K505/46

FORM TALYSURF
INTRA

Operator’s Handbook

P.O. Box 36, New Star Road, Thurmaston Lane, Leicester LE4 9JQ England. .
Telephone +44 (0)116 2763771 Fax +44 (0)116 2741350
Website www.taylor-hobson.com
Publication K505/46 Issue 1.5, June 2002
Handbook revision applicable
to software Version 1 issue 5
 CONTENTS

Page
SAFETY ............................................................................... 1

SPECIFICATIONS .............................................................. 5

SETTING-UP ..................................................................... 11

DESCRIPTION.................................................................. 17

OPERATION ..................................................................... 67

PARAMETER DEFINITIONS AND THEORY ............... 81

ACCESSORIES ............................................................... 127

GLOSSARY..................................................................... 161

APPENDIX A Data Exchange Protocol Conversion....... 179

CUSTOMER SERVICES ................................................ 185

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page i

 CONTENTS

Page ii Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SAFETY

WARNINGS
Battery Charging
Use only the batteries (249/36) and the battery charger
(265/943) supplied by Taylor Hobson Limited, in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. Using unsuitable battery
charging equipment may result in an explosion and cause
injury and damage.
Battery Short Circuit
Do not place a battery in a container that also has metal
objects that may cause a short circuit. (e.g. do not carry a
battery in a pocket that also contains coins or other metal
objects). If the battery is short-circuited, an internal fuse will
blow. This will render the battery useless.
Instrument Storage
If the instrument is to be unused or stored for more than one
week, the batteries must be removed.
Disposal
Batteries can present an environmental hazard. Therefore:
Remove the batteries before disposing of a Traverse Unit or a
Processor Control Module. The batteries can be returned to
Taylor Hobson Limited for safe disposal.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 1

 SAFETY

CAUTIONS

1. The Traverse Unit MUST be carried by BOTH handles.

Lifting by one handle only may damage the Traverse Unit.

2. The Processor Control Module

MUST NOT be carried by the
stand. This component is not
designed for this purpose
.

Page 2 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SAFETY
ENVIRONMENT
The instrument is designed to be safe when, in addition to the electrical and
environmental conditions described below, the following conditions also
apply:
i The system is located indoors, in dry conditions.
ii Fluctuations in the mains supply voltage do not exceed ±10%.
iii The altitude does not exceed 2000m.

Electrical supply
This equipment is intended for installation category (overvoltage category)
II, in accordance with IEC 1010 (1990) and EN 61010-1 (1993).
Voltage: 100 - 240Vac
Frequency: 50/60Hz.
Max. power requirement: 30VA

Environmental Conditions
Ambient temperature range
Operation: 15°C to 35°C
Storage: 0°C to 50°C
Ambient relative humidity: 10% to 80% non-condensing

Cleaning
The plastic cases of the instrument should be cleaned using a soft cloth
moistened with a solution of water and a mild detergent. DO NOT attempt
to use any other cleaning solvents or materials as these may damage the
plastic.

The recommended cleaning product for the PCM touchscreen is a Lint free,
quick drying, Isopropyl Alcohol surface wipes.
For the metallic components the product recommended should either be the
Lint free, quick drying, Isopropyl Alcohol surface wipes, Ethyl Alcohol or
Methyl Alcohol

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 3

 SAFETY

Page 4 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SPECIFICATION
ANALYSIS
Form Removal: None, Datum, LS line, MZ line,
LS arc
Form Parameters: Slope (LS line, MZ line)
Radius (LS Arc and Absolute Arc)
Primary Analysis
Filter: Gaussian
Cut offs (Ls). None, 0.0025mm to
0.8mm
Parameters: Pa, Pq, Pv, Pt, Psk, Pp, Pku,
Pz(JIS), PLamq, PDelq, PS, PSm,
Pz, PDela, ln, PLo, Pc.
*Extended parameters: Pvo, PPc, PHSC, Pmr, Pdc.
Roughness analysis
Filter: Gaussian, ISO 2CR, 2CR PC
Cut offs (Lc). 0.08mm to 8.0mm
Bandwidths: 30:1, 100:1, 300:1
(depending on cut off)
Parameters: Ra, Rq, Rp, Rv, Rt, Rsk, Rku, Rz,
Rz(JIS), Rz1max, R3y, R3z, RS,
RSm, ln, RLo, Rc. RDela, RLamq,
RDelq.
*Extended parameters: Rvo, RPc, RHSC, Rmr, Rdc.
Waviness Analysis
Filter: Gaussian ISO 2CR, 2CR PC
Cut offs (Lf). 0.025mm to 8.0mm
Parameters: Wa, Wq, Wp, Wv, Wt, Wsk, Wku,
Wz, WLamq, WDelq, WS, WSm,
WDela, ln, WLo, Wc.
*Extended parameters: Wvo, WPc, WHSC, Wmr, Wdc.

* The user may define 5 of each of these parameters for any single analysis

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 5

 SPECIFICATION

Rk Analysis
Filter: Gaussian
Cut offs (Lc). 0.08mm to 8.0mm
Bandwidths: 30:1, 100:1, 300:1
(depending on cut off)
Parameters: Rk, Mr1, Mr2, Rpk, Rvk, A1, A2.
R&W Analysis
A and B cutoffs: ISO standard values from for
0.02/0.1mm to 0.5/2.5mm and
user entered values up to
A=5mm, B=25mm.
Parameters: Pt, R, AR, Rx, W, AW, Wx,
Wte, SR, SAR, SW, SAW

INSTRUMENT (M112/2936)
Traverse (measuring) length: 0.1mm to 50mm (0.004in to
1.97in)
Run up distance required: 0.3mm (0.01in) max.
Straightness (using 1mm range conical diamond stylus):
Form best fit straight line: 0.3µm over 50mm
(12µin over1.97in)
0.2 over any 20mm
(0.78µin over any0.78in).
Inclination best fit straight line: + 35 degrees
(Range referred to straightness
datum)
Accuracy of slope measurement: within 3% of measured angle
(Ra less than 0.1µm)
Form best fit circular arc (P+V): 0.25µm/9.5mm (10µin/0.37in)
on calibration ball
Radius (min 1mm, max 1000mm): within 2% at 1mm,
0.04% at 12.5-28mm
0.2% at 1000mm
Parameter measurement height: within 2% +6nm
(peak parameters only)

Page 6 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SPECIFICATION

Measurement speed: 1.0mm/sec (0.039in/sec)

Auto return speed and set-up speed: Up to 10mm/sec (0.39in/sec)
nominal
Removable media: One PCMICA type II slot provided
for use with optional PC Card
INDUCTIVE GAUGE
Nominal Gauge Range: 1mm (0.039in) nominal
0.2mm (0.008in) nominal
Gauge Resolution: 16nm with 1mm range
(0.64µin with 0.039in range)
3.2nm with 0.2mm range
Stylus force: 0.7mN to 1mN
Stylus: 2µm radius conisphere
Gauge Body Diameter: 25mm
Length: 70mm
Weight approx.: 90g

DIMENSIONS AND WEIGHTS

Traverse unit length: 535mm retracted,
(incl stand. gauge and 60mm stylus) 585mm extended
Traverse unit depth: 116mm
Traverse unit height: 160mm
Processor Control Module length: 285mm
Processor Control Module depth: 200mm
Processor Control Module height: 80mm

Traverse Unit weight: 5.6kg (with batteries)

4.9kg (without batteries)
Processor Control Module weight: 1.9kg (with batteries)
1.5kg (without batteries)

POWER
Electrical supply: 110/220/240V 50/60Hz
Via low voltage adaptor supplied
Power consumption: 10VA (Traverse Unit)
18VA (Processor Control Module)

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 7

 SPECIFICATION

Batteries (optional): 6V NiMH rechargeable

Charger (optional): For three batteries, charge time
two hours
Battery life: two hours

INFRA RED COMMUNICATION

Range: 1m
Angular range: + 20°

CALIBRATION ARTEFACT
For use on 60mm long stylus arms: Precision Tungsten Carbide
ball nominally 25mm diameter

For use on 120mm long stylus arms: Ball nominally 44mm diameter

Stylus details

1mm Range Stylus Arms.

Nominal effective arm length: 60mm

Actual arm length:

Standard Conical Diamond 112/2009

Range: 1mm (0.039in)
Tip Radius: 1.5 - 2.5µm
Stylus force over full range: 70-100mgf (0.7 - 1mN)
Enter 12mm bore to depth of: 12.7mm
Measurable depth of recess: 5mm

Page 8 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SPECIFICATION

Recess Conical Diamond 112/2011

Range: 1mm (0.039in)
Tip Radius: 1.5 - 2.5µm
Stylus force over full range: 70 - 100mgf (0.7 - 1mN)
Depth of recess measurable: 11mm

Small Bore Conical Diamond 112/2012

Range: 1mm (0.039in)
Tip Radius: 1.5 - 2.5µm
Stylus force over full range: 70 - 100mgf (0.7 - 1mN)
The stylus will enter:
6.0mm bore to depth of: 12.5mm
2.0mm bore to a depth of: 5mm
2.5mm bore to a depth of: 11mm
1.4mm wide groove to depth of: 5mm
2.3mm wide groove to depth of: 11mm
3.0mm bore to depth of: 25mm

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 9

 SPECIFICATION

Chisel Edge Diamond Stylus Arm 112/2013

Range: 1mm (0.039in)
Chisel Edge Tip: 2.5µm x 0.9µm
Stylus force over full range: 70 - 100mgf (0.7 - 1mN)
The stylus will enter 12mm bore
to a depth of: 12.7mm

2mm Range Arm With Sapphire Ball Stylus (Cannot be used with a
Guard Nosepiece).
Nominal effective arm length: 120mm

Actual arm length:

Standard Ball Stylus 112/2010

Range: 2mm (0.078in)
Ball radius: 0.5mm ± 0.125µm
Stylus force over full range: 1.5 - 2.0 gf (15 – 20N)
Measurable depth of recess: 11mm

Page 10 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SETTING UP
SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT
Unpacking the Instrument
Initial installation is carried out by a service engineer, or a representative,
of Taylor Hobson Limited. PLEASE DO NOT UNPACK YOUR
INSTRUMENT, OR ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS, UNLESS WITH
PRIOR AGREEMENT WITH A SERVICE ENGINEER OR
REPRESENTATIVE OF TAYLOR HOBSON LIMITED.
Siting the instrument
The overall accuracy of measurement results will be influenced by
environmental conditions, particularly; draughts, vibration and the rate at
which the ambient temperature changes. The choice of location depends on
the application requirement. However, to ensure that the optimum
performance is achieved, wherever possible, the instrument hardware
should be installed with consideration given to the surroundings in which it
will operate.
The following items must be considered when siting the instrument;
Draughts
Draughts and airborne vibration should be avoided particularly
when measuring in the skidless mode. Avoid placing the
instrument in draughts or directly under air conditioning vents.
For particularly critical applications it is often beneficial to cover
the instrument to minimise the effects of air movement and
airborne vibration.
Temperature Gradients
Avoid siting the instrument in areas that have a very rapid
temperature gradient, as in the case of being near windows or
skylights where sunlight may fall on the instrument.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 11

 SETTING UP

Areas that experience temperature gradients of over 2°C/hour are

not ideal for the measurement of precise form. For the
measurement of surface texture parameters, a higher value can be
tolerated (in the order of 5°C/hour).
Vibration
Vibration is particularly detrimental for the measurement of
surface texture. It is essential that a good solid table, with anti-
vibration mountings, is provided for applications in potentially
“noisy” environments. The Taylor Hobson Instrument desk with
anti-vibration mounts is recommended.
Power Supply-Mains Operation
It is important that a clean power supply should be provided to the
instrument. If in doubt, many computer peripheral dealers can
supply a suitable Un-interruptible Power Supply (U.P.S.). A
complete U.P.S. system for the instrument can be obtained from
Taylor Hobson Limited.
Hardware Installation
Table
A strong stable mounting, such as an instrument desk, is required
to support the instrument (particularly when a column and stand is
included). With the instrument desk in the required position, use
the adjustable feet on the table to bring the table level. A bubble
level should be used to assist the operation and check the result.
CAUTION
The base and column, together, weigh a maximum of 136 Kg (299
lbs). If the column and base are being used, the table must be
capable of safely supporting this weight plus any other
accessories.

Page 12 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SETTING UP

Granite Base 112/3046

Note: Initial installation is carried out by a service engineer, or a
representative, of Taylor Hobson Limited.
Fit the four screw-in carrying handles, ensuring that they are
screwed fully into the holes in the ends of the base (two handles at
each end). Lift into position on the table. It is advisable to
remove the handles after the base has been positioned. As the
base weighs 100 Kg (220 lbs) the user must decide whether to use
manual or mechanical lifting, depending on the environment and
the distance to be moved.
WARNING: The threaded holes on the top of the base MUST
NOT be used for lifting. The column must be removed from the
base before attempting to lift the base.

Free Standing Base 112/3066

Installation information as for Granite Base except that the free
standing base weighs 50kg (110lbs).
Column
Note: Initial installation and setting of the column to the base
(112-3046 only) is carried out by a service engineer, or a
representative, of Taylor Hobson Limited.
The column is delivered laying horizontally. It should be lifted in
this position.
WARNING: The column weight is 36kg (79lb). DO NOT
attempt to lift the column by the leadscrew or the handwheel.
Once one end of the column is positioned on the base, then the
column can be raised from the horizontal to the vertical. It MUST
immediately be moved across the base until the column slots align
with the base holes. Bolt the column into place.
WARNING: DO NOT leave a column standing in the vertical
position if it has not been bolted into place.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 13

 SETTING UP

The user must decide whether to use manual or mechanical lifting,

depending on the environment and the distance to be moved.
Interconnections
Connect the units as shown in the following diagram. Ensure that a good
earth is available for the instrument when the power supply is connected.
This is essential for both safety and correct operation.
Before assembling the Gauge with the Adjustable Height Unit, read the
description of how to fit the Gauge, given on page 21.
Before attempting to fit a Stylus into the Gauge, read the description given
on pages 24 and 25.

ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT UNIT.

GAUGE
TRAVERSE UNIT

POWER
SUPPLIES To Printer (when included).
see page
29

MAINS POWER

Page 14 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 SETTING UP

Mounting traverse unit onto column carriage

WARNING: Before placing the traverse unit on the carriage adaptor plate,
ensure that the adaptor plate is firmly secured to the column carriage.
The traverse unit is mounted onto the carriage as shown. The rear foot must
be located in the rear cup mounting on the carriage and the front left foot
(viewed from the rear of the traverse unit) located in the vee mounting.
Levelling of the traverse unit is achieved by adjustment of the screwed cone
mount in the adaptor plate, located under the rear TU foot.
Rear foot location

Front feet location

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 15

 SETTING UP

Interconnections when mounted onto column and base

The electrical connections to the traverse unit when mounted on the column
are identical. Care must be taken when positioning the traverse unit on the
column carriage that the cables to the traverse unit are not or are not likely
to be stretched during operation.

Upgrading software
If the software is upgraded or the software on the PCM needs replacing then
the software upgrade for the PCM is performed as follows:

• With the PCM switched on copy any measurement data files and PreSet
files that need to be preserved from the Internal drive on to a spare
PCMCIA card. This is done using the ‘File’ menu.
• Insert the PCMCIA card containing the software upgrade into the PCM.
• Switch the PCM off and on.
• A banner is displayed on the PCM screen along with information about
reformatting the Internal drive. The file(s) are then copied from the
PCMCIA card to the Internal drive.
• The PCM software is then automatically started and the first menu is
displayed, e.g. Measure Menu.
• Remove the PCMCIA Card.

Page 16 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 18
THE TRAVERSE UNIT 19
THE ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT UNIT 21
Locking the hinge 21
Fitting the Gauge 22
THE GAUGE 23
THE STYLUS 24
CAUTION 24

PROCESSOR CONTROL MODULE 25

Sleep Mode 27

THE POWER SUPPLY 28

BATTERIES 29
BATTERIES IN THE PROCESSOR CONTROL MODULE 30
BATTERIES IN THE TRAVERSE UNIT 31
CHARGING BATTERIES 32
WARNING 32
Charger Operation 34
CALIBRATION STANDARD 35
Ball Standard 35
Turning the Ball 36
Cleaning 36
Three Line Calibration standard 37
Three Line and Ra Calibration standard 37
Cleaning 38

THE SOFTWARE 39
THE MAIN MENUS 39
THE FILE MENU 41
THE MEASURE MENU 45
THE ANALYSIS MENU 48
THE PRINT MENU 56
THE CALIBRATION MENU 59
THE CONFIGURE MENU 62
THE RESULTS PAGES 65

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 17

 DESCRIPTION

INTRODUCTION

Form Talysurf Intra is a portable stylus type instrument for the

measurement and analysis of surface texture and form. The instrument
primarily consists of a 50mm Traverse Unit and a Processor Control
Module. Both units can be battery powered or used in conjunction with a
low voltage Power Supply Unit. Communication between the units is via
an interconnecting lead or an infrared link

Designed to address a wide range of shop floor, production line and

automated measurement applications, the instrument’s accuracy and
analysis capabilities also make it an invaluable addition to inspection and
research laboratories (the instrument has a normal Gauge range of 1mm
[0.039in] with a measurement resolution of 16 nanometres [0.63µin], but
can have a reduced Gauge range of 200µm with a measurement resolution
of 3.2nm).
The instrument can be used for a different measurement every time or can
be pre-programmed to perform repetitive measurement sequences. For
convenience, the PCM retains the last measurement settings after power off.
There is also an extensive range of accessories for work-holding and
automated operation.

Page 18 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE TRAVERSE UNIT

The traverse unit houses the motor, gearbox and associated circuits for
traversing the stylus across the surface to be measured. Communication
with the Processor Control Module is via an interconnecting lead or an
infrared link. A straightness datum is incorporated, enabling measurements
of up to 50mm long to be made without reference to an external straight-
line datum. A tilt adjustment is available as an optional extra to enable the
levelling of the traverse unit. This could be a requirement for long traverse
measurements especially using gauge range 2.
The side panel carries the On/Off switch, an Infrared Emitter/Receiver
Window and a Liquid Crystal Display. When the Traverse Unit is first
switched on, the software revision number is displayed on the Liquid
Crystal Display. During normal operation, the current positions of the
Traverse Unit datum (X axis position) and the height of the Stylus (Z axis)
are displayed.
A Gauge, into which the Stylus is fitted, is plugged into the
Adjustable Height Unit. During a traverse
operation, the Gauge (which is referenced to
the straightness datum) is driven at the
appropriate speed for the move or
measurement being made.
The low voltage power required is
derived from a separate power supply
Liquid unit or from two batteries, housed
crystal within the Traverse Unit.
display

Infrared
emitter/receiver
window

Tilt adjustment knob

(optional extra) See
page 70

Adjustable Height Unit On/Off Switch

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 19

 DESCRIPTION

CAUTION
The Traverse Unit must be carried by both handles. Lifting by one handle
only may damage the Traverse Unit.

Page 20 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE ADJUSTABLE HEIGHT UNIT

Mounted on the end of the Traverse Unit datum shaft is a Adjustable Height
Unit.
The assembly, complete with gauge, can be raised and lowered by rotating
the vertical adjustment knob on the side of the unit (clockwise to raise the
pick-up, anti-clockwise to lower it). Stop screws at each end of the vertical
traverse guide bar limit the travel of the height adjuster.
The range of vertical adjustment allows the stylus to be positioned between
70mm (nominal) above traverse unit base and 24mm (nominal) below
traverse unit base.

Stop
Gauge locking screw
Vertical
Adjustment
Knob
Gauge

Height adjuster

Datum bar

Gauge block Stop

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 21

 DESCRIPTION

Fitting the Gauge

The Gauge is mounted onto the Height Adjuster by carefully engaging the
small diameter connector at the rear of the Gauge into the socket on the
front of the Gauge Block. The Gauge Block is screwed onto the Height
Adjuster. The Gauge Block socket houses a number of pins. These must
align with the holes in the end of the Gauge connector. When the Gauge is
fully engaged with the Gauge Block, turn the Gauge Locking Screw, on the
top of the Gauge Block and gently clamp the Gauge.
The adjustable height unit enables the gauge to be used in both its normal
position and at right angles according to how the gauge block is oriented.
Page 21 shows the gauge block and the gauge in the normal position. By
unscrewing the gauge block from the height adjuster it can then be screwed
back onto the height adjuster oriented through 90o to enable right angle use.
IMPORTANT
When using the adjustable height unit in right angle mode, the pick-up must
first be calibrated in the normal in-line condition then, without disturbing
the stylus, the pick-up should be removed from the gauge block. The gauge
block is then refitted as stated above and the pick up carefully reinserted
into the gauge block.

Note. When a right angle measurement is made, Right Angle Pick- up

USED must be selected from the menu GAUGE SET UP options.
IMPORTANT
It is not practical to use a right angle attachment, in conjunction with the
accessory column and stand as the stylus will overhang the edge of the base.
However, should this arrangement be required, a suitable column and stand
can be supplied on application to Taylor Hobson or its local agents.
There will be degradation in performance when using the right angle
attachment with all gauges and styli.
Note. When the right angle attachment is required, the chisel styli should
not be used.

Page 22 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE GAUGE
The Gauge comprises a variable inductance transducer with a linear
measuring range of 1mm. The Gauge is plugged into the Adjustable Height
Unit of the Traverse Unit and can be used either with or without a Guard
Nosepiece. A number of interchangeable Stylus Arms can be used with this
Gauge.

C
D

A Guard Nosepiece B Gauge Body

C Guard Nosepiece Clamp Screw
D Stylus arm

When the cover of the Guard Nosepiece is closed over the stylus, the
possibility of accidental damage to the stylus beam is minimized. The
Guard Nosepiece can be used in conjunction with the Styli (112/2009,
112/2011, 112/2012 or 112/2013). Do not use when stylus 112/2010 is
fitted.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 23

 DESCRIPTION

THE STYLUS
The standard Stylus types available for use with the inductive Gauge are
diamond tipped with an effective arm length of 60mm and Sapphire ball
tipped with an effective arm length of 120mm. The measurement range is
dependent on the length of the Stylus Arm i.e. a 60mm arm gives a range of
1mm, a 120mm arm gives a range of 2mm.
The type of assessment required determines the Stylus to be used. Surface
texture assessments are only valid when a Diamond Tipped Stylus is fitted.
Form assessment is available with all styli, the vertical range required to
trace the component profile will determine the length of Stylus Arm to be
used.
To fit or change a Stylus, pull out the
Stylus that is fitted and gently push
in the one required.
The end of the arm is shaped to fit
the socket in the Gauge cartridge
and must be fitted with the flat
uppermost, when the Gauge is set for
measurement on a surface below it.

CAUTION
The pivot of the Gauge is a delicate mechanism. Therefore, care must be
taken when changing the stylus, not to force the beam into its socket or to
impart a sideways or twisting movement.

Note The Stylus force is determined by balancing the arm with a small
collar. When fitting or removing the Stylus, do not pull or push on this
collar and disturb its position.

For details of the stylus types available, see Specifications.

Page 24 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE PROCESSOR CONTROL MODULE

The Processor Control Module provides the operator interface and data
processing requirements for the instrument. It can be used either hand-held
or desk mounted.

All instrument operation commands, analysis requirements and results

displays are via a touch pad screen.
Instructions and data are passed between the Processor Control Module and
a compatible Traverse Unit via an interconnecting lead or an infrared link.
This enables the Processor Control Module to be used up to a distance of
1.0m from the traverse unit (providing that there is an uninterrupted line of
sight between the infrared emitters and receivers).
The low voltage power required is derived from a separate power supply
unit, or from a battery, housed within the Unit.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 25

 DESCRIPTION

Other features of the Processor Control Module are:

ON/OFF switch
PCMCIA ATA Card Slot

Infrared emitter and receiver

Battery Compartment

Power Supply Serial Ports Parallel Port

Connection

Sleep Mode (user selectable)

If the touch pad screen is not used for a period of time, then the power
saving “Sleep Mode” is activated. In this mode, the screen back light is
turned off and the processor clock speed is reduced. Any contact with the
touch pad screen will restore the unit to the active mode

Page 26 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

CAUTION
The Processor Control Module must NOT be carried by the stand. This
component is not designed for this purpose.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 27

 DESCRIPTION

THE POWER SUPPLY (part number 265-957)

Low voltage power for the Traverse Unit and the Processor Control Module
is derived from separate Power Supply Units. The two power supply units
are identical as shown.

The Power supply Unit accepts a mains power input of:

100-240V a.c. 50-60Hz 0.6-0.3A

and provides low voltage d.c output

+12V d.c. 2.5A 30W continuous.

Page 28 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

BATTERIES
Use only the batteries supplied by Taylor Hobson Limited, part number
249/36. Allocate a particular battery for use in the Processor Control
Module and the other two for use in the Traverse Unit. Ensure that they
then remain only in use with their allocated units.
Do not use a partially charged battery with a fully charged battery in the
traverse unit.

Battery Condition on Delivery

The instrument is delivered with the batteries in a discharged state. Before
use, the batteries must be fully charged. Batteries must only be charged in
the Taylor Hobson charger, part number 265/943.

Storage
If the instrument is to be unused or stored for more than one week, the
batteries must be removed.

Disposal
Batteries can present an environmental hazard. Therefore:
Remove the batteries before disposing of a Traverse Unit or a Processor
Control Module.

The batteries can be returned to Taylor Hobson Limited for safe disposal.

Battery Short Circuit

Do not place a battery in a container that also has metal objects that may
cause a short circuit. (e.g. do not carry a battery in a pocket that also
contains coins or other metal objects). If the battery is short-circuited, an
internal fuse will blow. This will render the battery useless.
Note. If batteries are left in either unit when powered by the power
supplies, it should be noted that there will still be a small current drawn
from the batteries which will discharge the batteries over a period of time.
If the either unit is to be powered by the power supply then the batteries
should be removed.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 29

 DESCRIPTION

BATTERIES IN THE PROCESSOR CONTROL MODULE

To access the battery, ensure that the unit is switched off. Turn the two
fasteners, to release the cover to the battery compartment and lift off the
cover.

To fit the battery:

Tilt the battery so that the end with the
contacts is inserted first into the
compartment in the PCM. Then push
the battery into position until it is fully
engaged.

To remove the batteries:

Pull on the end of the battery that is
away from the contacts and lift the
battery out of its compartment.

Page 30 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

BATTERIES IN THE TRAVERSE UNIT

To access the batteries, ensure that the unit is switched off and lift off the
battery compartment cover.

To remove a battery:
Pull on the end of the battery that is
away from the contacts and lift the
battery out of its compartment

To fit the batteries::

Place each battery into its compartment
with the battery contacts to the centre of
the Traverse Unit. The batteries are a
tight fit in their compartments and to ease
fitting, tilt each battery so that the end that
is away from the contacts is inserted into
the compartment first. Then push into
position, until fully engaged.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 31

 DESCRIPTION

CHARGING BATTERIES
Before charging a battery it must be removed from the Traverse Unit or
Processor Control Module and placed into the charger supplied..

Recharging partially charged batteries

Unlike Nicad batteries, the batteries supplied with the instrument do not
have a memory retention problem. Partially charged batteries may,
therefore, be charged, as required. Do not attempt to discharge a battery by
creating a short circuit (see WARNING below).

WARNING
Using unsuitable charging equipment may result in an explosion with
associated injury and damage.
Use only the charger supplied, in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. A full charge will require up to 2 hours.
Charger Operation

Charging Stages

Batteries The charging sequence

consists of four stages.
The soft start stage
gradually increases
Charger current levels up to the
fast charge rate during
the first two minutes.
The soft start stage is
followed by the fast
charge stage, which
continues until
termination. After termination, a two-hour topping charge is applied at a
rate low enough to prevent cell heating but high enough to ensure a full
charge. The topping charge is followed by a maintenance charge, which is
intended to offset the natural self-discharge of the battery by keeping the
cells primed at peak charge. The maintenance charge will continue as long
as the battery is inserted in the bay.

Page 32 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

The RED Charge Status indicator is activated continuously during soft start
and fast charge. The GREEN Charge Status indicator is activated
continuously during topping and maintenance charge.

Charge Termination Methods

The charger uses voltage slope, maximum temperature and charge timer
methods to terminate fast charge. The maximum temperature and fast
charge timer are used as a safety backup during the main charge cycle.

If the temperature of the battery exceeds the maximum limit during a charge
cycle, the charger will shutdown and stop charging. The YELLOW Battery
Temperature indicator will latch on indicating a Hot Battery condition. The
user must remove the battery and manually reset the charger via the
recessed push-button switch situated at the back of the unit. The battery
must be allowed to cool before it can be reinserted and charged again.

Note: Repeated over temperature shutdowns indicates a potential fault

condition and the battery must be removed from service immediately and
returned to the supplier with details of the problem.

The charger uses a timer to limit the fast charge duration to 144 minutes.
For safety, the fast charge timer is always enabled and cannot be disabled.

Note: Powering-up, removing and re-inserting a battery, or manually

resetting the charger using the push-button switch will reset the safety
timer.

Battery Detection
Upon power-up, removal of a battery, or manual reset after an over
temperature shutdown condition, the charger enters the battery polling
detect mode. To indicate this mode, the YELLOW indicator will flash
continuously. Once a battery is installed in a charger bay, the YELLOW
indicator will stop flashing and the charger will enter the soft start stage.

Cold Battery Charging

The charger checks for a cold battery before initiating fast charge. If a cold
battery is present before fast charge begins, the charger begins a two hour
topping charge cycle. If the battery is still cold after the two hour topping
charge is complete, the charger begins a maintenance charge. The

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 33

 DESCRIPTION

maintenance charge will continue for as long as the battery remains cold.
The charger checks the temperature every second to see if the battery has
warmed up. If the battery warms up, the charger stops the topping or
maintenance charge and begins the fast charge cycle.

The GREEN Charge Status indicator and the YELLOW Battery

Temperature indicator will be active, indicating that a low current charge is
being applied to the battery that is outside the specified temperature range
for fast charging.

Safety Features
In the event of an accidental short circuit across the battery terminals inside
the charger bay, the charger will automatically limit the internal current to
1.8A (normal fast charge current) to prevent damage to the electronics. The
GREEN Charge Status indicator will flash and the YELLOW Battery
Temperature indicator will turn on indicating the condition. The user must
immediately turn off system power and remove the short circuit obstruction
from the charger bay.

The input to each charger circuit is internally protected with a 3.15A fuse.
A blown fuse indicates a fault condition and must not be replaced by the
user.

Additionally, each battery pack includes a PTC fuse to protect against

accidental short circuits across the battery pack terminals. The PTC should
automatically reset itself when the short circuit condition is removed. If the
pack does not recover from the short circuit condition, the battery must be
removed from service immediately and returned to the supplier with details
of the problem.

Please refer to the Operating and Safety Instructions for the Fast Charger
System and Battery Packs supplied with the charger unit for additional
safety information.

Page 34 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

CALIBRATION STANDARD
There are two Calibration Standards; the Calibration Ball and the Three-
Line Calibration Standard.

Calibration Ball
The standard comprises a highly polished Tungsten Carbide precision Ball,
with housing and screw-on cap. The application of this standard is
described in Calibration.

The calibration standard used should be appropriate to the pick-up and

stylus type.

For use on 60mm long stylus arms: Precision Tungsten Carbide ball
nominally 25mm diameter

For use on 120mm long stylus arms: Ball nominally 44mm diameter

Note The calibrated size of each individual standard is shown on two

labels. One label is located under the base of the standard and the
other on the inside of the screw-on cap. Therefore, if more than one
standard has been supplied, it is important to ensure that the screw-
on caps are not interchanged. This could lead to the use of an
incorrect radius when calibrating. In which case, subsequent
measurement results would be invalid until the instrument was re-
calibrated using the correct radius value.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 35

 DESCRIPTION

Turning the Ball

If damage (e.g. scratches etc.) has occurred to the calibration ball and
difficulty is experienced in obtaining a suitable calibration, then it is
advisable to rotate the ball to present an undamaged surface area. This can
be done as follows:

1. Ensure that the cap is firmly screwed in position.

2. Using a small screwdriver remove the plastic cover from the base of
the housing to reveal three socket head screws (3mm).
3. Loosen the screws but do not remove them.
4. Gently lift up the black housing from its base to break the seal of the
'O' ring on the ball.
5. Turn the ball to a new, undamaged position.
6. Tighten the three socket head screws and replace the plastic cover.
Cleaning
The standard should be cleaned using a non-staining solvent such as
Methanol AR (CH3 OH) on a lint free cloth or a lens tissue. Alternatively,
any commercially available lens cleaning liquid can be used.

Caution. DO NOT use any form of abrasive cleaner.

Page 36 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

Three Line Calibration Standard

The Three-Line Calibration Standard, for use

with the Form Talysurf Intra instrument consists
of a frame and base on which are mounted two
glass plates.

The label below the left hand glass plate has a

rectangle marked on it two rectangles. The rectangles denote the areas in
which three lines (actually grooves) are located. These are nominally
2.5mm (100min) and 0.4mm (15min) deep. The label below the right hand
glass plate has a single rectangle marked on it, this rectangle denotes the
area in which a further three lines are located. These are nominally
0.025mm (1min) deep. The values of the middle line of each group are
marked on the standard. The serial number of the NAMAS certificate for
this standard is marked in this area when relevant.

Three Line and Ra Calibration Standard

The Three Line and Ra Calibration Standard,

for use with the Form Talysurf Intra instrument
consists of a frame and base on which are
mounted two glass plates.

This standard is used for the calibration of the

vertical displacement of the stylus and
provides a confidence check for the Ra parameter. The label below the left
hand glass plate has marked on it two rectangles separated by a black bar.
The rectangles denote the areas in which three lines (actually grooves) are
located. These are nominally 2.5mm (100min) and 0.40mm (16min) deep.

The value of the middle line is marked on the standard. The label below the
right hand glass plate has marked on it a rectangle with two arrows. The
rectangle denotes an area of the glass plate that is etched to a calibrated Ra
value - nominally 0.8mm (31.5min) The arrows indicate the direction in
which calibration measurements should made.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 37

 DESCRIPTION

Cleaning of the three-line standard

The standard should be cleaned using a non-staining solvent such as
Methanol AR * on a lint free cloth or a lens tissue. Alternatively, any
commercially available lens cleaning liquid

Page 38 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE SOFTWARE
Having switched on the Processor Control Module, the screen provides a
menu driven operator interface for the control of the Traverse Unit and the
analysis of measurement results.

THE MAIN MENUS

The Main Menus consist of three panes and a title bar. The left-hand pane
contains a toolbar of menu selection buttons and a "GO" button.
The rest of the screen is split horizontally into two panels. The upper panel
contains menu option buttons for selecting the measurement and analysis
conditions and, if appropriate, instrument control buttons. The lower panel
contains further buttons or fields relating to the option selected from the
upper panel.
Selections are made by touching the buttons presented on the screen. The
first touch in any pane will select that pane; thereafter, touching any button
within that pane will activate that button.
Upon exiting a screen the settings for that menu are saved (a message is
displayed upon exiting to that effect). If settings need to be saved before
switching the system off, it is essential to exit the screen before switching
off. Title Bar
Tool Bar

Top Pane

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 39

 DESCRIPTION

User inputs
There are occasions when the user is required to input information. When
this is required, the software will present either a virtual keyboard or a
number pad, as appropriate. To make an entry, press on the appropriate
keys, then press the OK key

The currently saved entry is displayed above the entry field.

OK
Pressing this key will cause the
contents of the entry field to be
saved (except if the field is
clear, in which case, the
currently saved entry is
retained).
Clear
Pressing this key will clear the
entry field.
Exp.
The facility of entering numerical values in exponential form is available.
This is done by entering a value, pressing the Exp key then entering the
exponent. (e.g. 123 e –3 = 0.123).
Cancel
Pressing this key will abandon the current activity; the currently saved entry
is retained.

Page 40 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE FILE MENU

This menu is displayed when the File menu button, on the toolbar, is
pressed.
The function of this menu is to enable the user to save (and subsequently re-
load) files of the Pre-set, Measurement and Modified Profile type.
Pre-set type files contain menu options that the operator may wish to
use repeatedly. Pre-set files include settings for the Measure menu,
the Analysis Menu, the Print menu and some of the Gauge details
from the Calibrate menu.
Measurement type files contain raw measurement data only. These
are stored in DEP v 2.0 format, which is described in the Appendix
A at the back of this handbook.
Files can be saved to either the internal memory or a removable PCMCIA
card. The saved files can then be re-loaded, as required. Files can also be
copied from the internal drive to the removable PCMCIA card.

List of
files, of
selected
file type,
on
selected
drive.

The toolbar GO button is not active with this menu.

The currently available space on the selected drive (Internal or PCMCIA) is
displayed in the top pane. This is automatically updated.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 41

 DESCRIPTION

THE FILE MENU

The options are as follows:
Pre-Set
This option causes the filing system to function only with files of the Pre-
set type.
Measurement
This option causes the filing system to function only with files of the
Measurement type.
Modified Profile
This option causes the filing system to function only with files of the
Modified Profile type.
Note: When selected the option Load File in the bottom pane is not
available.
Internal
Selecting this option causes the internal memory to be selected as the
current drive for saving or loading files.
Note: Files in internal memory should be kept to an absolute minimum to
ensure that analysis times are not impaired.
PCMCIA
Selecting this option causes the removable PCMCIA card to be selected as
the current drive for saving or loading files.
Auto Save to internal/PCMCIA
The “Auto Save To” option specifies the drive destination, either Internal or
PCMCIA, when the Measurement Auto Save option is used
File Name:
Use this field to enter a file name (up to 8 characters). Any file named in
the File Name field will be used in any Copy, Delete, Save or Load
operation. If the File Name field is empty, then the file that is highlighted
in the File List will be used.
Note. Any name entered in the File Name field, is cleared when the
Up/Down buttons are used.
A File List is located below the File Name field and provides a list of files
of the selected type, on the selected drive.

Page 42 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

Up / Down
Pressing these bottom pane buttons causes the highlight to be scrolled
through the file names in the File List. By pressing the appropriate
option button, the highlighted file can then be copied, deleted, saved or
loaded.
Copy to PCMCIA, This bottom pane option is available only when the
Internal drive is selected)
Selecting this option enables the currently active file (see File Name) to
be copied from the Internal drive to the PCMCIA card.
Delete
Selecting this bottom pane option enables the currently active file (see
File Name ) to be deleted from the currently selected drive.

Save Setting As Pre-Set

This option is available only when the file type Pre-set is selected and
enables the current Pre-Set values to be saved to a file (see File Name ).
Save Measurement
This option is available only when the file types Measurement or
Modified Profile are are selected and enables the current measured data
to be saved to a file (see File Name ).
Load File
Selecting this option enables the currently active file to be loaded (see
File Name ). This option is not available when Modified Profile is
selected.
When a Measurement file is loaded, it will be automatically analysed
using the current analysis settings. When a Pre-set file is loaded, the
current Preset options are replaced.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 43

 DESCRIPTION

Examples
The following examples can provide an insight into how each of the file
types may be re-loaded and applied. These assume that a number of
measurements, with different measurement and analysis conditions, have
been made and files saved of both the Measurement and Pre-set type.
Measurement:
An application, of this file type, is to load previously saved measurement
data and automatically analyse the data using the current Analysis Menu
settings and display the results:
1. Select the File menu, and then select the Measurement option.
2. Use the Up / Down keys to move the highlight onto the required
saved file. Select the Load File button.

Pre-set
An application, of this file type, is to assess measurement data to a number
of different analysis conditions without repeatedly reconfiguring the
Analysis Menu options. This is a useful application if it is required to
frequently assess sets of different parts to different measurement and
analysis conditions.
The data analysed can be from either the current measurement, a new
measurement or from a previously saved Measurement type file.
The procedure is as follows:
1. Select the File menu, and then select the Pre-set option.
2. Use the Up / Down keys to move the highlight onto the required
saved file. Select the Load File button. The settings for the
Measure menu, the Analysis Menu, the Print menu and some of the
Gauge details from the Calibrate menu are changed to those of the
Pre-set file.
3. To start a new Measure and Analyse sequence, press the Measure
menu button from the toolbar and then press the GO key. To just
reanalyse the current measurement data, select the Analysis Menu
and press the GO key.

Page 44 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE MEASURE MENU

This menu is displayed when the software is first started and when the
Measure button is pressed.
The function of this menu is to enable the user to:
Control the movement of the Traverse Unit in order to position the
stylus ready for the start of the measurement.
Initiate a measurement sequence (with auto reverse, if required) with
automatic analysis of results.
Specify feature names and feature numbers for the automatic saving of
measurement data.

The current measurement length, analysis type, filters and reference line
details are displayed in the top pane.
Pressing the GO button, from this menu, causes a measurement and
analysis to be initiated, with automatic display of the results.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 45

 DESCRIPTION

The control button and field functions are as follows:

Extend/ Retract
The Extend option causes the Gauge to be traversed away from the
Traverse Unit. The Retract option causes the Gauge to be traversed
towards the Traverse Unit.
A short press on these buttons causes the Gauge to be moved a small
distance, typically 50µm. Holding a button down will cause the Gauge to
start moving slowly, to allow set up, then accelerate up to the top speed. On
releasing the button, the traverse is stopped.
Set Home
This option causes the current position of the Gauge to be defined as the
Home position. The position display on the Traverse Unit will be set to
zero.
Move to Home
This option causes the Gauge to move to the defined Home position (the
zero position on the Traverse Unit display).
Auto Crest
Selecting this option causes the Auto-Crest routine to be run. This is a
procedure that automatically finds the crown (or valley) of a convex (or
concave) surface.
Auto Save
When selected, this option causes measurement data to be automatically
saved after each measurement, to the filename specified by the Feature
Name and Number. The Feature Number is automatically incremented after
each save, when the Auto-increment option is selected.
The destination for the file, either Internal or PCMCIA drive, is set in the
File menu.
Auto Increment/Overwrite
This button provides a toggle between the Auto Increment and Overwrite
options and is only active when the Auto Save option is selected.
If Overwrite is selected, then when an Auto Save is made and a file with
that name already exists, the existing file will be overwritten, without
prompting the user. If the Auto Increment option is selected, then when an
Auto increment exists, the user will be prompted with the option to
overwrite or not (Ok/Cancel).

Page 46 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

Feature Name
This field is used to enter a name of up to six characters only (see also
Feature Number). The name may not include spaces, but may include the
underscore ( _ ) and numeric characters.
Feature Number
This field is used to enter a number between 0 and 99. This will be
appended to the current Feature Name, to form a filename into which data
from the next measurement will be saved.
Note After a measurement has been made the user always has the option
of saving the data by using the File Menu.

Auto Reverse
This option causes the Gauge to be automatically returned to its starting
position after a measurement has been made.
Lift off Message
This option is available when Auto Reverse is selected. If this option is
selected then, after a measurement has been made, a message is displayed
that prompts the user to lift the stylus before the auto reverse occurs. The
message must be cleared before the auto reverse can take place.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 47

 DESCRIPTION

THE ANALYSIS MENU

This menu is displayed when the Analysis menu button, on the toolbar, is
pressed.
The function of this menu is to enable the user to select the parameters and
conditions for the evaluation of measurement data.

Pressing the GO button, from this menu, causes the current measurement
data to be re-analysed and displayed to the conditions currently selected. A
summary of these details is given in the Requested Analysis summary, in the
top pane.
Five types of analysis may be performed: Primary, Roughness, Waviness
Rk and R&W. Press the required analysis button to display the menu for
setting the conditions and parameter selections for that analysis.

Page 48 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

The button and field functions are as follows:

Primary
This button must be pressed in order to select the conditions and parameters
for the analysis of a primary filtered assessment of the measured data. With
this button selected, the bottom pane displays buttons for selecting the cut-
off length of the Ls filter and a field into which the required Data Length
can be entered.
Roughness
This button must be pressed in order to select the conditions and parameters
for the analysis of a roughness filtered assessment of the measured data.
With this button selected, the bottom pane displays buttons for selecting the
type of filter, the cut-off lengths of the Lc and Ls filters and fields for
entering the number of cutoffs or the Data Length required. (see Inter-
dependencies between options, on the following page). The current
Bandwidth value is displayed and automatically updated as values of Lc
and Ls are changed.
Waviness
This button must be pressed in order to select the conditions and parameters
for the analysis of a waviness filtered assessment of the measured data.
With this button selected, the bottom pane displays buttons for selecting the
type of filter, the cut-off length of the Lf filter and fields for entering the
number of cutoffs or the Data Length required. (see Inter-dependencies
between options, on the following page).
Rk
This button must be pressed in order to select the conditions and parameters
for the analysis of an Rk filtered assessment of the measured data.
With this button selected, the bottom pane displays buttons for selecting the
cut-off lengths of the Lc and Ls filters and fields for selecting the number of
cutoffs or the Data Length required. (see Inter-dependencies between
options, on the following page). The current Bandwidth value is displayed
and automatically updated as values of Lc and Ls are changed.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 49

 DESCRIPTION

R&W
This button must be pressed in order to select the conditions and
parameters for the analysis of an Rk filtered assessment of the measured
data.
With this button pressed, the bottom pane displays buttons for selecting the
cut-offs and Data lengths for the measurement. The cut-off and data length
values can be one of three standard options or values entered by the user.
Show Result
Pressing this button causes the Results page from the current analysis to be
displayed.
Form Type
Pressing this button, causes the reference line option buttons to be displayed
and allows a new Form Type to be selected. The options available in the
bottom pane are:
LS Line, this is positioned such that the sum of the squares of the
deviations of the profile from the line is a minimum. The result is a
reference line through the profile data.
MZ Line, this is defined by a pair of lines which just enclose the
profile such that the distance between the lines is a minimum. The refernce
line is the mean position between the two lines.
LS Arc, the radius of a measured surface is determined by fitting
an arc to the measurement data. This is positioned such that the sum of the
squares of the deviations of the profile from the line of arc is a minimum.
The radius of the arc is then calculated.
Absolute Arc, with this option form errors are calculated with
reference to a user specified radius. The user enters the reference radius in
the Radius window which is visible when Absolute Arc is selected.
Datum, this is a line that is accurately parallel to the surface being
measured enabling all of the surface irregularities to be measured and
analysed with reference to the datum line.
None.

Page 50 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

When the Analysis is performed with either Datum or None selected, an

Exclude Region option is enabled when the Profile is displayed. Full details
of the operation of the Exclude function is given in Analysis on Page 77.

The Exclude Region option allows portions of the profile at either end of
the profile to be excluded from any subsequent analysis, particularly a LS
Arc analysis. Pressing the Exclude Region button enables the function and
allows the Left Hand side Exclude Region to be changed using the < or >
buttons.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 51

 DESCRIPTION

Pressing the Left Region button changes the Exclude Region function to the
right-hand side of the profile. As with the left-hand side the Exclude
Region is change dusing the < or > buttons. Once the region is defined the
required analysis eg LS Arc can be initiated.

Parameters
Pressing this button causes the parameter option buttons to be displayed.
The parameters available will be appropriate to the selected analysis type.
Inter-dependencies between options
To assist the user in selecting only valid combinations of filter type, Lc and
Ls values, Bandwidth, number of Cutoffs and Data length, the option
buttons in the bottom pane are arranged in priority order.
Selections made on the upper row of buttons have a higher priority than
selections made on the lower row, and only selections that are compatible
with the selection made on the upper row are available from the lower row.
Similarly, the numeric values for Cutoffs and Data Length, are
automatically adjusted if higher priority items are changed.

Examples (Roughness)
If the value of Ls is changed to 0.08mm when Lc is set to 0.25mm (giving
a bandwidth of only 3:1 when the minimum is 30:1), then this action is
disregarded and the previous selection is restored.
If the value of Lc is changed to 0.08 mm when Ls is set to 0.008mm
(giving a bandwidth of only 10:1) then a lower value of Ls (e.g. 0.0025mm)
will automatically be selected, so that the bandwidth is 30:1.

Page 52 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

Parameter Selection
Note. Form parameters of Slope and Radius are selectable when
applicable, ie slope available for LS Line and MZ Line and radius for LS
Arc.
Having selected the required Analysis type from the Analysis menu and
then pressed the Parameters option button, the Parameters menu relating
to the selected analysis is displayed.

This menu consists of a button panel of normal parameter options, an

Extended Parameters button (except on the Rk parameters menu) and a
Select All/ Select None button. Parameters are selected for evaluation by
pressing the relevant option buttons.
Pressing the GO button, from this menu, causes the current measurement
data to be re-analysed and displayed to the conditions currently selected.
Select All/ Select None
To select or deselect all parameters, press the Select All button.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 53

 DESCRIPTION

Extended Parameters
In addition to the normal parameter group, there is also a group of
parameters that require additional information to be input in order to define
the parameter fully.
These parameters are accessed by pressing the Extended Parameters
button. The Extended Parameters menu relating to the selected analysis is
then displayed.

Parameter options are selected from the upper pane of this menu. The lower
pane provides facilities for the display and input of user definitions. Only
those selected will appear in the Results displays and be available for
printing.
Pressing the GO button, from this menu, causes the current measurement
data to be re-analysed and displayed to the conditions currently selected.
Normal Parameters
Pressing this button causes the normal parameter menu to be displayed.

Page 54 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

Definition Only
This option controls the selection of extended parameters for evaluation and
allows the user to input the required parameter definitions.
When the Definition Only option is selected and any extended parameter
button is pressed, then the current definition details of that parameter are
displayed in the bottom pane. Positioned to the left of the pane are the
Definition Type options and to the right of the pane are the definition type
value fields. Definition type values can be changed, as required, by
selecting the definition type then pressing on its associated value field.

Notes
1. The actual content of the bottom pane will depend on the extended
parameter that is currently selected (e.g. the parameter dc requires an
upper and a lower mr% value, whereas the parameter PC requires a
level value and a bandwidth).
2. Updating parameter definitions will not cause the parameters to be
selected or de-selected for evaluation. This can be achieved only
when the Definition Only option is not selected.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 55

 DESCRIPTION

PRINT MENU
This menu is displayed when the Print menu button, on the toolbar, is
pressed.
The function of this menu is to enable the user to select the content,
conditions and presentation of printed results data.

Pressing the GO button, from this menu, causes the current analysis Results
to be printed.
The control button and field functions are as follows:
Printer
Pressing this button causes the available printer buttons to be displayed, in
the bottom pane. Select the required printer button.
Print Contents
Pressing this button causes the print content option buttons to be displayed,
in the bottom pane. The options available are:

Page 56 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

Header
When this option is selected, a header is included in any printouts.
This includes the Taylor Hobson company name, instrument type,
measurement date, calibration state, analysis details, measurement
name and, if entered, any customer text.
Parameters
Selecting this option causes a list of the parameters that are
selected for evaluation, with their calculated values to be included
in the print-out.
Modified Profile
Selecting this option causes a graphical representation of the
Modified profile data to be included in the print-out.
MR/AD
Selecting this option causes a graphical representation of the
Material Ratio and the Amplitude Distribution curves to be
included in the print-out.
Vertical Scale
Pressing this button causes the option buttons, for selecting the required
vertical scale for graphical outputs to be displayed, in the bottom pane. The
option buttons provide a range of fixed scale and an Automatic option
(Automatic provides the best fit scale for the chart).
Note. The minimum selectable scale setting is 0.05µm/div, but if
gauge range 1 is selected and a 60mm stylus arm is in use, then the
minimum scale that will be printed out is 0.1µm/div. Also if gauge
range 1 is selected and a 120mm stylus arm is in use, then the minimum
scale that will be printed out is 0.2µm/div. Only if gauge range 2 is
selected, with either the 60mm or the 120mm stylus arms, will
0.05µm/div scale settings be printed.
Horizontal Scale
Pressing this button causes the option buttons, for selecting the required
horizontal scale of graphical outputs, to be displayed in the bottom pane.
The option buttons provide a range of fixed scale and an Automatic option
(Automatic provides the best fit scale for the chart).

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 57

 DESCRIPTION

Customer Text
Pressing this button causes a Customer text field to be displayed in the
bottom pane. Text, of up to 40 characters can be entered in this field. This
is included in any printout, when the Header option is selected.
Auto Print Results
When this option is selected, results data is automatically printed after each
data analysis.

Page 58 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE CALIBRATE MENU

This menu is displayed when the Calibrate menu button, on the toolbar, is
pressed. Additionally the instrument control buttons (see Measure Menu)
are made available to allow the user to set up for calibrating the instrument
The function of this menu is to enable the user to:
• Calibrate the Gauge.
• Match the individual resistive and inductive characteristics of the
Gauge to the system electronics.
• Select the Gauge Range/Resolution to be used.
• Set a Traverse Home position
• Cause the Traverse Unit to move the Gauge to the HOME position.
• Run the Auto Crest routine.
• Select the type of gauge and stylus to be used.
• Set stylus parameters for special styli.

The current Gauge type, Stylus number and the Gauge calibration state are
displayed in the top pane.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 59

 DESCRIPTION

Calibrate Gauge
When this option is selected, a Ball Calibration and a 3-line Calibration
button display in the bottom pane. Select the required option and enter the
radius of the calibration ball or the step height, to which the instrument is to
be calibrated, into the field displayed. When the GO button is pressed, a
routine is run to calibrate the instrument. (see Gauge Calibration-page 72).
Set Balances
When this option is selected and the GO button is pressed, a routine is run
to match the individual resistive and inductive characteristics of the Gauge
to the system electronics. (see Set Balances -page 69).
Inductive Gauge
When this option is pressed and selected, then a list of available styli for the
current Gauge and the details of the currently selected stylus are displayed
in the bottom pane. The list of styli options includes Special #1 and
Special #2. These options enable the user to input details of their own
special styli.
WR Gauge
When this option is pressed and selected, then a list of available styli for the
current Gauge and the details of the currently selected stylus are displayed
in the bottom pane. The list of styli options includes Special #1 and
Special #2. These options enable the user to input details of their own
special styli.
Right Angle
This button MUST be pressed if the Right Angle Attachment is fitted, see
Right Angle Attachment on Page 134.
There are a number of options available when the Calibrate Gauge and
either the Inductive Gauge or the WR Gauge buttons are pressed. These
options are detailed as follows:
Up / Down
Pressing these buttons causes the highlight to be scrolled through
the list of Styli.
Select
Pressing this button causes the highlighted Stylus to be selected as
the current stylus. Any details from a previous calibration for that
stylus are installed and the displayed stylus dimensions are
appropriately updated.

Page 60 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

Entering Details of a Special Stylus

Using the Up / Down buttons move the highlight through the list of
styli options, to highlight either Special #1 or Special #2, and press
the Select button.
Press on each of the Shank Clearance, Shank Length, Tip
Radius and Arm Length fields in turn and enter the details of the
special stylus.
Note If, after calibration, the details of a special stylus are
changed, then the calibration is lost and the default calibration
values are implemented.

Range/Resolution
When this option is selected, option buttons for selecting the required
Gauge range and resolution are displayed in the bottom pane. One of the
buttons is always selected. Selecting a non-selected button will change the
current range and resolution setting and update the calibration details, from
the calibration file.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 61

 DESCRIPTION

THE CONFIGURE MENU

This menu is displayed when the Configure menu button, on the toolbar, is
pressed.
The function of this menu is to enable the user to set the Screen Colours, the
Date and Time, the Language the information is presented in, the Units of
measurement, the Power Save facility and select the Traverse Unit on or off
line.
The settings made from this menu are saved in a system configuration file
and are restored to the system when the PCM. is switched on. The toolbar
GO button is not active with this menu.
The current Date and Time are displayed in the top pane.

Page 62 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

The control button and field functions are as follows:

Screen Colours
Selecting this option causes the screen colour option buttons to be displayed
in the bottom pane. Each option represents a pre-defined colour scheme
such as light on dark or dark on light. When a selection is made the menu
colour scheme is immediately changed.
Note The colour schemes also apply to the results displays
Set Date & Time
Selecting this option causes buttons for selecting the type of presentation
and fields for updating the date and time to be displayed in the top pane.
Language
Pressing this button enables the user to select the language that the
information is presented on the PCM in. The options available are given as
a series of buttons located in the bottom pane. At present the languages
available are English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian
Portuguese, Polish and Czech.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 63

 DESCRIPTION

Reset to Defaults
Selecting this option causes the settings for the system configuration,
Measurement, Analysis and Printer to revert to their default values. The
calibration menu selections, including the current Gauge and Stylus, will
also be reset, thereby putting the system into a known state.
As a consequence, the physical configuration of the system might no longer
match the software configuration.
Inch Units
When this option is selected, all input and output values are in inch units.
When not selected, all input and output values are in metric units.
Power Save
If, when this option is selected, no action is carried out on the PCM for
more than ten minutes, then the LCD light is switched off and the processor
is switched to minimum power mode. This condition will persist until the
screen is touched. Full operation is then restored.
TU Connected
When this option is selected, communication with the Traverse Unit is
attempted (e.g. to control movements, set units and gauge magnification and
to start a measurement). When not selected no communications with the
TU will be attempted.
Note. If prior to switching off the TU is not connected to the PCM and
the ‘TU not connected’ button is not selected, then an error is generated. If
analysis only is required when the PCM is switched on, then the error
message may have to be cleared up to three times before data can be loaded
for analysis

Page 64 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 DESCRIPTION

THE RESULTS PAGES

On completion of a measurement and data analysis, three pages of results
are available. Buttons, for selecting the required page for display are
included on the Results menu.
Parameters
Pressing this button causes a list of the currently selected parameters with
their calculated values to be displayed.
Modified Profile
Pressing this button causes a display of the measured profile with the
currently selected filtering and form removal applied.
MR/AD Profile
Pressing this button causes a display of the calculated graphs of Material
Ratio and Amplitude Distribution.
Print
Pressing this button causes a print-out of all of the displays to be made
(provided a printer is included and switched on). The information printed is
selected in the Print Menu.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 65

 DESCRIPTION

Page 66 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 OPERATION

CONTENTS

SWITCHING ON 68

SETTING THE GAUGE BALANCES AND CALIBRATION 68

SET BALANCES 69
Y-Axis Cresting 70
X-Axis Cresting 70
GAUGE CALIBRATION 72
Calibrating using the Ball Standard 72
Assessing Calibration Results 73
Calibrating using the 3-Line Standard 75

MAKING MEASUREMENTS 77
Tilt adjustment option 78

ANALYSIS 79
Raw data 79
Exclude options feature 79

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 67

 OPERATION

SWITCHING ON
The Traverse Unit MUST be powered up before the Processor Control
Module so that when the PCM is powered up it can detect the Traverse
Unit. If the PCM is powered up first, an error is generated.
SETTING THE GAUGE BALANCES AND CALIBRATION
Setting the Gauge balances
This is an automatic procedure that tests the electrical characteristics of the
gauge and causes its individual resistive and inductive characteristics to be
matched to the system electronics.
It is essential to carry out this procedure when the system has been newly
installed, relocated, or when the gauge has been changed.
Note The instrument must be calibrated immediately after setting the
balances.
Calibration
The computer makes corrections for the gain of the system electronics. In
order that the corrections can be made, a series of constants whose values
represent the characteristics of the individual stylus geometry are required.
These values are automatically determined by running the Calibrate Gauge
routine.
The system is normally
factory set for use with the
standard inductive gauge.
When a Wide Range gauge
is also supplied with a
system, it is not possible to
factory set for both gauge
types. This results in the
actual range of the Wide
Range gauge deviating by
up to 10% either way from the selected nominal range as shown by the
software range/resolution buttons and wide range specification.

Page 68 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 OPERATION

When using the right angle attachment, the pick-up must first be calibrated
in the normal in-line condition, see Right -Angle attachment information for
details.
SET BALANCES
The Set Balances procedure requires that the Stylus is traversed over a
suitable radial surface. An appropriate surface is provided by the
calibration ball and this is particularly convenient, as it is required that the
gauge is re-calibrated after the balances are set.
The procedure is as follows:
On the PCM Unit, press the Calibrate button, on the toolbar, to display the
Calibrate menu. Select either the Inductive Gauge or WR Gauge buttons
depending upon which gauge is fitted and ensure that the details of the
current Stylus are correctly entered in the bottom pane.

Before a Set Balances or Calibration routine can be carried out, the Ball
standard must be placed below the stylus tip and crested in both the X and
Y axes (this is to position the stylus exactly on the crest of the ball). Use the
Extend or Retract key to extend the traverse unit to its approximate mid
position and then centre the ball standard beneath the stylus tip.
For the Set Balance routine, nominal cresting is sufficient. However, for
the Calibration routine, it is important to achieve crowning of the best
accuracy possible.
As the instrument must be calibrated immediately after setting the balances,
cresting must be carried out to the best accurately possible. For this reason
it is preferred that the standard is mounted on a Y axis table. If a Y axis
table is not available, then the standard can be carefully moved by hand.
The cresting procedure is as follows:
Using the Adjustable Height Unit, raise the stylus to provide the necessary
clearance and position the crown of the ball approximately below the stylus
tip. The stylus must now be crested on the ball, in both the Y and X-axes.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 69

 OPERATION
Y-axis cresting:
From the Calibrate Menu, select the widest range (1mm for Inductive
Gauge with 112/2009 stylus). Lower the stylus into contact with the ball
of the standard until the Traverse Unit display indicates that the gauge is
approximately mid-range (gauge reading approximately zero).
Caution. When manually contacting a component with the
stylus, the Traverse Unit display must be observed carefully as damage
to the stylus may occur if the display changes to +***.**; this indicates
a gauge out of range (high) position and at a small distance beyond this
the mechanical end stop will be encountered.
Turn the knob of the Y-axis table to move (or gently
move by hand) the standard in the direction which causes
the Z-axis gauge reading to rise. Continue moving the
standard until the stylus position peaks and begins to
fall.
Reverse the direction of movement of the standard and
carefully watch the display for the point at which the
rise changes to a fall. This position is the crest of the
Ball in the Y direction.
X-axis Cresting
Having determined the crown position in the Y-axis and ensured that the
stylus is within a few mm of the crown position in the x-axis, press the
Auto Crest button. This will cause the X-axis Auto-Crest routine to be
run. The stylus is traversed forward and backward over the ball, as a
series of short measurements are made. This continues
until the position of the crest is determined or a maximum
number of attempts have been made. A message is
displayed during the cresting procedure. This is
removed when the crest position is
successfully determined and the
stylus is positioned on the crest of
the ball.
Note. If the gauge is under range when auto crest is selected a message is
generated informing of the under range condition. To clear, contact the
stylus on the surface and either extend or retract the stylus before selecting
auto crest. Failure to extend or retract the stylus will leave the message
displayed and the auto cresting will not work.

Page 70 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 OPERATION
Select the Set Balances option from the top pane of the PCM display and
press the GO button. A message is displayed, instructing the user to
ensure that the Stylus is crowned in both the X and Y axes and is set to a
specific displacement.
Use the Adjustable Height Unit to adjust the height of the Gauge until
the Traverse Unit display indicates a Stylus height reading of
approximately the specified value. Do not disturb the position of the
Stylus from the ball crown.
Select the OK option, from the displayed message panel. The balance
setting procedure is then carried out.
The Gauge should now be calibrated.
Note. Calibration should be performed using the appropriate
calibration artefact, see SPECIFICATION.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 71

 OPERATION

GAUGE CALIBRATION
Calibrating using the Ball Standard
Gauge Calibration should be performed on each gauge range to be used.
This is carried out as follows:
On the PCM Unit, press the Calibrate button, on the toolbar, to display
the Calibrate menu.
Select either the Inductive Gauge or WR Gauge buttons depending
upon which gauge is fitted and ensure that the details of the current
Stylus are correctly entered in the bottom pane.
From the top pane, select the Calibrate Gauge option and then in the
lower pane select Ball Calibration. Into the Ball Radius field, in the
bottom pane, enter the radius of the calibration ball to which the
instrument is to be calibrated.
The Calibration procedure is then, as follows:
Before the calibration measurement is made, the Ball standard must be
placed below the stylus tip and crested, to the best accurately possible,
in both the X and Y-axes. This procedure is the same as for Setting the
Balances and is described on the previous page.
Having positioned the Stylus on the crest of the calibration ball, select
the gauge range to be used and then select the Calibrate Gauge option
from the top pane of the PCM display and press the GO button.
A message, instructing the user to ensure that the Stylus is crowned in
both the X and Y axes and is set to a specific displacement.
Use the Adjustable Height Unit to adjust the height of the Gauge until
the Traverse Unit display indicates a Stylus height reading of
approximately the specified value. Do not disturb the position of the
Stylus in the X and Y-axes. Press the OK button on the message.
The stylus is traversed forward and backward over the ball, as a series of
short measurements is made. This process continues until the required
surface data is obtained. The data is analysed and the calibration
measurement results are displayed. This is overlaid with a message:
Press the Continue button.

Page 72 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 OPERATION

The Calibration menu displays either the Calibration Constants or the

Modified Profile. A button at the top of the top pane provides a toggle
facility between these displays. If a printer is available, then a printout
of the current display can be obtained.
Assess the results displays and either:
Press the Accept button, on the menu to save and use measured
calibration data to a file, for future use.
Or press the Reject button, on the menu, to discard the calibration
data and re-instate the previous calibration.
If neither button is pressed, but the menu is exited, all subsequent
measurements will use the new calibration constants until either:
a) the system is switched off
b) a new calibration is performed
c) a stylus and range are reselected after a different stylus and range
have been selected. This action results in the previously accepted
calibration data for the stylus and range configuration being used.
Note. When calibrating the Wide Range gauge for the first time , two
consecutive calibrations are necessary.

Assessing Calibration Results

Generally, the calibration measurement is acceptable when the measured
form error, excluding spurious peaks or valleys, does not exceed the value
given below, for the stylus type used.
Note. References in the following table are for the Inductive Gauge only.
Stylus code Stylus Type Calibration Radius (mm) Form error
112/2009 2µm Standard 12.5 <0.25µm
112/2010 0.5mm ball 22 <0.5µm
112/2011 2µm recess 12.5 <0.25µm
112/2012 2µm Small bore 12.5 <0.25µm
112/2013 Chisel edge 12.5 <0.3µm

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 73

 OPERATION

The following are some typical effects of incorrect Ball Standard

calibration. In many instances, these effects can appear to be a genuine
form error on the component. It is, therefore, worth noting these typical
shapes, in order to avoid making a wrong assumption on the form of the
component and attempting to take corrective action in the manufacturing
process. Errors in calibration usually cause ‘S’, ‘W’, or ‘M’ shapes in the
profile when measuring radii.
Errors are usually caused by:
♦ Lack of calibration.
♦ Change of stylus without re-calibration.
♦ Damaged stylus.
♦ Tracking errors on the stylus signal caused by sudden changes in
displacement (e.g. when measuring over a step).

Typical Calibration Error Effects on Radius Measurement

A = Modified Profile
It is recommended that if any of the forms shown are exhibited on a
component, that the instrument is re-calibrated. If the calibration is
acceptable, then the component can be measured. If the results are the same,
then it is likely that there is a genuine form error and not that of incorrect
calibration.

Page 74 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 OPERATION

Calibrating using the 3-Line Standard

Gauge Calibration should be performed on each gauge range to be used.
Calibrate using the 2.5µm (nominal) height lines on the 3- line standard.
Note. Before performing the calibration procedure, a check measurement
should be made to ensure that:
a) the calibration traverse can be completed without the gauge going
out of range,
b) all three lines are contained in the traverse,
c) the 3-line standard is nominally level (ie parallel to the traverse
datum) and,
d) the line standard is in good condition (ie no scratches or dirt).
The calibration is carried out as follows:
On the PCM Unit, press the Calibrate button, on the toolbar, to display
the Calibrate menu.
Select either the Inductive Gauge or WR Gauge buttons depending
upon which gauge is fitted and ensure that the details of the current
Stylus are correctly entered in the bottom pane.
From the top pane, select the Calibrate Gauge option and then in the
lower pane select 3-Line Calibration. Into the Step Height field, in the
bottom pane, enter the height of the step on the 3-line calibration
standard to which the instrument is to be calibrated.
The Calibration and check measurement procedure is then, as follows:
Place the calibration standard below the stylus, lower the stylus into
contact with the standard at a point just in front of the marked rectangle
which contains the three lines to be measured. The stylus should be
positioned to bring the gauge reading to approximately its mid-position
i.e. a reading of about zero.
Check that the calibration standard is nominally level with respect to the
traverse unit. This can be done initially by eye and then by observing
the gauge height position at the two ends of the proposed traverse
(which is typically 4mm long). Perform a check measurement as
follows:

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 75

 OPERATION

Press the Analysis button to display the Analysis menu. Press the
Primary button and in the bottom pane select None and a data length of
4mm. Press the Form Type button and in the bottom pane select None .
Press the Measure button followed by Go, but ensuring that the Auto
Reverse button is enabled and the lift off message is disabled, to perform
the measurement. If the above conditions are met perform the
calibration as stated below. Return to the Calibrate menu and press Go.
Follow the on-screen messages.
After traversing the 3-line standard, the Calibration menu displays either
the Calibration Constants or the Modified Profile. A button at the top of
the top pane provides a toggle facility between these displays. If a
printer is available, then a printout of the current display can be
obtained.
Assess the results displays (see note below) and either:
Press the Accept button, on the menu to save and use measured
calibration data to a file, for future use.
Or press the Reject button, on the menu, to discard the calibration
data and re-instate the previous calibration.
If neither button is pressed, but the menu is exited, all subsequent
measurements will use the new calibration constants until either:
a) the system is switched off
b) a new calibration is performed
c) a stylus and range are reselected after a different stylus and
range have been selected. This action results in the previously
accepted calibration data for the stylus and range configuration
being used.
Note. The calibration procedure compares the measured average
distance from the adjacent ‘tops’ of the central line to the ‘bottom’ of
that central line with the stated Step Height value and alters the gauge
gain accordingly. From a calibration graph, if this average distance (not
the Pt value) does not agree with the 4% tolerance, recalibrate the
instrument. If there is a considerable difference between the stated and
measured values, then perform the procedure for setting the balance and
phase of the system before re-calibrating.

Page 76 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 OPERATION

MAKING MEASUREMENTS
Making a measurement involves acquiring data from the surface of the
component. This data is collected as many thousands of discrete points, to
which the gauge calibration corrections are applied. The data is then
processed and the results are displayed. The computer retains the
unprocessed profile data, which can then be used for further analyses with
different selections of filter, parameters and form etc.
Before making a measurement, there are a few general points of procedure
that should be applied.
1. Ensure that the Set Balances routine has been recently run for the
Gauge fitted and that the system has been correctly Calibrated (see
the previous chapter- SETTING THE GAUGE BALANCES AND
CALIBRATION).
2. Ensure that the Gauge Information is correct for the current gauge
(see the Calibrate menu).
3. From the Analysis menu, select the required Parameters, Reference,
Data Length and Filter, as appropriate.
4. Select the Measure menu. Set up the component with respect to the
line of traverse of the stylus. The surface to be measured should
generally be parallel to the line of traverse and when measuring
along the length of a cylindrical component, the crest of the
component must be directly under the stylus.
If a curved component (convex or concave) is being measured, the
component should be crested in both the X and Y as stated on page
64
The smallest curved component that can be successfully crested is
1mm radius (Range 1) and 2mm (Range 2) for a diamond stylus
(112/2009) and 3mm (Ranges 1 and 2) for a ball stylus (112/2010)
The maximum curved component that can be successfully crested is
1000mm radius for both ball and diamond stylus tips.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 77

 OPERATION

5. Use the Adjustable Height Unit to bring the stylus into contact with
the component. Adjust the height of the Gauge, so that during the
measurement, the Stylus movement will remain within Gauge range
over the entire measurement length.
Do not lower the Stylus so that it is pressed hard against the
component. This will cause damage to the stylus. A Traverse
operation cannot be made if the Gauge is over-range. When
manually contacting a component with the stylus, the Traverse Unit
display must be observed carefully as damage to the stylus may
occur if the display changes to +***.**; this indicates a gauge out
of range (high) position and at a small distance beyond this the
mechanical end stop will be encountered.
6. From the Measure menu, press the GO button. The measurement
traverse is carried out and the results are displayed.
A measurement using the LS line and primary analysis will display
the slope (or tilt) angle.
Tilt adjustment option
If the Traverse Unit has the optional tilt adjustment, the following table
gives the relationship between tilt angle and turns of the tilt adjustment
knob.
Tilt Angle Turns of tilt
adjustment knob
0.014º 0.1
0.035º 0.25
0.071º 0.5
0.141º 1
0.282º 2
0.705º 5
1.409º 10

Page 78 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 OPERATION

ANALYSIS
Raw data
The data acquired directly from a measurement is firstly corrected for stylus
arm arcuate error by applying the calibration constants. The data is then
further 'modified' by the application of the relevant form and filter options.
Raw data is obtained when the form is set to none and the Primary filter Ls
is set to none.
Exclude Option Features
This feature can be used for the analysis of any stored data or a current
measurement.
1. The Primary filter (any Ls) and Form datum or none must be
selected.
2. Using the Exclude Region button, select the region to be
analysed. See figure below to determine the button's single
increment distance for the appropriate profile length.

Note If the button is held down the increment size is equivalent

to 5 single increments

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 79

 OPERATION

3. To analyse the selected region, press the Analysis button and

select Form Type and Filter required for the analysis. To ensure
that the full included region is analysed the data length/number
of cut-offs should be set to a value greater than or equal to the
included region.
4. Press Go to perform the analysis.
If a different analysis is required the sequence from 1 to 4 must be repeated.
If after following 1 and 2 the Go button is pressed the analysis will be
performed over the selected region. If then 3 and 4 are performed the
resultant analysis will be over the full region and not the selected region.

Page 80 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

CONTENTS

What surface texture is and why it is necessary to measure it are subjects

covered in the book Exploring Surface Texture, from Taylor Hobson. The
user is advised to read this book to obtain background information on
surface texture in general and on stylus-type measuring instruments in
particular. It also gives useful information on parameters: their derivation
and use.

N.B. Some of these parameters are not applicable to your instrument

Page
MEASURING SURFACE TEXTURE 84
DATALOGGING 86
DATA CORRECTION 86
FORM REMOVAL PROCESS 86
FILTERING 87
PARAMETER CALCULATION 87
FORM REMOVAL 88
STRAIGHT LINE FITS 88
ARCUATE FITS 88
DATUM & NULL REFERENCES 88

FILTERS 90
FOURIER PRINCIPLE 90
APPLICATION TO INSTRUMENT BANDWIDTH 91
WAVINESS (FILTERING) 93
PRIMARY FILTERING 94
FILTERING OPTIONS 94
DATA POINTS AND FILTERING OPTIONS 94
CUT OFF/FILTER TYPES 96
2CR FILTERS 97
GAUSSIAN FILTERS 99
RK FILTER 100
R & W FILTER 100

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 81

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

PARAMETERS 101
TERMINOLOGY 101
PARAMETER DEFINITIONS 102
ROUGHNESS, WAVINESS and PRIMARY PARAMETERS 102
Ra,Wa, Pa 104
Rq, Wq, Pq 104
Rt, Wt, Pt 104
Rz,Wz,Pz 104
Rc,Wc,Pc 104
Rz,(JIS), Pz (JIS) 104
Rv, Wv, Pv 104
Rp, Wp, Pp 104
Rpm 104
RS, WS, PS 105
RSm, WSm, PSm 105
Rdq, Wdq, Pdq 106
Rlq, Wlq, Plq 106
R3z 106
R3y 106
Rda, Wda, Pda 106
Rlo, Wlo, Plo 106
ln 106
Rsk,Wsk, Psk 107
Rku, Wku, Pku 107
HSC 107
mr% 108
dc 108
Pc 108
Vo 109
RK PARAMETERS 110

R&W PARAMETERS 112

METHOD OF CALCULATION 113

Page 82 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

CALIBRATION 115
CALIBRATION ERRORS 116
RADIUS (MATHEMATICAL REFERENCE) 118
ACCURACY OF RADIUS MEASUREMENT 119
THE EFFECT OF STYLUS GEOMETRY 120
STYLUS FLANKING 121
SAMPLING INTERVAL THEORY 123
ALIASING 123
EFFECT ON RESULTS 124
AMPLIFIER CHARACTERISTICS 125

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 83

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

MEASURING SURFACE TEXTURE

Measurement methods

Surface Texture is generally measured by the following method:

DATALOGGING

Data Reduction

REDUCED DATA SET (or Uncorrected data)

Gauge Correction

CORRECTED DATA (Null)

Form Removal

UNFILTERED DATA

Filtering

Removal of ‘dc’ offset

FILTERED DATA (“MODIFIED PROFILE”)

Parameter Analysis

PARAMETERS

Page 84 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

CORRECTED DATA

Traverse Length

Form removal
FORM FITTED DATA

λc λc λc λc λc

Assessment Length
FILTERED DATA

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 85

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

DATALOGGING
Data is collected at regular intervals along the Surface, at a spacing of
0.5µm.
Generally, this large amount of data may be reduced to a smaller set to
make the data more manageable and to speed up subsequent processing.
This is performed using a weighted average method. A reduction ratio is
chosen so that sufficient data density remains in order to allow the filters
(see FILTERING) to achieve reasonable transmission characteristics, even
for short wavelength filtering.
The data reduction process also performs the function of anti-aliasing.
DATA CORRECTION
The reduced data will be unscaled and contain distortion due to the
systematic errors in the gauge. A scaling and correction is therefore
applied, based on the Gauge Correction factors, that results in
CORRECTED DATA.
FORM REMOVAL PROCESS
Form Removal is the elimination of the nominal shape of the component
from the assessment of texture. This includes removal of slope or
curvature. Form Removal may be applied either to access the form or to
remove the form from subsequent surface analyses.
Form Removal, in general, fits a reference shape (Reference line) to the
corrected data. A by-product of this process is the characteristics of the
reference figure regarding slope or radius. The removal of form from the
CORRECTED DATA results in the UNFILTERED DATA.
Individual options of Form Removal are defined later in this section.

Page 86 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

FILTERING
Although the data at this point has been reduced, it is normally referred to
as UNFILTERED. However, if required at this stage, filtering is carried
out. There are many methods of filtering but all are intended to remove
wavelengths from the data that are of no interest. This may be because of
the intended function of the surface or in order to eliminate invalid data
caused by extraneous noise etc.
Some filters result in discarding part of the data. The resulting data set after
this stage, whether filtering has been applied or not, is known as the
MODIFIED PROFILE.
Care should be taken if applying filters to data if FORM REMOVAL has
been performed for the purposes of form measurement. Filters by definition
distort this profile and are therefore best avoided unless restricted to
filtering out wavelengths that are much shorter than those characteristic of
component form.
Definitions and characteristics of the various standard filters are discussed
later in this section.
PARAMETER CALCULATION
Mathematical parameters may be calculated from the MODIFIED
PROFILE. There are many parameters dealing with the characteristics of
the surface geometry, these are discussed later in this section.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 87

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Form removal
The purposes of form removal is to provide a reference line or figure to:-
a) Uniquely define the form and its position.
b) Provide a reference about which surface finish parameters may
be calculated.
Possible form options are:

STRAIGHT LINE FITS

Least Squares Straight Line - This technique uses the method of least
squares to derive a MEAN LINE such that the sum of the squares of the
residual deviations are minimised. This mean line becomes the ‘Reference
line’.

Minimum Zone Lines - These lines are a geometric fit of two parallel lines
enclosing the profile such that their separation is a minimum.
The bisecting line of the two MZ lines becomes the ‘Reference line’.
Both straight line references inherently removes SLOPE from the data.
SLOPE as measured to the instrument datum is a RESULT of these types of
FORM REMOVAL. The convention is, SLOPES which indicate a rising
stylus are positive and those indicating a falling stylus are negative.

ARCUATE FITS
Least Squares Arc - This is the best-fit arc such that the sum of the squares
of the deviations from the arc are at a minimum.
Absolute Arc, This arc is calculated with reference to a specified radius.
This reference line also provides a radius result and the shape of the arc,
either concave or convex.
DATUM & NULL REFERENCES
During the explanation of data correction, we explained that prior to the
form fitting, the data was simply known as CORRECTED DATA. Whilst
this data is now qualified by the calibration factors, the reference origin of
the data remains as the gauge electrical zero.

Page 88 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Data represented in this form is known as NULL (Form type ‘None’), and
in itself is useful since subsequent measurements can be compared by fixing
the gauge zero.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 89

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

FILTERS
FILTERS may be required in the measurement of surfaces for several
reasons. These, however, fall into two categories either because the property
of the surface for which the measurement is being made is wavelength
dependent or to eliminate false wavelengths that have been introduced
during the measurement.
Before discussing these, it is necessary for the reader to understand the
wave nature of profiles and the concept of Fourier or Harmonic analysis.
FOURIER PRINCIPLE
The concept is based on the idea that any continuous profile can be
constructed from a series of sine waves or wavelengths that are multiples
(harmonics) of the length of data analysed (fundamental). This concept is
well known in music where the pitch of the note is determined by the
fundamental which predominates, and the tone of the instrument is
determined by the combination and proportion of the harmonics. This is
what makes different instruments sound different even though they may be
playing the same note. The illustration below shows how even complex
shapes can be constructed using sine-wave harmonics.
For example if, in the diagram below, line 1 represents the predominant
(fundamental) waveform and lines 2 and 3 represent other waveform
components from which a note or a surface can be constructed.1

Page 90 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Then, when waveform 2 is superimposed onto the fundamental, the

resulting form can be as shown below.

When waveform 3 is the superimposed onto the form generated from

waveforms 1 and 2, then a resulting form can be as shown below.

Note that not all components are in step with each other i.e. we need to
know not only the amplitude of the component but also its phase in relation
to the fundamental.
APPLICATION TO INSTRUMENTATION-BANDWIDTH
In measurement technology and electronics pure sine waves are welcomed
because they are easy to handle and the response to processing can be
readily predicted. In this way, if the instrument response can be defined for
sine waves of specific wavelength, then because of the Fourier principle
(and the assumption that the measuring instrument is a linear system) the
response to any surface can be predicted by considering the surface as a
group of sine wave components.
The problem is that all natural systems, be they electronic or mechanical,
do not respond equally to signals of different wavelengths in the same way.

X a a

Y a
b

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 91

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

For instance, a signal X may be processed by a system to result in an

unaltered waveform whereas a signal Y (of the same amplitude but different
wavelength) may be reduced in amplitude to b.
The effect of a FILTER on a general waveform may therefore be predicted
by a Response Curve which shows the percentage reduction in amplitude
for each wavelength during transmission through the filter. For example, a
Roughness Filter may look like this.

T
R 100%
A
N
S 50%
M
I
S
S
I
O
N
WAVELENGTH

The above curve indicates that this filter will accept wavelengths from λc
to λs, but attenuate other wavelengths. The width of this acceptance zone
(λc to λs) is known as the TRANSMISSION BANDWIDTH and for
surface finish measurements is usually expressed as a ratio of λc : λs.
On measuring instruments λc is set by the operator and is known as the
CUT-OFF length. The actual transmission at λc depends on the FILTER
TYPE but is 75% for ISO 2CR or PHASE CORRECTED FILTERS and
50% for GAUSSIAN type filters (the diagram shows λc = 50%).
All measurement systems have an equivalent to λs although problems arise
when λs is limited by uncontrolled characteristics of the system rather than
the applied filter. (such as the limitation of sampling rate, or display
response and gauging bandwidth). However, if short wavelengths are
present in the surface, standardisation of λs is a necessity for comparative
measurement between instruments (λs is always expressed at 50%).
A summary of the reasons why a standardised bandwidth is of importance
on multi-processed components is outlined following:

Page 92 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

• Slope or Curvature related parameters are very sensitive to small

wavelengths, and can be dominated by them. The use of a standardised
bandwidth ensures that measurements made are 'Like for Like'.
• Conventional systems allow the stylus geometry to define the lower
limit of the bandwidth. Since the geometry is not easily defined or
controlled the use of a definable bandwidth is preferred.
• The use of selectable bandwidths allows a sensible correlation of
measurements made over long assessment lengths.
ISO identifies standard CUT-OFF wavelengths in the series 0.025, 0.08,
0.25, 0.8, 2.5, 8 mm etc. which result in BANDWIDTHS of 100:1, 300:1,
1000:1, (these being the ratios of the above) with 300:1 as preference.
Establishment of λs also has the dual purpose of providing ANTI-
ALIASING of the data when in digital form.

WAVINESS (FILTERING)
Waviness filtering is essentially the same as for ROUGHNESS, except that
the FILTER CUT-OFF is specified at the shorter wavelength end of the
transmission curve (therefore, for waviness, λs is not relevant). The longer
wavelength end of the transmission curve is limited by the traverse length.
The cut off is referred to as λf.
In practice, the lower end of the response is so long that it may be taken to
be close to infinity (i.e. straight line component). Therefore, bandwidth
criteria are not currently generally used in waviness measurements.
ALIASING during WAVINESS measurement is not normally a problem
provided λf is 5 times larger than the sampling interval.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 93

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

PRIMARY (FILTERING)
A primary filter may be applied instead of Roughness or Waviness filtering.
The cutoff length is λs. This has the same effect as Waviness filtering, and
is typically used with a short wavelength to filter out the high frequency
(e.g. noise) elements from the measurement.

FILTERING OPTIONS
Filtering options allow the user to specify the cutoff length of the filtering
and additionally for Roughness the bandwidth.

NOTE Unless this provision is deliberately made to limit the short

wavelength (high frequency) response of an instrument, it would
otherwise be determined by the stylus geometry, the electrical
amplifier characteristics, or the sampling interval.
These factors would give rise to quite different filtering
characteristics, and result in different parameter results when the
same surface is measured on different types of instrument.

DATA POINTS AND FILTERING OPTIONS

Measurements are made with a data spacing of 0.5 um so that detailed
information can be obtained about the surface finish. However, for longer
cutoff lengths it is not necessary to use all of this data density and so the
data is reduced using an anti-aliasing weighted-average filter. This helps to
reduce the time to analyse the measurement data.

The selection of cutoff length (and bandwidth for Roughness filtering), is

constrained by the following criteria:
1. At least 5 points must be available in each filter cutoff length.
This applies to the Roughness low pass filter (λs), the Primary
filter (λs) and the Waviness filter (λf). However, for Primary
typically 10 points are used in each cutoff length, and for
Waviness up to 500 points will be used.
2. The data reduction ratio must be a whole number.
3. The Roughness bandwidth is determined from a ratio between
the standard cutoff lengths, with limits of about 30:1 to about
300:1.

Page 94 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Note For the accurate determination of the number of points per cut-off
(and therefore, for accurate filtering), the following must be
observed:
1. When measuring a flat surface, the component must be levelled prior
to the measurement
2. When measuring an arc shaped component, the measurement should
be made symmetrically about the turning point of the component
profile.

BANDWIDTHS AVAILABLE AT 0.5µm RAW DATA SPACING

High-pass cutoff Low-pass cutoff Bandwidth Reduction High-pass points/
(mm) points) (mm) (points) ratio ratio Low-pass points/

0.08 (160) 0.0025 (5) 32:1 1 160 /5

0.25 (500) 0.0025 (5) 100:1 1 500 / 5
0.8 (1600) 0.008 (16) 100:1 2 800 / 8
0.8 (1600) 0.0025 (5) 320:1 1 1600 / 5
2.5 (5000) 0.025 (50) 100:1 10 500 / 5
2.5 (5000) 0.008 (16) 312.5:1 2 2500 / 8
8.0 (16000) 0.08 (160) 100:1 32 500 / 5
8.0 (16000) 0.025 (50) 320:1 10 8000 / 8

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 95

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Cutoff/filter types
The PROFILE FILTERS for the Roughness long wavelength cutoff, λc,
and Waviness cutoff, λf, can be selected by the user from the following
filter types:
ISO 2CR, 2CR PC (phase corrected), Gaussian filter.
The Primary filter and Roughness short wavelength cutoff, λs are
implemented using the Gaussian filter.
These filters do not give a sharp cut in response to irregularities of widths
greater than the cut-off length. Instead there is a gradual fall-off in
response, as shown in the graphs on the following pages.
The 2CR filters (including 2CR PC) have been standardised to have a
transmission of 75% at the selected CUT-OFF. This means that the
amplitudes of the irregularities having a spacing equal to the CUT-OFF
length are reduced to 75% of their true value. The amplitudes of shorter
wavelength irregularities will be almost unchanged. The amplitudes of
longer wavelength irregularities are progressively reduced.
However, Gaussian filters have a transmission of 50% at the cut-off
wavelength. This means that the addition of the roughness filtered profile
to the waviness filtered profile equals the original unfiltered profile.
Coupled with the data discarding arrangement described later, this filter
tends to provide a less distorted profile analysis.
The effects of a filter on a particular point depend on the data values of the
previous or following adjacent points (or both dependent on the filter type).
For this reason, filtered data cannot be calculated at the extreme ends of the
data.
To minimise this problem, after filtering has taken place, some of the data
collected from the ends of the traverse (particularly the start) is discarded.
The amount of data discarded and its location, is dependent on the filter
used, as follows:
ISO 2CR -The first two cut-offs are discarded.
2CR PC -The first and last cut-off are discarded.
Gaussian -Half of the first cut-off and half of the last cut-off are discarded.

Page 96 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

The following profile graphs show the effect, in the extreme case on a
vertical profile slope of using no filter, the ISO 2CR filter (which has a
phase shift effect), the 2CR PC filter and the Gaussian filter (which is also
phase corrected).

No Filter

ISO 2CR

2CR PC

Gaussian

2CR FILTERS
Roughness Analysis
Filter details for ISO 2CR and 2CR PC filters are as follows:
Amplitude transmission ratio for a sinusoidal waveform:
output 3
Amplitude transmission ratio: = =
input 3 + α2
Where α = λ input/ λ cutoff
There is a phase distortion effect (φ) dependent on a such that:
α
(φ) = 2 Tan-1 √3
For 2CR PC filter there is no phase distortion: . (φ) = 0

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 97

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Waviness parameters are defined in the same manner as their roughness

counterparts, but assessments are made using the surface data which has
wavelengths greater than the cut-off selected, as shown below.
input 3 λ cut-off
Amplitude transmission ratio: = output = where ß =
3 + ß2 λ input
Filter Transmission Characteristics

Roughness Profile
Roughness spacing (mm)

Roughness spacing (inches)

Cut offs
F% = Transmission % mm in
A 0.08 0.003
B 0.25 0.010
C 0.80 0.030
D 2.5 0.10
E 8.0 0.30

Waviness Profile Waviness spacing (mm)

Waviness spacing (inches)

Page 98 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

GAUSSIAN FILTERS
Gaussian filtering does not simulate a specific electronic filter, but is a
mathematical function that is applied to the profile data. The filter is a
weighted mean of the profile, where the weights have a Gaussian (bell)
shape. Since this shape is symmetrical, the resulting filter is phase
corrected.
A property of a Gaussian filter is the ability to take account of data before
and after the effective stylus position. The response at the cut-off value is
50%.
The weighting function for the Gaussian filter has the equation of the
Gaussian density function.
The transmission characteristics are made up of two components, these are:
(a) the transmission characteristics of the mean line and (b) the transmission
characteristics of the roughness profile.
2
input α λc
a) Amplitude transmission ratio: = output -π
= e λ

loge 2
where α = = 0.4697186…
π

2
input
-π α λc
b) Amplitude transmission ratio: = output = 1-e λ

loge 2
where α = = 0.4697186…
π

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 99

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS
GAUSSIAN FILTER TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS (Roughness
Profile)

Cut offs
mm in
A 0.08 0.003
B 0.25 0.010
C 0.80 0.030
D 2.5 0.10
E 8.0 0.30

F% = Transmission %

GAUSSIAN FILTER TRANSMISSION CHARACTERISTICS (Waviness

Profile)

Cut offs
mm in
A 0.08 0.003
B 0.25 0.010
C 0.80 0.030
D 2.5 0.10
E 8.0 0.30

F% = Transmission %

RK FILTER
The filter applied for the evaluation of Rk is specific to this parameter and is
described in the standard ISO 13565-1,2.

R&W FILTER
A specific filter is applied for the evaluation of the R & W parameters. This
is described in the standard ISO 12085.

Page 100 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

PARAMETERS

Surface texture is quantified by parameters which relate to certain

characteristics of the texture. These parameters can be classified into three
groups, according to the type of characteristic that they measure.
AMPLITUDE PARAMETERS
Are measures of the vertical displacements of the profile (z axis).
SPACING PARAMETERS
These are measures of irregularity spacings along the surface, irrespective
of the amplitude of these irregularities (x axis).
HYBRID PARAMETERS
These relate to both the amplitude and spacing of the surface irregularities
(z and x axis).
EXTENDED PARAMETERS
A number of parameters are not simply defined by the profile data only.
These require further inputs or attributes to quantify the parameter. These
parameters are dc, mr, HSC, PC, Vo.

TERMINOLOGY
Before discussing the various parameters available for assessment a number
of terms relating to the length of data and its relationship to filters requires
defining:-
There are four characteristic lengths associated with the numerical
assessment of surface texture.
Cut-Off Wavelength
This is the wavelength of a sinusoidal profile of which only a certain
percentage of its amplitude is transmitted by the profile filter. This
percentage is 75% for ISO 2CR and 2CR PC filters and 50% for Gaussian
filters.
Profile filters are identified by their cut-off wavelength values.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 101

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Sampling Length
This is the length of the reference line determined to be equal to the cut-off
wavelength used in the Profile Filter in characterising the surface
roughness. For primary filtering, this is equal to the evaluation length.
Evaluation Length (Assessment) - ln
The length of modified profile data measured along the reference line over
which the values of surface finish parameters are calculated. Also known as
the assessment length or data length (and referred to as ln). It may contain
one or more sampling lengths.
Traverse Length
Nominal distance travelled by the traverse unit during data logging.
However, any allowances for acceleration or stabilisation which may be
made are not included. It can be greater than the evaluation length, due to
the discarding of some data if filtering has been applied.

PARAMETER DEFINITIONS
ROUGHNESS, WAVINESS and PRIMARY PARAMETERS
This section contains definitions for the Roughness (R), Waviness (W) and
Primary (P) parameters. Where the mathematical description for each of
these filter modes is the same, only the Roughness parameter is described.

Page 102 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Parameter Standard
ln ISO 4287 1997
Rp, Wp, Pp ISO 4287 1997
Rv, Wv, Pv ISO 4287 1997
Rz, Wz, Pz ISO 4287 1997
Rc, Wc, Pc ISO 4287 1997
Rt, Wt, Pt ISO 4287 1997
Rpm ISO 4287 1997
Ra, Wa, Pa ISO 4287 1997
Rq, Wq, Pq ISO 4287 1997
Rsk, Wsk, Psk ISO 4287 1997
Rku, Wku, Pku ISO 4287 1997
RSm, WSm, PSm ISO 4287 1997
Rdq, Wdq, Pdq ISO 4287 1997
Pz (JIS) TH Definition
Rz (JIS) JIS B 0601 1994, 5.
R3y TH Definition
R3z TH Definition
Rlq, Wlq, Plq ISO 4287 1984
RS, WS, PS ISO 4287 1984
RLo, WLo, PLo ISO 4287 1984
Rda, Wda, Pda ISO 4287 1984

RHSC, WHSC, PHSC TH Definition

Rdc, Wdc, Pdc ISO 4287 1997
Rmr, Wmr, Pmr ISO 4287 1997
Rmr(c), Wmr(c), Pmr(c) ISO 4287 1997
RPc, WPc, PPc TH Definition
RVo, WVo, PVo TH Definition

Ra Wa Pa -Ra is the universally recognised, and most used, international

parameter of roughness. It is the arithmetic mean of the departures of the
profile from the mean line.
L

∫
1
Ra = /L ¦ z (x)¦ d x
0

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 103

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Rq Wq Pq - Root mean square (rms) of the ordinates

√/
L

∫
1 2
. Rq = L 0
¦ z (x)¦ d x

Rt Wt Pt – Maximum sum of the largest peak and the largest valley of the
profile in the evaluation length.
Rz Wz Rz - Sum of the largest peak and the largest valley of the profile
within the sampling length.

Rc Wc Pc – This is the mean height of profile elements heights within a

sampling length. A profile element is made up of a profile peak and an
adjacent profile valley.

Rz (JIS) Pz (JIS) - also known as the ISO 10 point height parameter, is the
average height difference between the five highest peaks and the five lowest
valleys within the sampling length.
i=5 i=5

Σ Zpi -Σ Zv i
1
Rz (JIS) = 5

i=1 i=1

= (Zp1+Zp 2+Zp 3 +Zp4+Zp5) -(Zp1+Zp 2+Zp 3 +Zp4+Zp5)

5
Rv Wv Pv - The maximum depth of the profile below the mean line within
the sampling length.
Rp Wp Pp - The maximum height of the profile above the mean line within
the sampling length.
Rpm - The mean of Rp values obtained from all sampling lengths.
i=n
Rp m = n
1
Σi=1Rpi

Page 104 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

RS WS PS - The mean spacing of adjacent local peaks, measured over the

evaluation length. (A local peak is the highest part of the profile measured
between two adjacent minima, and is only included if the height between
the peak and its preceding minima is at least 1% of the overall peak to
valley of the profile).

i=n

Σi=1RSi
1 (RS1 +RS2 +....RSn)
RS = n RS = n

S
Local peak
spacing

RSm WSm PSm - The mean spacing between profile peaks at the mean
line, measured over the evaluation length. (A profile peak is the highest part
of the profile between an upwards and downwards crossing of the mean
line). There is a 10% z height discrimination and 1% sampling length
spacing discrimination.

i=n

Σi=1RSi
1 (RS1 +RS2 +....RSn)
RSm = n RSm =
n

RSm
Mean line peak
spacing

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 105

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Rdq Wdq Pdq – (?q) This is the rms slope of the profile throughout the
evaluation length

√
L

∫
1 2
∆q = /L ( θ (x)- θ ) d x
0

∫
1
Where: θ = /L θ (x) d x
0

and where θ is the slope of the profile at any given point θ = y'(x).

Rlq Wlq Plq -( λq) This is the rms measure of spatial wavelength content
of the surface. Numerically:

R λq = 2πRq
∆q
R3z - This is the vertical mean from the third highest peak to the third
lowest valley for each sample length.
i=n

Σ
1
R3z = n R3zi = (R3z1 + R3z2 ..R3zn)
i=1 n
Where R3zi is the deviation from the third highest peak to the third lowest
valley in each sample length.
R3y -This is the largest of the R3zi values (see R3z).

Rda Wda Pda – (∆a) The mean of the absolute values of the rate of change
of profile departures within the sampling length:
L

∫
1
∆a = /L dy d x
0
dx

Rlo Wlo PLo - This is the developed length of the profile.

ln - length in the direction of the x axis of the profile being evaluated.

Page 106 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Rsk Wsk Psk - Skewness is a measure of the symmetry of the amplitude

distribution curve about the mean line.

Components with NEGATIVE SKEW

the same Ra but
with +ve and -ve
skew POSITIVE SKEW

∫
3
Rsk = 1/ LRq 3 Z (x)d x
0

Rku Wku P k u - Kurtosis is a measure of shape (sharpness) of the

amplitude distribution curve.
L

∫
4
Rsk = 1/ LRq 4 Z (x)d x
0

HSC The high spot count is the number of complete profile peaks
(within the evaluation length) projecting above the reference line, the
reference line being parallel to the mean line. The reference line can be set
to a selected depth below the highest peak (D), at a selected distance above
or below the mean line (H) or at a mr% height and offset.

Surface

High D
spot H
count

Reference line

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 107

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

mr% - The material ratio is a measure of the length of surface (expressed as

a percentage of the evaluation length), where the profile peaks have been
cut off at a line which runs parallel to the mean line of the profile. It is
typically used to measure bearing surface wear.
The line defining the surface, can be set at a selected depth below the
highest peak (D) or at a selected distance above or below the mean line of
the profile (H) or at a mr% height and offset. When this line is set to the
depth of the largest profile valley, then mr is 100% because all the profile is
above the line. By plotting the mr% value against depth below the highest
profile peak (or distance from mean line) between the 0% and 100% limits,
then the material ratio (or Abbott-Firestone) curve is obtained.

Surface level
mr% D
H

Reference line

The addressed surface can be defined by specification of a base mr% (e.g.

5%) and a depth. This is useful in defining levels which are independent of
initial wear of the upper parts of the surface.

dc - This is the distance between two mr% values.

Pc - The peak count is the number of peaks which project through a
selectable band or "zonewidth" being parallel to the mean line. The
zonewidth can be set to a selected depth below the highest peak, at a
selected distance above or below the mean line or at mr% height and offset.
The zonewidth value is selectable. The result is expressed as peaks/cm or
peaks/inch Zonewidth

Peak count

Page 108 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Vo - Volumetric Parameter. This parameter is used to determine the oil

retention volume of a surface at a selected Material Ratio value and the
results are given as the volume of oil retained per unit of surface area.
Evaluation requires the determination of an area that is bounded by the
Material Ratio curve. The portion of the Material Ratio curve that is to be
evaluated can be specified by a depth, a distance above or below the mean
line, or at a mr% height and offset.

A = Material Ratio% Reference Level. This data is

excluded from the assessment
B = Material Ratio curve
C = Selected Material Ratio%
D = Bearing surface Depth
E = Oil reservoir (Vo) = mm3 /cm2

NOTE Results are given in mm3 / cm2 or min 3 / in 2 .

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 109

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Rk PARAMETERS
Rk associated parameters are a series of parameters designed specifically
for the control of the potential wear in cylinder bores in the automotive
manufacturing industry. It attempts to describe in numeric terms the form
of the material ratio curve.
The filter used in Rk is a specific filter described in ISO 13565-1.
Derivation of the parameters are based on the division of the material ratio
curve into three parts. The centre section (the "plateau") represents a 40%
band on the mr% axis. This band is positioned such that the depth of the
"plateau" (d) is a minimum.

Percentage material ratio

The line A1 is then constructed through the ends of the "plateau". The
interception of this line with the 0% and 100% ordinate gives rise to the Rk
value as shown.

Page 110 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Two triangles are then constructed ABC (from which the parameter A1 is
derived) and A1B1C1 (from which the parameter A2 is derived) on bases
AB and A1B1, such that their areas are equal to the area above AB and
under the curve, and the area below A1B1 and over the curve respectively,
shown as shaded areas on the illustration.
a) The top portion of the surface (length AC) which will quickly be
worn away when the engine begins to run. This is known as the
Reduced Peak Height = Rpk. The actual volume of material which
will be worn away (parameter A1) is determined from the triangle
A1B1C1). Results are given in mm3 / cm2 or min3 / in2.
b) The long term running surface which will influence the performance
and life of the cylinder. This is known as the kernal Roughness
Depth = Rk (Rk = The depth of the Roughness Core Profile).
c) The oil retaining capability of the deep troughs which have been
machined into the surface. This is known as the Reduced Valley
Depth = Rvk. (length of A1 C1). Tha actual volume of oil retained
(parameter A2) is determined from the triangle ABC.). Results are
given in mm3 / cm2 or min3 / in2.
d) The Material Ratios Mr1 and Mr2 (in %) are determined from the line of
intersection coinciding with the upper limit of the Roughness Core
Profile.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 111

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

R&W PARAMETERS
The method of filtering and analysis of R&W parameters is different and
not directly comparable with other parameters. Details of this filtering is in
document ISO 12 085.
Three profiles are used in the R&W analysis:
1. The unfiltered profile with slope correction (i.e. out of level has been
removed with respect to a least squares straight line), gathered by
traversing the stylus, skidless over the workpiece.

2. Roughness motifs.

3. Waviness motifs.

In addition to the slope of the profile, the standard parameters

evaluated are:
Pt This is the maximum peak to minimum valley of the primary
roughness motifs (i.e. the motifs before correction).
R The mean height of roughness steps, calculated from the roughness
motifs.

Page 112 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

AR The mean spacing between individual roughness motifs.

Rx The maximum peak to adjacent minimum valley (maximum
individual motif) of the primary roughness motifs.
SR The standard deviation of R.
SAR The standard deviation of Ar.
SW The standard deviation of W.
SAW The standard deviation of Aw.
Wte The maximum peak to minimum peak of the corrected roughness
envelope (in practice, calculated from the waviness motifs).
W The mean height of waviness motifs.
AW The mean spacing between individual waviness motifs. Waviness
spacings greater than the waviness cut-off length are not considered
for Aw calculations.
Wx The maximum individual motif of the waviness motifs.

METHOD OF CALCULATION
The sampling points collected from the measured slope corrected profile are
subjected to a filtering process, from which the roughness motifs are
constructed.
During this process, each peak contained within the data is detected and
subjected to four tests. The peaks that fail these tests are eliminated from
the envelope, the procedure being repeated until no further peaks can be
eliminated. The residual motifs are designated the roughness motifs from
which the Pt, Rx, AR and provisional R values are calculated.
Individual peaks are assessed once again for correction of amplitude
(attenuation of isolated peak). When this is completed, the corrected
roughness motifs are derived, from which the final value of R is calculated.
The peaks only of the corrected roughness motifs are then filtered again to
form the waviness motifs, from which the W, Wx, WT and AW values are
calculated.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 113

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Notes: As with all graphical methods, there are occasions when parameter
calculation can fail. Two examples of this are described following:
1. Due to the algorithms method of peak elimination, it is possible to
obtain slightly different parameter results from the same surface
turned through 180 degrees. This is due to a different set of peaks
and valleys being used for motif construction, based on the first peak
encountered. This motif is then used for final parameter assessment
which can show this condition, however, differences will be small.
2. If a surface is of periodic nature (i.e. Sinusoidal), some parameter
results can be indeterminate, depending on the surface wavelength
and the number of points used for calculation. If a purely periodic
surface is measured with sufficient data points to represent that
surface, all peaks will be in line leaving no waviness motif and
hence no Waviness parameters. In this condition the results are
shown as : Aw = ******
If the number of data points is reduced causing an aliasing condition
(See section on "Aliasing" further in this chapter) then a waviness
profile may be created from the same data set. In this condition the
Waviness parameter will be based on the sampled data criteria and
not the surface undulations.
3. The surface should satisfy the criterion that the roughness peak to
valley, PT, should not exceed 150 times the resolution of the gauge.

Page 114 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

CALIBRATION (using the ball standard)

Because of the large range and high resolution the associated accuracy
achievable, the calibration of the gauging system requires the inclusion of a
number of sources of error which would normally be ignored by more
conventional surface finish instruments. In addition to the gain correction,
there are two main causes of non-linearity in the gauge:
1. First and most important, is the non-linearity, which is due to the
arcuate movement of the stylus arm about the pivot. Ideally, as the
gauge moves through the full measurement range, the stylus tip
should move in a linear motion parallel to the Z axis. However, the
stylus tip moves as a defined arc about a pivot thus introducing non-
linearities in both X and Z co-ordinates.
2. Secondly, as the gauge moves through the full measurement range
the transducer within the pick-up alters characteristics, introducing
some minor non-linearities in the Z co-ordinates.
The nett effect of this is a non-linear relationship between the measured co-
ordinates (x, z) and the actual co-ordinates (X, Z). These are related by the
general formula;
Z = f (z)
X = x + g (Z)
where f () and g () are functions that can be determined empirically.
The two functions f () and g () are approximated by 3rd order polynomials.
Thus the calibration formula becomes;
Z = z1 z + z2 z2 + z3 z3
X = x + x1 Z + x2Z2 + x3Z3
where z1, z2,z3, x1, x2, x3 are the calibration constants.
The calibration constants are related to the stylus geometry as well as the
construction of the transducer of the pick-up. The exact relationship is not
important since they all can be determined empirically via the automatic
calibration routine provided in the instrument software.
.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 115

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

This empirical determination is performed by measurement of a known

controlled form (the calibration ball) which can be produced traceable to
National and International Standards and provides an artifact that can be
easily set-up on the instrument.
NOTE - The calibration of the instrument is valid only in that part of the
vertical range over which the calibration of the instrument is carried out.
Different stylus/calibration ball combinations produce different valid
vertical calibration ranges of the instruments. Caution must be used when
measuring outside this valid calibrated vertical range since the
measurements may not be as accurate as those taken within the valid
calibrated range. This is particularly so with the small bore styli which have
a very limited valid calibration range.

Calibration Errors
Outlined, on the next page, are some typical effects of incorrect calibration
when measuring radii. In many instances these effects can appear to be a
genuine form error on the component. It is, therefore, worth noting these
typical shapes in order to avoid making a wrong assumption on the form of
the component and attempting to take corrective action in the manufacturing
process.
Errors in calibration usually cause 'S', 'W', or 'M' shapes in the profile when
measuring radii, as shown in the following illustrations. The reasons for
this include:
• Lack of calibration.
• Change of stylus without re-calibration.
• Damaged stylus and/or stylus arm pivots.
• 'Tracking' errors on the stylus signal caused by sudden changes in
displacement (e.g. When measuring over a step).
It is recommended that if any of the forms shown in the following
illustrations are exhibited on a component that the instrument is re-
calibrated. If the calibration is acceptable then the component can be re-
measured.

Page 116 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

TYPICAL CALIBRATION ERROR EFFECTS ON RADIUS

MEASUREMENT

A = Modified Profile

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 117

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

RADIUS
(MATHEMATICAL REFERENCE)
The evaluation of Radius is performed on a curve belonging to the conics
group and is generated by the intersection of a plane on a cone (see
illustration). The Circle is a plane parallel to the cone base.

The standard form of a circle is:

z2 x2
___ ___
+ = 1
R R

where: R is the radius of the circle.

Page 118 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

ACCURACY OF RADIUS MEASUREMENT

When measuring small radii, the surface roughness of the component and
the value of the included angle have a major influence on the accuracy. For
larger radii the accuracy depends more on the accuracy of calibration and
traverse.
The best accuracy will normally occur in the 12.7mm to 25mm range
(nominally around the calibration value), with an included angle of approx.
60°. For small values of radius with the requisite surface quality, an
accuracy of 1% can be obtained with an included angle near to 60°. The
accuracy for values of radii larger than 25mm is such that at the largest
radius of 1000mm, an accuracy of 0.1% can be achieved with a minimum
included angle of 5°.
Accuracy is always influenced by the following:
1) Accuracy of calibration
2) Condition of stylus
3) Component surface finish
4) Component form error
5) Included angle and its symmetry with respect to the vertical.
6) Accuracy of traverse
Any abnormal effects of these factors will degrade the accuracy further.

Accuracy of radius
A = Accuracy % of nominal radius B = Nominal radius

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 119

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

EFFECTS OF STYLUS GEOMETRY

Description
When the stylus tip radius is small compared with the curvature of the
surface, the movement of the stylus will accurately follow the contours of
the surface. As the curvature of the surface increases, there is a tendency
for the stylus to bridge over any depressions with a small radius - reducing
its sensitivity to short wavelength components
However this reduction is not simply dependent on wavelength, as with an
electrical filter. The curvature of the surface is affected by both the height
and the spacing of the surface features, and the filtering effect of the stylus
tip radius can become less significant as the roughness of the surface is
reduced. Although it must be noted that the above is true for surfaces of a
constant wavelength, smoother surfaces usually also have a shorter
wavelength and hence can often be more susceptible than rougher surfaces.
Each of the profiles shown has the same wavelength, but due to the amount
of penetration of the stylus (or skid nosepiece) each would yield a different
roughness value.

EFFECT OF MECHANICAL FILTERING ON ROUGHNESS

Page 120 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Although a stylus is not capable of fully entering a depression in the surface

with a smaller radius of curvature than the stylus tip, it will be fully
deflected by a similar shaped mound on the surface. The filtering effect of a
stylus tip will therefore depend on the symmetry, or skew, of the surface
profile. It is important, therefore that, when appropriate, the stylus is
traversed squarely across the lay (the surface pattern caused by the
machining process) of the component.

EFFECT OF SKEW ON STYLUS PATH

A = Stylus traversed obliquely across the lay of the surface

B = Stylus traversed at right angles to the lay of the surface

STYLUS FLANKING
There are certain conditions of stylus/component profile contact which can
affect the validity of measurement results.
1. The effect of interference between the sides of the stylus tip and sloping
or curved profile sections (stylus flanking) should be considered.
This will occur when the stylus is traversed over a component profile
which includes either a slope or a radiused section, any part of which

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 121

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

presents a tangential angle greater than 35° for a diamond tipped stylus
or 55° for a ball tipped stylus.
The maximum traverse obtainable in a radiused section without stylus
flanking occurring is given by:
T = 1.15 x R for a diamond tipped stylus,
And
T = 1.6 x R for a ball tipped stylus
Where T = Traverse length and R = the profile radius.
2. When using a ball tipped stylus, the contact point of the ball with the
profile being measured changes as the slopes of the profile contour
changes.
The measured profile data is computed and results output with
compensation for the stylus radius. However, dimensional data obtainable
from the X and Z axis co-ordinates of the Data Selection displays is not
compensated. Therefore, this effect should be taken into account when
using these displays.

A =Stylus tip

Page 122 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

SAMPLING INTERVAL THEORY

The use of digital computers to process profile data introduces another
limitation to the high frequency response of the measuring system. Because
the computer can only perform calculations with discrete numbers rather
than a continuously changing electrical signal, the profile signal has to be
sampled at regular intervals to provide a series of data values, each of which
represents the surface height at one point on the surface. The spacing of
these points along the surface determines the shortest surface wavelength
which can be resolved.
Conventional sampling theory (Nyquist) requires that the sampling
frequency should be at least twice the highest frequency contained in the
signal. In terms of wavelength, this means that there should be at least two
data points within the shortest surface wavelength contained in the profile.
The speed and data capacity of the computer system impose a limit to the
maximum sampling rate that can be used, and therefore to the shortest
wavelength that the system is capable of measuring.
However, the Form Talysurf uses at least five points per cut-off wavelength
to achieve a 1% transmission level of the Gaussian profile filter.

ALIASING
A further complication arises due to the phenomenon known as aliasing.
When the profile contains a frequency which is greater than half of the
sampling frequency, the sampling process can result in a much lower
frequency being detected.

A = True Signal

B = Alias Signal

C = Sampling Interval

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 123

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

The detected frequency is the difference between the sampling and actual
profile frequencies. If the sampled data were used to create a profile graph,
the effect of aliasing would be to introduce long wavelength components
into the profile, which were not present on the actual surface. To prevent
this happening, it is usual to provide an electrical filter which removes any
unwanted high frequencies from the profile data before it is sampled. Such a
filter is commonly described as an anti-aliasing filter.

EFFECT ON RESULTS
With most manufactured surfaces, the longer wavelength components of
the surface texture tend to have the greatest amplitudes. This is a natural
consequence of most manufacturing processes. When the surface texture
parameters of this type of surface are assessed, the short wavelength limit
and bandwidth become much less significant than the long wavelength limit
(cut-off), because it is mainly the long wavelengths which are contributing
to the parameter values.
Very high precision surfaces, which have been subjected to a succession of
machining operations, do not always show this same increase in amplitude
with wavelength. The effect of the multiple machining is to remove the
long wavelength components leaving only the short wavelengths. For these
surfaces, the parameter values obtained after a measurement will be very
sensitive to bandwidth and short wavelength limits. Not surprisingly, it is
with this type of surface that most anomalies are found when measurements
are made using different types of instrument.

Page 124 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

AMPLIFIER CHARACTERISTICS
All electronic amplifier systems have a finite upper limit to their frequency
range. Although it is possible to design amplifiers with very high upper
frequency limits, and very large bandwidths, the frequency range is
normally restricted in order to improve the noise performance.
Both the transducer and the amplifier generate some electrical noise and this
is then superimposed on the profile signal and effectively limits the
resolution of the instrument. The amount of noise introduced is directly
related to the bandwidth of the system and for high resolution, it is usual to
design the amplifier with only the minimum bandwidth required.
The amplifier bandwidth is normally limited by the inclusion of electrical
filtering networks. Although such filters may have a variety of different
characteristics, their filtering effect is dependent only on frequency and is
not affected by the amplitude of the signal or by the skew of the profile.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 125

 PARAMETERS AND DEFINITIONS

Page 126 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

CONTENTS
Page
Granite Base (112/2007-01) 128
Granite Base (112/3046-01) 130
Column (112/3117-01) 132
Column (112/3046-01) 134
Free Standing Base (112/3066) 136
The Wide range pick-up (112/2628) 138
Adjustable Vee Block (112/1326) 141
Workholding, Vee Block, Plain (112/1283) 142
Workholding, Vee Block, 150mm (112/1645) 143
Workholding, Worktable, 'Y' Axis (112/1826) 144
Workholding, Universal 146
Full Version (112/3064) 146
X-Y Stage and Vee block only (112/3067) 147
Taylor Hobson Fast charger (265-943) 148
Printer (112/2762) 154
Epson Thermal 155
Deskjet Printer (112/2902) 156
Laserjet Printer (112/2696) 157
PCMCIA Card (112/3022) 158
PCM Stand (112/3047) 159
Flight case 160

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 127

 ACCESSORIES

Granite Base (112/2007-01)

The base is of an epoxy granite construction on anti-vibration mounts, and

provides a firm support for the column and workpieces. The isolation from
vibration provided by the base enables the system to be used up to
maximum performance level close to normal engineering environments
(this does not include high energy activity such as forging, planing,
shearing, bending etc). Two tee slots enables fixtures and base accessories
to be secured to the surface.
WARNING: The threaded holes on the top of the base MUST NOT be
used for lifting. The column must be removed from the base before
attempting to lift the base.
Four handles are provided for lifting the base, which weighs 100kg (220
lbs). These handles must be fully screwed into the threaded holes in the
ends of the base (two handles at each end). The user must decide whether
to use manual or mechanical lifting, depending on the environment and the
distance to be moved

Page 128 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Specification
Material: Epoxy Granite
Weight: 100kg (220 lbs)
WxDxH: 760 x 500 x 120mm
Location features: 2 Tee slot ( for dimensions see sketch)

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 129

 ACCESSORIES

Granite Base (112/3046-01)

The base is of an epoxy granite construction on anti-vibration mounts, and

provides a firm support for the column and workpieces. The isolation from
vibration provided by the base enables the system to be used up to
maximum performance level close to normal engineering environments
(this does not include high energy activity such as forging, planing,
shearing, bending etc). One tee slot enables fixtures and base accessories to
be secured to the surface.
WARNING: The threaded holes on the top of the base MUST NOT be
used for lifting. The column must be removed from the base before
attempting to lift the base.
Four handles are provided for lifting the base, which weighs 100kg (220
lbs). These handles must be fully screwed into the threaded holes in the
ends of the base (two handles at each end). The user must decide whether
to use manual or mechanical lifting, depending on the environment and the
distance to be moved

Page 130 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Specification
Material: Granite
Weight: 100kg (220 lbs)
WxDxH: 800 x 400 x 100mm
Location features: 1 Tee slot ( for dimensions see sketch)

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 131

 ACCESSORIES

Column (112/3117-01)

The column is used in conjunction with the epoxy Granite Base to provide a
rigid stable mounting for the traverse unit. This enables the height of the
traverse unit to be easily and precisely adjusted.
The height of the column carriage on which the traverse unit is mounted is
adjusted by use of a handwheel located at the top of the column. Due to the
isolation properties of the anti-vibration mounts located under the base, care
should be taken when using the handwheel, not to cause the instrument
and/or components to move.
The traverse unit can be attached to either a cradle adaptor plate via its feet
or a fixed plate via the vertical dovetail adaptor
WARNING: Before placing the traverse unit on either of the carriage
adaptor plates, ensure that it is firmly secured to the column carriage.
Cradle adaptor plate 112/3116
Ensure that the traverse unit is placed on the kinematic mounts, see page
15. Levelling of the traverse unit is achieved by adjustment of the screwed
cone mount in the adaptor plate, located under the rear TU foot.

Page 132 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Fixed plate 112/3107

The fixed plate provides a more permanent location for the traverse unit and
ensure a better noise performance as the traverse unit is directly attached to
the carriage via a dovetail. The fixed plate is set to ensure the traverse unit
axis is parallel to the base within 100µm/50mm. There is no allowance for
tilt adjustments on the fixed plate.
A carriage clamp screw is provided to enable the carriage to be clamped to
the column during sensitive measurements.
Specification
Material: Epoxy Granite
Weight: 35kg
Height to top of handwheel: 810mm
Depth (including adaptor
plate and clamp): 340mm
Width (including adaptor plate): 355mm
Minimum height of adaptor
plate underside from base: 30mm
Maximum height of adaptor
plate underside from base: 372mm
Range of movement on levelling screw: Nominally +4mm from
(only cradle adaptor plate) level position

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 133

 ACCESSORIES

Column (112/3046-01)

The column is used in conjunction with the Granite Base to provide a rigid
stable mounting for the traverse unit. This enables the height of the traverse
unit to be easily and precisely adjusted.
The height of the column carriage on which the traverse unit is mounted is
adjusted by use of a handwheel located at the top of the column. Due to the
isolation properties of the anti-vibration mounts located under the base, care
should be taken when using the handwheel, not to cause the instrument
and/or components to move.
WARNING: Before placing the traverse unit on the carriage adaptor plate,
ensure that it is firmly secured to the column carriage.
Ensure that the traverse unit is placed on the kinematic mounts, see page
15. Levelling of the traverse unit is achieved by adjustment of the screwed
cone mount in the adaptor plate, located under the rear TU foot.

Page 134 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

A carriage clamp screw is provided to enable the carriage to be clamped to

the column during sensitive measurements.
Specification
Material: Granite
Weight: 36kg
Height to top of handwheel: 522mm
Depth (including adaptor
plate and clamp): 420mm
Width (including adaptor plate): 310mm
Minimum height of adaptor
plate underside from base: 30mm
Maximum height of adaptor
plate underside from base: 350mm
Range of movement on levelling screw: Nominally +4mm from
level position

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 135

 ACCESSORIES

Free Standing base (112/3066-01)

The base is a granite construction on anti-vibration mounts, and provides a

firm support for the traverse unit and the various workpieces. The isolation
from vibration provided by the base enables the system to be used up to
maximum performance level close to normal engineering environments
(this does not include high energy activity such as forging, planing,
shearing, bending etc). One tee slot enables fixtures and base accessories to
be secured to the surface.
WARNING: The threaded holes on the top of the base MUST NOT be
used for lifting..
Four handles are provided for lifting the base, which weighs 50kg (110 lbs).
These handles must be fully screwed into the threaded holes in the ends of
the base (two handles at each end). The user must decide whether to use
manual or mechanical lifting, depending on the environment and the
distance to be moved
Two pairs of additional blocks are provided as shown. These blocks locate
on the base to raise the mounting for traverse unit to the required height

Page 136 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Specification
Material: Granite
Weight: 50kg (110 lbs)
WxDxH: 750mm x 250 x 80mm
Location features: 1 Tee slot ( for dimensions see sketch)
Block heights: 50mm and 100mm

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 137

 ACCESSORIES

The Wide range Pick-up 112/2628

This unit is a wide range inductive pick-up for profile measurement. Full
arcuate compensation is obtained via the software.

The wide range pick-up is plugged into the hinge unit. The pick-up must be
mounted with the stylus in the downward direction only. As this pick-up is
used skidless, the hinged pick-up stem must be locked solid.

The stylus beam is a push fit into the anvil of the pick-up. A stop pin is
fitted through the beam and this must fully engage with the recess in the
anvil.

The pivot of the pick-up is a delicate mechanism. Therefore, care must be

taken, when inserting and removing the stylus beam, not to force the beam
into its socket or to impart a sideways or twisting movement.

The Stylus Stop When measuring workpieces which have interrupted

surfaces, the stylus can drop into a hole or recess and cause the stylus to be
damaged or the stylus arm to be disengaged from the pivot. To prevent this
occurring, the movement of the stylus can be limited, by adjusting the stylus
stop screw.

The stop screw is located by inserting an M3 hexagon key through the hole
in the top plate of the pick-up. The screw should be adjusted so that the
stylus is free to fully contact the surface to be measured but have only a
limited drop into the interruption.

When non-interrupted surfaces are to be measured, the stop screw should

not limit the movement of the stylus arm. This condition can be checked by
allowing the stylus to hang freely and ensuring that the displayed stylus
position indicates an out-of-range condition.

Page 138 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Specification
Pick-up type: Wide range variable inductance
Calibrated Range: Range 1: 29.5mm nominal
(calibrated over the central
9mm), 450nm resolution.

Range 2: 5.9mm nominal

(calibrated over the full range),
90nm resolution.

Range 3: 1.2mm nominal

(calibrated over the full range),
18nm resolution.
The actual range is determined during the calibration routine and may
deviate by 10% either way from the nominal range

Wide Range Pickup:

measuring a 22mm radius Calibration Ball over any 6mm of gauge range
- showing the increase of measured Radius and Pt when both within and outside the
calibrated gauge range
160

140

120
Form Error (um)

100

80

60

40

20

0
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9 -10
Gauge range (calibrated range is +5 to -5mm)

Deviation from the 22mm radius calibration value Form error - Pt

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 139

 ACCESSORIES

Dimensions (W x D x H): 97mm, 30mm, 40mm

(3.8 x 1.18 x 1.57in)
Weight: 230g
Interchangeable Styli
Tungsten carbide
15o chisel tip- K501/1684: 20µm tip radius
Tungsten carbide
30o conical tip-K501/1685: 20µm tip radius
Sapphire Ball-K501/1686: 500µm tip radius
Resolution 850nm (83µin)
Stylus Force: 3gf (0.03N) nominal
Radius accuracy: <0.5% *
Form best fit circular arc - Pt : <5µm *
Calibration standard required 44mm diameter ball

*Figures quoted are for measurements made within the calibrated range of
the pick-up.

Note. Shank clearance, shank length and arm length (as stated in the
Calibrate menu) are with respect to the gauge pivot point.

Page 140 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Adjustable Vee Block (112/1326)

Dimensions

This accessory has 40mm (1.5in) of lateral adjustment and is particularly

useful for bringing the crest of a cylindrical workpiece directly under the
stylus and in line with the axis of the Gauge traverse.
The vee block is designed to locate in the tee slot of the instrument base, or
other specialised fixturing.
The tee slot dimensions are illustrated above.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 141

 ACCESSORIES

Workholding, Vee Block, Plain (112/1283)

Dimensions

This provides a simple aid for rigidly supporting cylindrical components.

The vee is parallel with the faces of the two datum pads to assist with the
alignment of the component to be measured, and is undercut to enable
positive seating for the component.
The vee block stands on three ground feet for maximum stability.

Page 142 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Workholding, Vee Block, 150mm (112/1645)

Dimensions

These vee blocks are provided as a pair and can be used to support
components such as crankshafts, which cannot be easily supported on plain
or adjustable vee blocks.
Each vee block can be locked into position in the tee slot.
The vee block is designed to locate in the tee slot of the instrument base, or
other specialised fixturing.
The tee slot dimensions are illustrated above.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 143

 ACCESSORIES

Workholding, Worktable, 'Y' Axis (112/1826)

Dimensions

The ‘Y’ Axis worktable provides adjustment of the workpiece position at 90

degrees to the direction of gauge traverse. The worktable has a tee slot in
both X and Y axes.
The total lateral adjustment of the table is 10mm (0.39in) minimum,
indicated by a scaled knob. The table load capacity is 20kg (44lb).
This unit can be free standing or adapted for tee slot mounting.

Page 144 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

This accessory can also be used with the adjustable vee block (112/1326) to
position a cylindrical workpiece at right angles to the Gauge traverse.
The tee slot dimensions are:

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 145

 ACCESSORIES

Workholding, Universal

There are two options for the Universal workholding:

1. Complete assembly as shown. (112/3064)

Specification

Shift direction: X, Y, Z, θ, T
Travel range: X, Y 25mm
Z 5mm
θ 360o
T 10o
Graduation: 0.01mm
Resolution 0.005mm
Load Capacity 1kg
Weight 0.6kg approx

Page 146 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

X-Y Stage and Vee block only. (112/3067)

Specification

Shift direction: X, Y
Travel range: X, Y 25mm
Graduation: 0.01mm
Resolution 0.005mm
Load Capacity 1kg

Attaching both options to the base/free standing base

Both options are supplied with an Interface plate that fits into the tee slot of
the base. Two screws can then be tightened to secure the interface plate and
hence the workholding to which it is attached, in place on the base. A 4mm
A/F Allen key is required to tighten the two screws.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 147

 ACCESSORIES

Taylor Hobson Fast Charger

General Description
The Fast Charger (265-943) is designed to charge the nickel-metal hydride
(NiMH) 6V, 3.6Ah battery
pack (249-36). The system
comprises three independent
chargers utilising a pulsed-
current charging technique
together with voltage slope
and over temperature
termination. Each of the
three charger circuits
employs a four-stage charge
sequence that provides a
complete recharge without
overcharging.

The charger monitors for the presence of a battery and begins charging
when a battery is installed in the charge bay. Voltage and temperature are
measured to ensure that the battery is within fast charge conditions before
charge is initiated.

Page 148 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Features
• Three independent charger bays
with dedicated signal indicators.
• Multiple charge termination methods:
- Voltage slope
- Maximum temperature
- Charge timer
• Four stage charge sequence:
- Soft start charge
- Fast charge
- Topping charge
- Maintenance charge
• Reverse-pulse charging in all charge stages.
• Fast charge time: < 2½ hours.
• Out-of-temperature range detection:
- Hot battery: charger shutdown
- Cold battery: low current charge
• Continuous polling mode for battery detection.
Charger Operation
Charging Stages

The charging sequence consists of four stages. The soft start stage
gradually increases current levels up to the fast charge rate during the first
two minutes. The soft start stage is followed by the fast charge stage, which
continues until termination. After termination, a two-hour topping charge is
applied at a rate low enough to prevent cell heating but high enough to
ensure a full charge. The topping charge is followed by a maintenance
charge, which is intended to offset the natural self-discharge of the battery
by keeping the cells primed at peak charge. The maintenance charge will
continue as long as the battery is inserted in the bay.

The RED Charge Status indicator is activated continuously during soft start
and fast charge. The GREEN Charge Status indicator is activated
continuously during topping and maintenance charge.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 149

 ACCESSORIES

Charge Termination Methods

The charger uses voltage slope, maximum temperature and charge timer
methods to terminate fast charge. The maximum temperature and fast
charge timer are used as a safety backup during the main charge cycle.

If the temperature of the battery exceeds the maximum limit during a charge
cycle, the charger will shutdown and stop charging. The YELLOW Battery
Temperature indicator will latch on indicating a Hot Battery condition. The
user must remove the battery and manually reset the charger via the
recessed push-button switch situated at the back of the unit. The battery
must be allowed to cool before it can be reinserted and charged again.

Note: Repeated over temperature shutdowns indicates a potential fault

condition and the battery must be removed from service immediately and
returned to the supplier with details of the problem.

The charger uses a timer to limit the fast charge duration to 144 minutes.
For safety, the fast charge timer is always enabled and cannot be disabled.

Note: Powering-up, removing and re-inserting a battery, or manually

resetting the charger using the push-button switch will reset the safety
timer.

Battery Detection

Upon power-up, removal of a battery, or manual reset after an over

temperature shutdown condition, the charger enters the battery polling
detect mode. To indicate this mode, the YELLOW indicator will flash
continuously. Once a battery is installed in a charger bay, the YELLOW
indicator will stop flashing and the charger will enter the soft start stage.

Page 150 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Cold Battery Charging

The charger checks for a cold battery before initiating fast charge. If a cold
battery is present before fast charge begins, the charger begins a two hour
topping charge cycle. If the battery is still cold after the two hour topping
charge is complete, the charger begins a maintenance charge. The
maintenance charge will continue for as long as the battery remains cold.
The charger checks the temperature every second to see if the battery has
warmed up. If the battery warms up, the charger stops the topping or
maintenance charge and begins the fast charge cycle.

The GREEN Charge Status indicator and the YELLOW Battery

Temperature indicator will be active, indicating that a low current charge is
being applied to the battery that is outside the specified temperature range
for fast charging.

Safety Features

In the event of an accidental short circuit across the battery terminals inside
the charger bay, the charger will automatically limit the internal current to
1.8A (normal fast charge current) to prevent damage to the electronics. The
GREEN Charge Status indicator will flash and the YELLOW Battery
Temperature indicator will turn on indicating the condition. The user must
immediately turn off system power and remove the short circuit obstruction
from the charger bay.

The input to each charger circuit is internally protected with a 3.15A fuse.
A blown fuse indicates a fault condition and must not be replaced by the
user.

Additionally, each battery pack includes a PTC fuse to protect against

accidental short circuits across the battery pack terminals. The PTC should
automatically reset itself when the short circuit condition is removed. If the
pack does not recover from the short circuit condition, the battery must be
removed from service immediately and returned to the supplier with details
of the problem.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 151

 ACCESSORIES

Please refer to the Operating and Safety Instructions for the Fast Charger
System and Battery Packs supplied with the charger unit for additional
safety information.

Electrical/Mechanical Specifications
Fast Charger

Parameter Min. Max. Unit

Operating
0 +55 °C
Temperature
Storage Temperature 0 +60 °C
Input Voltage Range 100 - 240 VAC
Line Frequency 47 63 Hz
Power Consumption 100 W
Input Receptacle 3-pin IEC (fitted with 5A quick blow fuse)
Dimensions (L x W x 236 x 152 x 200 mm
H)
Weight 2 Kg
Case Material UL94HB HIPS
LVD Approvals Safety requirements for battery
(LVD Safety Directive EN60335-2-29 chargers.
73/23/EEC)
Generic Emission Standard:
EMC Approvals EN50081-
Residential, Commercial and Light
(EMC directives 1:1992
Industry Environment
89/336/EEC
Generic Immunity Standard:
amended by EN50082-
Residential, Commercial and Light
92/31/EEC) 1:1997
Industry Environment.

Charging

Fast Charge Rate C/2 (1.8A pulsed)

Topping Charge Rate C/10 (2 hours)
Maintenance Charge C/40
Rate
Charge Termination Voltage slope, maximum temperature, charge timer
Fast Charge Time < 2½ hours

Page 152 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Signal Indicators

Charge Status Battery

Description
LED Temperature LED
Insert Battery
Off Flashing yellow

Red Off Fast Charging

Topping/Maintenance Charge – Battery

Green Off ready to use
Battery Cold – Trickle charge warm-up
before fast charge (Charge Status LED
Green Yellow
green and Battery temperature LED
yellow)
Battery Hot: Charger shutdown –
‘Push-button reset’ when cool
Off Yellow
(Repeated shutdowns indicate a fault
condition)

Off Off No power to charger or open battery

Warning! Use only the 249-36 battery pack with the 265-943 Fast
Charger. The use of any other battery types and fast charger systems will
invalidate any approval or warranty applying to the charger and battery
packs, and may be dangerous.

Steatite reserves the right to amend specifications without prior notice.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 153

 ACCESSORIES

Printer (112/2762)

A typical printer is shown above. The printer can be used for producing
hard copy of measurement results, parameter text and profile displays.
Specification
Resolution: 8 dots/mm (203 dots/in)
Speed: 30mm/sec (1.2in)
maximum
Paper width: 108mm (4.4in)
Print width: 100mm (3.9in)
Dimensions 190mm x 175mm x
131mm
(7.48in x 6.89in x 5.16in)
Weight TBD
PSU External

Page 154 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Epson Thermal

Epson printer TM-T88 IIP

Specification
Print Method Thermal line printing.
Dimensions (mm) W145 x D195 x H148
Weight approx. 1.8kg.
Print Speed 38 LPS (1/8" conversion)
(120mm/sec).
Interface RS-232C / bi-directional
parallel / RS-485 (option).
Paper Dimensions Thermal roll paper 79.5 +/-
0.5mm x dia. 83mm.
Power Supply 24VDC +/-7%.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 155

 ACCESSORIES

Deskjet Printer 112/2902

Description
The Hewlett Packard Deskjet 950C printer can be supplied as an optional
accessory and provides an alternative or addition to the printer 112/2762.

Results printouts are output to fit on A4 or Letter size paper.

Details of operation and specification are provided in the manufacturer's

handbooks.

Versions are supplied appropriate to the country in which it is to be

operated:

112/2902 E for use in the U.K.

112/2902 F for use in France
112/2902 G for use in Germany
112/2902 I for use in Italy
112/2902 S for use in Spain
112/2902 U for use in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Important

1. Do not load the printer driver software supplied with the Deskjet
printer. The printer drivers required for use with Taylor Hobson
equipment, are included and loaded with the instrument software.

2. Use only the lead supplied with the Taylor Hobson equipment to
connect the printer to the parallel port of the computer. Do not use
the lead supplied with the printer.

For further details on the printer, refer to the manufacturer's handbook

supplied.

Page 156 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

Laserjet Printer 112/2696

Description
The Hewlett Packard Laserjet printer can be supplied as an optional
accessory and provides an alternative or addition to the printer 112/2762.

Results printouts are output to fit on A4 or Letter size paper.

Details of operation and specification are provided in the manufacturer's

handbooks.

Versions are supplied appropriate to the country in which it is to be

operated:

112/2696 E for use in the U.K.

112/2696 F for use in France
112/2696 G for use in Germany
112/2696 I for use in Italy
112/2696 S for use in Spain
112/2696 U for use in the U.S.A. and Canada.

Important

1. Do not load the printer driver software supplied with the Laserjet
laser printer. The printer drivers required for use with Taylor
Hobson equipment, are included and loaded with the instrument
software.

3. Use only the lead supplied with the Taylor Hobson equipment to
connect the printer to the parallel port of the computer. Do not use
the lead supplied with the printer.

For further details on the laser printer, refer to the manufacturer's handbook
supplied.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 157

 ACCESSORIES

PCMCIA Card (112/3022)

The flash disk socket on the Intra PCM is designated as:

PCMCIA Type II

This specification covers the physical and electrical

specifications of the interface.

The flash memory cards must conform to the following specification:

PC Card ATA

Specification

Removable media: One PCMCIA Type II slot provided for

use with optional PC Card ATA Flash Disks.

Page 158 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 ACCESSORIES

PCM Stand (112/3047)

A PCM stand is available to mount the PCM.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 159

 ACCESSORIES

Flight case
The flight case provides the means to transport the traverse unit , PCM,
power supplies, all required leads, gauge and Operator’s manual.

Page 160 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

This glossary contains descriptions of terms used in connection with

the measurement and analysis of surface texture. Some terms
relate to the functions and facilities of certain types of hardware or
software and may not apply to your particular system.

A
A-D converter
Analogue to digital converter which is used on the analogue
output of the transducer to create Data Points.
Amplitude Distribution
The distribution of frequency with which peaks of the same
height occur in the measured profile data.
Analogue
Faithful representation of the changing states of something in
the real world. The essence of analogue representation is
that the measurement value is continuously variable, usually
between known limits. The output from a transducer is
analogue. An analogue signal is converted to digital in an A-
D converter.
Analysis
Can refer to Primary Analysis or analysis of roughness,
waviness etc. Analysis comprises form fit, form removal,
filtering and parameters.
Arcuate Correction
The correction applied to the output from the transducer to
compensate for the fact that the stylus (whose arm is
pivoted) moves in an arc rather than a straight line.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 161

 GLOSSARY

Assessment Length
That part of the profile which remains after the various filters
have removed sampling lengths (or parts thereof) from
either end of the data length.
Auto Reverse
A facility to re-position the stylus at the start position
automatically after a data collection pass. It does not
automatically repeat the pass.
Axis
Unlike some other branches of mathematics and science, the
y-axis is “front-to-back”, the z-axis is vertical and the x-axis is
(as in the normal convention) horizontal. The term “z axis” is
normally used to describe the column.
Axis Calibration
The action of specifying to the software the positions at
which the traverse unit and column carriage are regarded as
being located. This then provides a reference point on each
axis for subsequent measurement or movement. The
positions will normally be close to the physical positions (for
example, the extreme left position of the traverse unit is
nominally zero) but the reference will be precise; the physical
position is not.

Page 162 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

B
Balance
This term used to describe the resistive balance and phase
characteristics that relate to inductive gauges only.
Bandwidth
The ratio between the wavelengths of the Lc Cut-off and Ls
Cut-off values.
Specifies the ratio of the low pass cut-off to the high pass
cut-off and represents the range of wavelengths that will
remain after the filtering process
Bearing Ratio
Alternative term for material ratio.

C
Calibration
A generic term which, in terms of surface metrology
embraces axis calibration and gauge calibration.
Calibration Constant
A numerical value that is required by the algorithms used to
calculate the parameters. Typically, 6 such constants are
computed during a calibration session. Used to minimise
inaccuracies in the hardware.
Calibration Standard
A test surface having known values.
Coefficient
A mathematical term whose equivalent in the present context
is Calibration Constant.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 163

 GLOSSARY

Constant
See Calibration Constant
Crowning (cresting)
For surface measurement, crowning (sometimes referred to
as cresting) is the process of determining the highest point of
a component that has a convex form, or the lowest point of a
concave form. This is normally an iterative process in which
the stylus is traversed over the component a number of times
until the position of the turning point is established.
The stylus is then automatically positioned at this point on
the component. The term Cresting is more properly applied
to the alignment of the stylus to the axis of rotation of an
instrument designed for the measurement of roundness
Cut-off
A portion of the profile, with length of sampling length,
which is often regarded as a basic element in a specification
of a surface measurement. The term is also used to refer to a
wavelength but is ambiguous when used unqualified in this
sense. In this sense, the qualified term Lc Cut-off or Ls Cut-
off should be used instead.
Cut-off Length
A term often used to mean the same as Sampling Length.

Page 164 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

D
Data Collection
The term used to describe the action of drawing the stylus
across the component. (The term “measurement” can be
ambiguous and is not normally used unqualified).
Data Length
The distance over which the stylus is drawn while data
collection is taking place. Data Length does not include Run-
up Length. The use of filters reduces data length down to
assessment length. It is, arithmetically, the sampling length
times the number of cut-offs used in the measurement. Also
known as evaluation length and measurement length.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 165

 GLOSSARY

Data Point
A point on the analogue representation of the surface contour
which has been sampled by the A-D converter and,
consequently, had its position in space recorded by having co-
ordinates allocated to it.
Datum
A fixed reference, to which the displacements of the stylus
are referred. An independent straight datum is embodied in
the Traverse Unit.
Desert Landscape
An analogy from nature which is often used to illustrate the
concepts of roughness, waviness and form.
Device
An element which goes to form part of an instrument.
Examples of elements would include the traverse unit,
gauge, motorised y table, etc.

Page 166 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

E
Evaluation Length
A term which means the same as Data Length.
Extend
Movement of the traverse unit to the left.
Extended Parameter
A surface finish parameter such as dc or HSC that requires
one or more pieces of additional information to be specified
for its calculation such as ‘height’.

F
Filter
A device for excluding unwanted, but closely specified, parts
of the raw data profile from the analysis.
Form
The overall “shape” of the object under test and the accuracy
with which it conforms to a perfectly shaped conceptual
model. In terms of the analogy with a desert landscape,
form is the large undulations of hills and valleys.
Form Analysis
The calculation, carried out in the software, which creates a
conceptual form fit (for example a straight line or an arc). It is
the variation between this form fit and the real profile that
enables parameters to be calculated.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 167

 GLOSSARY

Form Analysis
The calculation, carried out in the software, which creates a
conceptual form fit (for example a straight line or an arc). It
is the variation between this form fit and the real profile that
enables parameters to be calculated.
Form Fit
A theoretical line or arc with which the real profile is
compared.

G
Gauge
Mechanical assembly comprising the transducer, a pivoting
mechanism to allow the stylus to move within its stylus
range and an electrical connection.
Gauge Calibration
The measurement of an appropriate calibration standard (
eg a radius) to enable the software to derive a set of
calibration constants which are applicable to a the current
gauge and gauge range.
Gauge Orientation
Whether the stylus is pressing UP or DOWN on the
component. A gauge orientation of NORMAL is pressing
DOWN, INVERTED is pressing UP. The gauge is
constructed such that, when pressing UP, the stylus exerts
the same force on the component as when pressing DOWN.
.

Page 168 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

Gauge Range
The distance of vertical travel which the particular transducer
permits the stylus to make. Normally in the range 0.5mm to
20.0mm.
Gauge Resolution
The smallest movement which the instrument can detect.

H
I
Inductive
The type of transducer that is housed within a gauge and
converts the movements of the stylus into electrical signals.
An inductive transducer employs the very small movements
of the stylus to move an armature between two coils to
change their relative electrical inductance. The amplitude
and direction of these changes provide the output from the
gauge.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 169

 GLOSSARY

J
K
L
Lc Cut-off
Used to specify the long wavelength limit for the Roughness
bandpass filter. Wavelengths longer than this length will be
removed by the filtering process.
See also Ls Cut-off and bandwidth.

Page 170 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

Length
An ambiguous term when used unqualified. See Assessment
Length, Cut-off Length, Data Length, Evaluation Length,
Measurement Length, Sampling Length, Run-up Length, and
Traverse Length.
Ls Cut-off
The short wavelength limit for the Roughness band pass filter
and primary filter.
The Ls Cut-off specifies the low pass cut-off length for the
selected filter. Wavelengths shorter than this length will be
removed by the filter process.
See also Lc Cut-off and bandwidth.
Lf Cut-off
The short wavelength limit for the Waviness filter.
Wavelengths shorter than this length will be removed by the
filter process.

M
Material Ratio
The ratio expressed as a percentage, of the length of surface
at any specified depth in the profile to the evaluation length.
Measurement Axis
The axis from which measurements are taken (x-axis) and
used in the computation.
Measurement Length
A term which means the same as Data Length.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 171

 GLOSSARY

Measurement Loop
The physical connection between the structural elements of
the instrument which provide the physical reference against
which the movement of the stylus is measured. The
measurement loop will typically comprise the transducer,
stem, carriage, column, base, clamp and component and all
the connections between them.
Measurement Speed
The speed at which the traverse unit moves during data
collection. See also Movement Speed.
Modified Profile
The output from the analysis after form removal and filtering
which is used in the further analysis of Primary, Roughness
and Waviness surface finish.

N
O
Off-line
Used to indicate that the software is not to communicate with
the instrument. Typically used when analyses use previously
stored measurement data.

Page 172 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

P
Parameter
The set of values used in surface metrology to describe the
texture of a surface in quantitative terms. Phase Grating
Interferometric transducer.
Primary Analysis
Analysis that takes primary data as its input carries out form
fit, primary filtering and calculates primary parameters. The
output from primary analysis is called the Modified Profile.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 173

 GLOSSARY

Primary Filter
The low pass filter used to reduce the number of data points
from a data collection. It is an intelligent selection in that it
takes account of the profile to reflect any significant feature
that may be so narrow that data density selection might
miss it.
Primary Parameters
Parameters which are produced by primary analysis.
Profile
The trace of the component. It is stored digitally in terms
data points.

Q
Qualifier
The optional variable(s) used in the calculation of a
parameter.

Page 174 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

R
Range
see Gauge Range
Raw Profile
A term often used which means broadly the same as
Primary Data. Also known as Raw Data.
Resolution
see Gauge Resolution
Retracting
Stylus movement from left to right. Measurement must take
place only while the stylus is retracting in order to avoid the
effect of backlash in the mechanism and to prevent the stylus
from digging in to the component. The opposite of retract is
extend.
Roughness
The microscopic ridges by which the surface differs from a
perfectly smooth line or plane. It is described in terms of the
wavelength of the profile. In terms of the analogy with a
desert landscape, roughness is the grains of sand.
Roughness Filter
A filter which removes longer wavelengths (that is, removes
waviness).
Run-up Length
The amount of travel allowed for the traverse mechanism to
stabilise before data collection begins.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 175

 GLOSSARY

S
Sampling Length
A term which has different meanings in different contexts.
For a primary profile, it is equal to the data length. For
roughness and waviness analysis, it is equal to the
selected Lc Cut-off wavelength. Also known as Cut-off
Length.
Stylus
The element which follows the contour of the component.
Surface Texture
See Texture

Page 176 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 GLOSSARY

T
Texture
The generic terms which includes roughness, waviness
and form. It is conveniently described by analogy with a
desert landscape.
Transducer
The device which converts stylus movement to an electrical
(analogue) signal. The analogue signal is converted to
digital in an A-D converter.
Traverse Length
The full distance over which the stylus is drawn for a data
collection operation. It includes Run-up Length.
Arithmetically it is Data Length plus Run-up Length.
Traverse Unit
The drive unit which moves the stylus in the x-axis. Data
collection must take place only while the traverse unit is
retracting.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 177

 GLOSSARY

U
V
W
Waviness
Undulations which are larger than roughness but smaller
than the shape called “form”. It is described in terms of the
wavelength of the profile. In terms of the analogy with a
desert landscape, waviness is the ripples in the sand.
Waviness Filter
A filter which removes shorter wavelengths (that is, removes
roughness).
Wavelength
The distance between corresponding features of a
substantially repetitive profile.

X
Y
Z

Page 178 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 APPENDIX A

APPENDIX A
DATA EXCHANGE PROTOCOL CONVERSION

Description
The CONV_DEP program is a utility that enables the operator to transform
measurement data files, from their original binary format into the ASCII
format.

Note The CONV_DEP program is run from a Windows command

prompt box.

File Conversion
The CONV_DEP program must be executed with three parameters, these
are:

• The source path and filename.

• The type of output required (-A for ASCII format or -B for Binary
format).
• The destination path and filename.

Typical examples of commands are:

CONV-DEP MEAS01.PRF -A MEAS01.TXT

The above command causes the data in raw profile file MEAS01.PRF to be
converted into ASCII character format and output to the file MEAS01.TXT.

Restrictions and limitations

The Form Talysurf INTRA can only read data in a Binary format.

DATA EXCHANGE PROTOCOL (version 2.0)

Introduction
The 'DEP v2.0' file protocol enables Measurement data (Raw profile)
information to be saved with sufficient detail for the reproduction of the
data at a later date.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 179

 APPENDIX A

Raw profile data

To provide the facility of reloading a saved profile, independent of the
current system configuration and parameters, information is stored relating
to:

Number of data points.

• Data resolution.
• Spacing of data points.
• Measurement calibration coefficients.
• Radius of the stylus tip used for the measurement.
• Measurement date
• Calibration date

The protocol for the Raw profile is divided into three separate sections or
records.

RECORD 1
The first record contains a fixed header declaring:
1) The format in which the file is stored.
2) The revision of the data exchange protocol used.
3) The feature name, number and extension of the stored feature.
4) The number of data points in the profile.
5) The scaling of the data points.
These are followed by a declaration of the axis resolution and the amount of
information contained in the file.

RECORD 2
This may contain information that relates to :
1) The tip radius of the stylus,
2) The spacing of mapped or incremental axes.
3) The calibration correction coefficients.
4) User comments related to the feature.
5) Measurement date
6) Calibration date

RECORD 3
The Third record contains the measured axis data.

Each record is terminated by an 'EOR' command and the file terminated by

'EOF'.

Page 180 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 APPENDIX A

Note. When measurement data is saved via the CONV-DEP utility, the
file created is identified by the Feature name and Number of the original
measurement. This information is included in the record 1 of the data file
and is not changed by renaming the file.

Conventions
In the descriptions which follow:
• The Italic Text indicates mandatory text that appears at the start or end
of the record.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC TERMS VALID IN RECORD 1

Field Name Example / Comment

Options
'Data format' :'0' - Indication of binary file format.
:'1' - Indication of ASCII file format.
'Revision No.' :'2' - DEP Revision 2.00.
'<cr><lf>' : - Line Terminator

'Feature Name' : 'RTH_' - Name padded with spaces to 6

characters.
'Feature No.' : 0.0e0 - Number in double precision
floating point format.
'Feature Type' : 'PRF' - Raw PRoFile data.
'<cr><lf>' : - Line Terminator.

'Axis' : 'CX' - Cartesian X-axis data.

: 'CZ' - Cartesian Z-axis data.
'Data Type' : 'M' - Mapped data.
'No. Data Points' : 4.003e3 - Number of data points (double
precision float).
'Units' : 'M' - Metres.
: 'MM'
: 'UM'
: 'NM'
: 'PM'
: 'IN' - Inches.
: 'MIN'
: 'UIN'
: 'NIN'

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 181

 APPENDIX A

Field Name Example / Comment

Options
: 'PIN'
'Scale Value' : 1.0e0 -Scale to indicated units.
'Axis Data Type' : 'D' - Double precision float.
'<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator.

'End Of Record' : 'EOR' - Record Terminator.

<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC TERMS VALID IN RECORD 2

Field Name Example / Comment

Options
'Stylus Tip Radius' : 'STYLUS_RADIUS' - Tip radius
command.
'Value' : 0.1234e05 - Double precision
float.
'Units' : 'M' to 'pm' - Metric units.
: 'IN' to 'pIN' - Imperial units.
<cr><lf> : - Line terminator.

'Ordinate Spacing': 'SPACING' - Spacing

command.
'Axis' : 'CX' - Cartesian X axis
data.
'Value' : 0.123e04 - Double precision
float.
'<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator

'Calibration' : 'MAP' - Mapping

command.
'Map Type' : 1.00e0 - Map type for CZ
to CZ.
: 2.00e0 - - Map type for CZ
to CX.
'Source Axis' : 'CZ' - Cartesian Z axis
data.

Page 182 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 APPENDIX A

Field Name Example / Comment

Options
'Destination Axis' : 'CX' - Cartesian X axis
data.
: 'CZ' - Cartesian Z axis
data.
'Polynomial Order' : 1.00e0 - One coeff only
( A ).
: 3.00e0 -Three coeffs
( E & F ) [on CX].
z1 ,z2 ,z3 ,x1 ,x2 ,x3
'Values' : 0.123e04 - Values for the
calib coeffs.
. : - Repeated for
each coeffs.
‘Measurement date’ COMMENT - Measurement
MEAS_DATE. Date

‘Values’ : 12345678 - seconds from

1/1/1970
‘Calibration date’ COMMENT - Calibration
MEAS_DATE. Date

‘Values’ : 12345678 - seconds from

1/1/1970
'<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator.

'Comments' : 'COMMENT' -Command.

'Comment Text' : 'some text' -Comments (60
characters max).
'<cr><lf>' : -Line terminator.

'End Of Record' : 'EOR' - Record

terminator.
'<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator.

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 183

 APPENDIX A

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC TERMS VALID IN RECORD 3

Field Name Example / Comment

Options
'Value' : - Value of specified type.
'<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator.
.
. : - Repeated for number of
axis points.
.

'End Of Record' : 'EOR' - Record terminator.

'<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator.
'End Of File' : 'EOF' - File terminator.
'<cr><lf>' : - Line terminator.

EXAMPLE

1 2<cr><lf>
MEAS_ 0.0e0 PRF<cr><lf>
CX M 4.003e3 MM 1.0e0 L<cr><lf>
CZ M 4.003e3 MM 1.6e-5 L<cr><lf>
EOR<cr><lf>
STYLUS_RADIUS 2.0e-3 MM<cr><lf>
SPACING CX 5.0e-4 <cr><lf>
MAP 1.0e0 CZ CZ 3.0e0 1.01e0 1.2e-02 2.3e-03 <cr><lf>
MAP 2.0e0 CZ CX 3.0e0 1.2e-2 2.3e-4<cr><lf>
COMMENT MEAS_DATE 42949967295
COMMENT CALIB_DATE 42949967295
COMMENT abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890.<cr><lf>
COMMENT ABCD....XYZ !"œ$%^&**(<cr><lf>
EOR<cr><lf>
128<cr><lf>
133<cr><lf>
.
.
.
2345<cr><lf>
2643<cr><lf>
EOR<cr><lf>
EOF<cr><lf>

Page 184 Issue 1.5, June 2002

 CUSTOMER SERVICES
Taylor Hobson Limited
P O Box 36
2 New Star Road
Leicester
LE4 9JQ
Technical Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)116 276 3779
E-mail: [email protected]
Service Enquiries
Tel: +44 (0)116 246 3135
E-mail: [email protected]

Website Address: http://www.taylor-hobson.com

Taylor Hobson Inc Taylor Hobson SA

Suite 350, 2100 Golf Road 6 Avenue de Norvege, Hightec 4
Rolling Meadows 91953 Courtaboeuf Cedex
Illinois 60008-4231 FRANCE
U.S.A.

Tel: (847) 290 8090 Tel: +33 160 92 14 14

Fax: (847) 290 1430 Fax: +33 160 92 10 20
e-mail:[email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Taylor Hobson KK Taylor Hobson GmbH

No. 31 Kowa Building 19-1, Postfach 4827
3-Chome Shiroganedai Kreuzberger Ring 6
Minato-ku 65205 Wiesbaden
Tokyo 108-0071 GERMANY
JAPAN

Tel: 3 3473 7001 Tel:+49 611 973040

Fax: 3 3473 7002 Fax:+49 611 97304600
e-mail:[email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Taylor Hobson (China Office) Taylor Hobson SPA

20/F,Delta House S.p.28 Vigentina 6,
3 On Yiu Street 20090 Opera
Shatin,New Territories Milan
HONG KONG ITALY

Tel:+852 2757 3033 Tel: 02 5760 6424

Fax:+852 2757 1767 Fax: 02 5760 6740
e-mail:[email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Issue 1.5, June 2002 Page 185

 CUSTOMER SERVICES
Taylor Hobson Liaison Office Taylor Hobson
(Austria and Eastern Europe) Parc Tecnologic Del Valles
Amalienstrasse 68, A-1130 Vienna 08290 Cerdanyola
AUSTRIA SPAIN
Tel: 1 877557112 Tel: 343 582 0227
Fax: 1 877557116 Fax: 343 582 4359
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Taylor Hobson K Inc Taylor Hobson do Brasil Ltda

#402, Hayan Bldg, 153-55 R. Carlos Petit, 161 - Conj 101
Samsung Dong, Kangam-Ku Vila Mariana - Sao Paulo
Seoul 135-091 BRASIL 04110 - 000
KOREA
Tel: (822) 564-0851 Tel. (55 11) 5083 3846
Fax: (822) 539-1708
e-mail: [email protected] e-mail: [email protected]

Page 186 Issue 1.5, June 2002