generates fully programmable reports in both paper and PDF formats.
- Advanced Visualization Tools: Includes zoomable surface roughness charts, FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) graphs, and bearing area curves for deeper insight into surface characteristics.
With its robust analytical capabilities and user-friendly interface, Adcole’s Surface Roughness Software empowers manufacturers to maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Software Capabilities
This system provides high-resolution surface roughness analysis compliant with ISO 4287 and ASME B46.1 standards, making it ideal for precision-critical industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical device manufacturing. It supports selective re-measurement of out-of-spec regions, integrates with SPC platforms like Q-DAS® for real-time quality control, and offers configurable scan parameters with data densities of 2000 samples/mm or more. These capabilities are essential for applications such as evaluating sealing surfaces in hydraulic systems, inspecting turbine blades, or verifying the finish on orthopedic implants.
The system generates programmable reports in paper or PDF formats, automatically flagging out-of-tolerance and warning-zone measurements. Wizard-driven utilities streamline the creation of inspection routines and standardized documentation. Advanced visualization tools—including zoomable roughness profiles, FFT graphs, and Bearing Area curves—enable in-depth surface characterization, supporting functional assessments like wear resistance and lubrication retention. This makes the system a powerful tool for both production environments and R&D labs focused on surface engineering.
Benefits
This system delivers a fully automated, push-button part inspection and traceability solution, incorporating Ford Motor Company’s QLS-CM and leveraging each part’s unique production history. It features a real-time, user-friendly interface that:
- Displays part geometry
- Roughness parameters in callout boxes
- Color-coded tolerance indicators (green for pass, red for fail, black for undefined).
- Highlights the journal under inspection with animated part rotation for enhanced clarity.
It supports full inspection data playback for troubleshooting, ensuring traceability and process transparency. Secure communication with PLCs and motion control systems is maintained via a dedicated NIC on a private TCP/IP network. The system is compatible with a range of input devices, including Cognex® Dataman® barcode scanners, Taylor Hobson® tactile stylus probes, and Zygo® 3D white light interferometry sensors, enabling flexible integration across diverse inspection setups.
Roughness Parameters Calculated / Reported
MR1
MR2
Ra
Rdc – Htps
Rmr – Tp
Rp
Rp/Rt
Rpm
Rpm – Rz
Rpk
Rsk
Rt
Rtm – Rz (DIN)
Rvk
R3z
Rz (JIS)
Rz – Rmax
Comprehensive Engineering & Technical Support
Our team of dedicated engineers is ready to help you with any needs regarding your Adcole shaft metrology gage. We offer global technical support, training, upgrades for your gage, and gage recertification. Contact us today to schedule your service with one of our field service engineers.
