2

ABSTRACT
Surface roughness also known as surface metrology which been used to determines the
surface topography. It is important for confirming a surfaces suitability for its function. The
surface measurement conceptually includes surface shape, surface finish, surface profile
roughness (R
a
), surface texture and structural characterization.
Therefore, this report is basically to expose the student on how to be able to comprehend the
technique of the surface roughness measurement upon a specimen. The result of the surface
roughness will be obtained by the Centre Line Average (CLA) or Roughness Average (R
a
)
method using a computerize Roughness Measuring Machine. The computerized data then will
be compared with the manually Roughness Average (R
a
) by using the planimeter.
1.0 TITLE
Surface Roughness Measurement
2.0 OBJECTIVE
To obtain the value of the roughness of a specimen by the CENTER LINE AVERAGE
(CLA) or ROUGHNESS AVERAGE (R
a
) method by using Computerized Roughness
Measuring Machine.
To obtain the area from the roughness results or sinusoidal curve in

.
Manually calculate the CLA value and compare it with CLA of the graph.
To gain percentage error below 30%.
Evaluate the result.

3.0 INTRODUCTION
As a glass posses good surface finishing, it is viewed to be a 100% smooth and contains no
roughness. However, as the mirror undergoes the machined surface at micron level we will
experienced the irregularities upon closer inspection which is known as surface roughness.
Surface roughness is the measure of surface irregularities in the surface texture. Surface
roughness (R
a
) is an arithmetic average deviation of the surface valleys expressed in micro
inches and micro meter. The ISO standards use the term CLA (Center Line Average) which is
also identical (www.engineersedge.com, 2011). Hence, similar to some surface property such
as hardness, the value of the surface roughness depends on the value of scale measurement.
For example, engine parts may be exposed to lubricants to prevent potential wear, and these
surfaces require precise engineering at a microscopic level to ensure that the surface
roughness holds enough of the lubricants between the parts under compression, while it is
smooth enough not to make metal to metal contact. For manufacturing and design purposes,
measurement is critical to ensure that the finished material meets the design specification
(www.zemetrics.com, 2011)

3

THEORY
A surface can never be perfectly smooth and will always have two components of surface
texture namely roughness and waviness as shown in Figure 2. They may vary from fine to
coarse according to the machining process used.

Figure 1.0: Surface

Waviness height the distance from a peak to a valley
Flaw Defects in a surface such as scratches, burrs,
casting, forging, machining and etc.
Roughness Width The width of surface irregularities.
Roughness Height Set of range of height of the irregularities.
Waviness Width Refers to the measurement between
successive peaks or valleys.
Roughness-width cutoff A value greater than the maximum roughness
width that is the largest separation of surface
irregularities included in the measurements.
Table 1.1: Descriptions
A means of measuring surface finish that is normally used by ISO is the CLA method. It
measures the average values of the departures of both what are above and below the centre
line of the surface through a prescribed sample length L. The mean results if several sampling
lengths taken consecutively will give the actual roughness value of the surface of the
component. Formula used
Mv L
A
CLA

:
A = Sum of Area above and below centerline
L = Sample Length (graph)
Mv Vertical Magnification.
4

4.1 APPARATUS

a) Figure 2.1: Specimen; piston cylinder.

b) Figure 2.2: Computerized Surface Roughness Machine.

c) Figure 2.3: Digital Planimeter.





5

4.2 INDUSTRIAL APPARATUS
Lasercheck Instrument
All Lasercheck instruments are based on patented Laser Light Scatter measurement
techniques that posses precise and repeatable non-contact surface roughness measurement in
the 0.01 to 10 micron range. All of the Lasercheck measurement heads use a combination of a
laser illumination source and a multiple sensor detection system arranged in a proprietary
configuration. Integrated electronics measure, amplify, and digitize laser light signals from the
measurement surface, which is then analyzed for changes in the intensity and distribution of the
pattern of laser light as it reflects from a surface. Proprietary software algorithms report changes
in surface roughness based on the changes in those scattered light reflection patterns (schmitt-
ind.com/Lasercheck-surface-roughness.html, 2011)

Software, design features, and accessories with Lasercheck provide capabilities to install
sensors right in the manufacturing process (rather than in a lab) to perform fully-automated,
real-time measurements of surface roughness. With this direct feedback, manufacturers make
adjustments to their operations resulting in higher quality products, higher yields and reduced
production costs (schmitt-ind.com/Lasercheck-surface-roughness.html, 2011)



Figure 2.4 : Lasercheck Instrument Figure 2.5: Controller Lasercheck






6

5.0 PROCEDURE
Procedure on machining process:
1. A cut off wavelength of 0.8 mm was selected on the machine. The machine was set to a
Vertical Magnification of auto. And horizontal magnification of 100.
2. To make sure the diamond blade not wears or broken, technician must do a calibration
test. The test use references specimen type, if the CLA result from the machine same
with references specimen type, which means the diamond blade in good condition.


Figure 3.1: References specimen type


Figure 3.2: The picture shown different diamond blade. The top blade is good
condition and the below is the wear or broken blade.

3. The component was placed on the Auto levelling table at a suitable position such that
when the pick-up head is lowered, its stylus contacts the surface of the specimen.
4. The machine was set ready to record the measurement.
5. The roughness profile graph was obtained for the specimen.









7

Procedure on manual process:
1. The graph was make sure not out from the border line.
2. Three measurements were selected side by side.
3. Drew two vertical lines across the border between three measurements.
4. The side out between in two lines was ignored.
5. Somewhere in the middle graph, a straight line was sketched and labeled as CLA line.
6. Anything at the top CLA line considered as an area above and at the below CLA line
considered as an area below.
7. Point at the cross section area between two lines was made. Point first considered as
SP = starting and other point considered as TP = turning point.
8. Digital planimeter was used to measure the above and below area.


Figure 3.3: Shown a student use digital planimeter to find area.













8

6.0 RESULTS
The value of the surface roughness (R
a
) that was obtained by using a computerize Roughness
Measuring Machine:-
Ra = 3.38 m
by using planimeter:-
Area above, A
(

)
Area below, B
(

)

A
1
1.8 4.5 B
1

A
2
2.2 4.6 B
2

A
3
2.3 4.3 B
3


SAMPLE CALCULATIONS
The Centre Line Average (CLA) or Roughness Average (R
a
)

CLA = A__ ; L = 8.6 cm ; Mv = 1900
(L x Mv)
For Area A
A
(avg)
= A
1
+ A
2
+ A
3

3
= 1.8+2.2+2.3
3
= 2.1 cm
For Area B
B
(avg)
= B
1
+ B
2
+ B
3

3
= 4.5+4.6+4.3
3
=4.47 cm

9

Total area, A

A = A
(avg)
+ B
(avg)

= 2.1+ 4.47
= 6.57 cm

CLA = 6.57 cm
8.6cm x 1900
= 4.02 m

Percentage of error,
|

|
|

|
= 18.93%











10

7.0 DISSCUSSION
1. We notice that there is a difference of value between the CLA and Ra. This is due to
many errors occurring while conducting this experiment especially when handling the
digital planimeter. The device is so sensitive that can detect any small movement. If
we make a backward movement, it will affect the machines reading.

2. The possible error involved are:

1) Parallax error- while measure the upper and lower area of the roughness profile graph
with digital planimeter.
2) Human error - Not expert enough to handle the digital planimeter.
- Talk while using planimeter causes some vibration on the hand.
- Movement on the paper graph was not smooth
3) Machine error-equipment was not well functioning. It does not gives the exact
values.


3. The necessary precaution are:

1) Make sure that eyes position is at the right position while using the digital
planimeter. It must be focus at the point that located in the lenses.
2) Take a reading twice or more to get the average value. For precision, let other
student taking the 2
nd
and 3
rd
reading so we can compare it if our reading is correct.
3) Try to use the planimeter first until us confident to use it. Careful when take the
reading and stay focus.
4) Make sure that we use the standard digital planimeter that had get certificate.













11

8.0 CONCLUSION
All the objectives for this experiment can be considered successfully achieved. It is because
errors that obtained from the experiment are small, reasonable and make sense. All errors are
not large to say that this experiment is a failure.
From the experiment, the value of Centre Line Average (CLA / R
a
) is 3.38m (theoretical value)
compare to the actual value from the roughness measuring machine is 4.02m. The percentage
error is 18.93%
Here have some recommendations that maybe would help to reduce or terminate all those
errors. From our point of view, student should be more careful and alert while conducting the
experiment and must deeply understand about how to use the digital planimeter.


9.0 RECOMMENDATIONS
There are several recommendations that can be applied:-
1. The experiment should have more stable table.
2. The person in charge should poses good data collecting techniques.
3. Person should full of concentration while handling the planimeter.
4. Applied with good lighting while handling the planimeter.
5. Person should fully understand upon using the planimeter before starting the
experiment.

10.0 REFERENCES
1. R.Winrow, Experiments in Production Technology for Engineering Students, Edward
Arnold, 1966
2. 2.10.2 Geofeerey G. Thomas, Engineering Metrology, London Butterworths, 1974.
3. http://www.zemetrics.com/surface-roughness-measurement.shtml
4. http://www.engineersedge.com/surface_finish.htm
5. http://www.mfg.mtu.edu/cyberman/quality/metrology/surface.html
6. http://www.schmitt-ind.com/Lasercheck-surface-roughness.html