Roughness is an indicator of the condition of the surface of a metal. The characteristics of roughness are key in the evaluation of the performance, quality, and smoothness of a machined or treated surface. Evaluating roughness also assists with understanding how metals will behave when combined with other parts (components), lubricants, coatings, or loads during use.

Key Features:

• Indicator of Surface Quality: Indicator of smoothness or roughness of the surface of a metal.
• Effect on Performance of Metal Surfaces: Roughness has an effect on both friction and wear resistance as well as on the lubrication efficiency of a metal surface.
• Standard for Inspection of Surface Representation: Roughness is measured with the use of surface profiling devices to ensure that the manufacturing operation produced a correct representation of the part's specifications.

Roughness is an important factor in automotive, aerospace, machining, tools, and precision engineering. Examples of the application of roughness include the evaluation of bearing surfaces, seals, gears, shafts, and molding tools where controlled surface characteristics are critical for success. Proper range of roughness will enhance the life and reduce energy losses of a product by improving product reliability.