These should only be used when you need backward compatibility with results from older instruments.
Taylor Hobson Ultra software also offers 2CR and 2CR-PC (phase corrected) filtering. In general the Gaussian filter is preferred as it is phase correct and has a fast roll-off without “ripple”.
The recommended combinations of λc, λs and stylus tip radius are shown in ISO 3274:1996. The λs filter should be chosen so that it does not attenuate wavelengths that are likely to be introduced by the machining process. The smallest λs available will be dependent on the data spacing available in the raw profile: for an instrument with 0.25um data spacing, the smallest λs that can be represented is 1.25um. The ISO recommendation is to use a bandwidth of 300:1 wherever possible. The bandwidth is then limited in a controlled way that relates directly to surface features, rather than being limited by the bandwidth of the measuring system. Under this regime the shorter wavelengths used in surface roughness analysis are constrained by a short wave filter (know as the λs filter – see ISO 3274:1996). ISO introduced the concept of “bandwidth” in the late 1990’s. As a rule of thumb λc should be set to about five times this spacing. However the choice of cut-off should be made after consideration of the spacing of the profile features (peaks and valleys) caused by the machining process, denoted RSm. There are a number of guidelines available, for example ISO 4288-1996 (see table below). The choice of λc filter will depend on the process being assessed. (Recommended cut-offs for different surface finishes) Selection of Lc/ λc measured normal to the lay of the surface, or in the indicated direction). This measurement must be representative of the surface and appropriate to the purpose of the measurement (e.g. In most circumstances a single measurement will be made on the surface in order to assess the texture. What are the key concepts in filtering a surface roughness profile? The most important concept is to know what you are dealing with – this will enable you to choose the appropriate stylus tip and filters. If Lc were set to 8mm or more, the calculated Ra would increase, as the large waviness would then be included as well. At Lc =0.25mm Ra would be about 10μm and at Lc = 0.8mm or 2.5mm you would get the “correct” result of Ra=20μm. If it were analysed with a cutoff (Lc) of 0.08mm the calculated Ra would be virtually zero. This hypothetical profile shows a roughness wavelength of 0.25mm with an Ra of about 20μm. Bandwidth is the ratio of Ls to Lc.įig1: profile showing a roughness wavelength of 0.25mm with an Ra of about 20μm “Cut off” is also used synonymously with Sample Length as the sample length is always set to Lc. For surface parameters we normally analyse wavelengths between an upper and lower cut-off: these are referred to as Ls or λs (shortest) and Lc or λc (longest).