Uncertainty of surface measurement

Abstract

Article describes methodology and practical use of measurement uncertainties. Measurement uncertainties are an integral part of all higher measurement systems and are used in all accredited testing or calibration laboratories, including official measurements as a mandatory output and part of the measurement results. Article in the first part summarizes the theory on this issue. Then follows the practical use of these uncertainties when measuring surface roughness for parameters Ra, Rz, Rv and Rsm. This includes recording changes to the type of software filter used. As can be seen from the outputs, the measurement uncertainty plays a large role in determining the measurement results and potentially can significantly affect the measured values on one or the other side of the result.