Micropart topography is vital to understanding and controlling a component’s use. The technique relies on quantifiable, reproducible, and reliable measurements of a part’s surface topography and dimension. For this process, the Nanovea 3-D noncontact profilometer is ideal. With its chromatic confocal technology, the profilometer can provide reliable data regardless of surface variation, angle, and reflectivity.

In this application, the Nanovea ST400 is used to measure the features of a plastic nozzle plate (figure 1). Several surface parameters can automatically be calculated, including average surface roughness, step height, area, and many.

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