Profilometry analysis

Profilometry analysis allows for the highly precise measurement of a material's surface condition by quantifying its roughness, texture, and topographic irregularities. This technique is essential for understanding mechanical behavior, adhesion, wear, and surface functionality in numerous industrial sectors.

Interest and industrial applications

Profilometry is essential in the cosmetics, materials and polymers, packaging, technical coatings, and biomedical sectors. It is used for:

• assessing the quality of a surface treatment
• control the texturizing or polishing
• check dimensional tolerances
• optimize the adhesion of a film or coating
• characterize the particle size distribution and surface density of compacted powders
• study tribology and wear resistance

This analysis contributes directly to the performance of finished products, their durability and their compliance with industry standards.

Methods and parameters measured

The measurement is performed using a mechanical (probe) or optical (interferometry, confocal, laser) profilometer. These instruments allow us to obtain:

• Ra : average roughness
• Rz : maximum height of irregularities
• Note : mean square roughness
• 2D and 3D surface
• Longitudinal or transverse profiles
• Analysis of texture patterns or surface defects

Optical profilometry is particularly suited to fragile surfaces, while mechanical profilometry allows direct measurement, including on denser or highly textured materials.

Analyzed matrices

This analysis applies to a wide variety of materials, including:
plastic films, composites, ceramics, metals, technical papers, coated surfaces, polymer coatings, compacted powders, tablets, textured elements, machined parts, biomaterials.

YesWeLab Expertise

At YesWeLab, we collaborate with a rigorously selected network of laboratories, most of which are certified and/or accredited (ISO 17025, COFRAC, etc.). Laboratories are chosen based on your matrices, the required resolution, and the necessary technique (mechanical or optical profilometry). Our scientific team assists you in selecting the appropriate method, interpreting the results, and connecting you with the most suitable laboratory. Since 2020, numerous industrial companies have entrusted us with their analyses via our digital platform for reliable, fast, and centralized monitoring. Contact our team for any specific requests or technical support needs.

Related analyses of the YesWeLab catalog

To complement this service, you can also consult:

• Roughness analysis (Ra, Rt, Rq)
• Surface condition analysis
• SEM/MEB analysis
• Analysis of coating durability
• Analysis of the contact angle
• Analysis of powder cohesion