The mechanical behaviour displayed at the interface between two solid objects as they approach and move from non-contact to complete contact is known as contact mechanics, and it is largely governed by surface structure. In particular, asperity structures (roughness, surface slope, and fractality) and material qualities dominate the regulation of normal contact stiffness.

Roughness is thought to be detrimental to part performance on engineering surfaces. As a result, the majority of production prints only specify a roughness upper limit. Cylinder bores are an exception because oil is retained in the surface profile and a minimal level of roughness is necessary.

Surface friction and wear characteristics are frequently closely correlated with surface structure. Generally speaking, a surface with a larger fractal dimension, a high Ra value, or a positive Rsk will have a little more friction and wear down more quickly. The locations of contact aren’t necessarily the peaks in the roughness profile. It’s also important to take into account the shape and waviness, or both amplitude and frequency.

NextGen’s NG-SR200-T and NG-SR300-T System Surface Roughness Testers can work continuously for over 20 hours.

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