profilometers Insights

What is profilometers?

A profilometer is a measuring instrument used to determine a surface's profile, in order to quantify its roughness. Profilometers are commonly used in manufacturing and research to measure surface texture, step heights, and other micro-scale features. There are several types, including stylus-based (contact) and optical (non-contact) instruments.

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What other technologies are related to profilometers?

profilometers Competitor Technologies

optical comparators

Optical comparators are used for non-contact measurement and inspection, providing similar functionality in determining dimensions and geometric features, particularly for 2D measurements.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 13% (228) of relevant job posts

height gauges

Height gauges are used to measure vertical distances and can be used as a lower cost alternative for some profiling applications.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 7% (146) of relevant job posts

micrometers

Micrometers are precision instruments used to measure small distances and thicknesses, and can compete with profilometers for simple dimensional measurements.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 2% (478) of relevant job posts

interferometers

Interferometers, particularly optical interferometers, can be used for surface metrology and provide similar high-resolution surface topography measurements as some profilometers.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 10% (59) of relevant job posts

calipers

Calipers are basic measuring tools, a low-cost alternative for basic dimension measurement, but with lower precision compared to profilometers.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 2% (349) of relevant job posts

dial indicators

Dial indicators measure small linear distances or variations and may be used for basic surface profiling or runout measurements as a cost effective alternative.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 4% (130) of relevant job posts

microscopes

Microscopes, especially optical microscopes with surface profiling capabilities, provide visual inspection and dimensional measurement of small features, competing with profilometers.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 3% (109) of relevant job posts

CMM

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are used for precise 3D measurement and inspection, providing similar capabilities in dimensional analysis as profilometers, especially for larger parts.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 1% (202) of relevant job posts

profilometers Complementary Technologies

gauge blocks

Gauge blocks are used for calibration and verification of measurement instruments, including profilometers.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 10% (79) of relevant job posts

pin gages

Pin gages are used for checking hole sizes and dimensions and can be used with profilometers for comprehensive dimensional analysis.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 6% (56) of relevant job posts

GD&T

Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a system for defining and communicating engineering tolerances and is used in conjunction with profilometer measurements to assess part conformance.

mentioned alongside profilometers in 0% (62) of relevant job posts