Evaluation of surface quality is an essential step in manufacturing. The manufactured parts are subjected to various measurements to ensure quality and fulfill the required specifications. Tolerances, strength, surface roughness, and other parameter are measured to find room for improvement and make the parts perfect.

The surface roughness impacts the overall quality of parts or products, including functionality, durability, and appearance. Therefore it is vital to understand the surface roughness and its measurement. This article will discuss surface roughness parameters, measuring methods, roughness grade numbers, impacting variables, and much more.

What is the Surface Roughness?

Surface roughness is the parameter that measures the surface smoothness of machined parts. It is an excellent way to determine the surface texture and appearance, which characterize surface irregularities. It is a numerical approach and is not connected to touch or visual perception.

The surface irregularities are caused by various reasons, such as tool deflection, vibration, and wear & tear the tool. These irregularities affect the different aspects of parts. If the roughness level is not at the desired level, it can lead to problems with assembly, corrosion, wear and tear, appearance, and many other things.

Ra surface finish examples

Ra Surface Finish is a common way to characterize the quality of a surface finish in engineering and manufacturing. Some examples of Ra surface finish values and the type of surface they correspond to are as follows:

Surface roughness machining card

Ra 0.1 μm: ultra-smooth, polished surface
Ra 0.2-0.5 μm: mirror-like finish
Ra 1.0-2.0 μm: satin finish
Ra 3.2 μm: standard industrial finish
Ra 6.3 μm: rough, as-cast surface
Ra 12.5 μm: highly rough, blasted surface

Related:

How to avoid roughness on a CNC milling machine? Guide 2022

Numerical Calculation of Surface Texture

There are three fundamental parameters to quantify texture quality, surface roughness, waviness, and lay.

Profile of surface texture

Waviness: Waviness refers to the optimum wide-spaced deviation from the normal surface. Waviness length is used to measure the waviness of any surface texture.
Lay: It refers to the dominant pattern of the surface texture, which can be perpendicular, circular, parallel, radial, multi-directional, or other, depending on the tool and machining operation.
Roughness: The repetitive or random deviation from the nominal (base) surface defines the surface roughness. As an illustration, a significant deviation represents the rough surface, and a minimal deviation means the smooth surface.

Among these three parameters, the surface roughness parameter is used in manufacturing to control surface finishing quality.

Surface Roughness Parameters

The average surface roughness “Ra” is used to calculate the roughness value of any machined surface. It is defined as the “Average deviation of roughness profile from the base (nominal) surface.” It is calculated mathematically by dividing the profile length by integrating the absolute roughness value.

RMS is another parameter used in the numerical calculation of surface roughness, calculated by the root-mean-square of microscopic peaks and valleys in the surface. However, “Ra” is used primarily to express surface roughness, and there are different approaches to measuring its value.

Roughness Symbols

Surface finish symbols are used to indicate the desired level of surface finishes on a machined part. The symbols provide a standard method for communicating surface finish specifications to suppliers and machinists.

Roughness symbols

Some common surface finish symbols used in industry include:

- RA (Average Roughness Height): Indicates the average roughness height of a surface, typically measured in micrometers (µm).
- Rz (Maximum Roughness Height): Indicates the maximum roughness height of a surface, typically measured in micrometers (µm).
- RMS (Root Mean Square Roughness): Indicates the average deviation of the roughness profile from the mean line, typically measured in micrometers (µm).
- CLA (Center Line Average Roughness): Indicates the average roughness height of the center line of a surface, typically measured in micrometers (µm).
- AA (Arithmetical Average Roughness): Indicates the average roughness height of a surface, typically measured in microinches (µin).

In addition to these symbols, there are also various industry standards that provide more detailed specifications for surface finish, such as ISO 1302 and JIS B 0601.

It’s important to note that the choice of surface finish symbol depends on the specific requirements of the job, including the type of material, the manufacturing process used, and the desired outcome. It’s also important to communicate the desired surface finish specification clearly and accurately to avoid misunderstandings or errors in the manufacturing process.

Surface finish symbols

How to Measure Average Surface Roughness “Ra”?

Surface roughness (Ra) can be measured using various techniques, including direct, non-contact, the profilometer, and many more.

Let’s review each one in further detail.

Direct measurement (Stylus probe method)

It is a contact method of measuring surface roughness that uses a stylus probe device. The skid or shoe attached to the stylus moves slowly on the surface by the hand or motor-drive mechanism, following the general contours. It provides the datum for measurement, and the probe moves over the surface with a skid.

Working on Stylus-probe measurement

Examples of our measurements

The probe records the micro-geometrical form, moving up and down relative to the skid movement due to surface roughness. The stylus tracks the microscopic peaks and valleys and converts the vertical motion into a time-varying electrical signal, representing the surface profile. Using the profile calculates the deviation from the datum surface and gives the roughness value “Ra.”

The non-contact measurement

The non-contact roughness measurement method involves light or sound instead of a probe and stylus, which can provide the profile without touching the measuring surface. The automated equipment for the non-contact measurement approach provides the accurate value of roughness.

Working of non-contact measurement (Claudio Campana, 2007)

The laser light or ultrasonic sound is targeted into the surface of the measuring parts along the X and Y direction. Once it hits the surface, it is reflected back to the device in a waveform. Then the device sends the waveform data into the computer, making a surface profile, which provides the roughness after processing that profile through the computer.

The Comparison Approach

It is not an objective approach compared to other methods we discussed before, which are based on the visual sensation of operators and engineers. The comparison methods involve using pre-existing samples of the same materials processed with the same equipment and conditions.

Generally, manufacturers make samples with different roughness levels (Ra= 3.2 μm, 1.6 μm, 0.8 μm, 0.4 μm, 0.2 μm ) for all types of materials and use those to confirm the roughness of newly created parts. The comparison is done on the basis of different aspects, such as the intensity of machining marks, glows, and more.

How to measure the Quality of the Surface Finish?

The measurement of surface roughness alone cannot be beneficial unless you interpret the value of “Ra” according to the requirement and intended use of parts. For example, a part with high roughness levels can still pass the quality control test if that is for a simple mechanical tool such as a hammer.

Ra (micrometers)	Interpretation and applications
25 and more	Very low-grade surface finish with clear visible marks, irregularities, and flaws. It is suitable for use only the material going to further machining.
12	A low-grade finish, a result of coarse feed and heavy cuts. It is suitable for simple mechanical tools.
6.3	The parts are machined with a high feed rate and cutting speed. It is considerable, where they do not go through heavy stress and friction.
3.2	It is the standard as-machined finish. It still might contain some cutting marks and is suitable for consumer products. It is allowable for the parts for mating, vibration, and stress applications.
1.6	A smooth finish with rare marks of machining tools, allowable for fitting, vibration, and high-stress applications.
0.8	A superior finish ideal for rotating, sealing, and applications subjected to extreme vibration and stress.
0.4	The finest finish grade is suitable for high-rotating parts and sensitive applications. It might be worth maintaining this roughness level only if the finishing is necessary for functionality.

Roughness Grade Numbers and Ra Value

The roughness grade numbers refer to ISO standards of surface roughness, which is associated with the Ra value and ranges from N1 to N12. The lower grade number represents the high quality of the finish. For instance, a surface graded N1 is smoother and finer than N2, and so on.

Grade numbers & Ra (Bhusan, 2001)

Affecting Factors for Surface Roughness

A lot of factors affect the roughness of the machined surface. To keep the roughness value within the limit, it is crucial to understand the factors that impact it. Let’s quickly go through a few of them.

Variables	Description
Quality of machining tool	The quality of surface finishing is associated with tool quality. If there is any wear on the tool, it significantly increases the roughness value of the machining surface.
Cutting depth	The deeper the cut, the deeper the tool penetrates the workpiece and the rougher the surface becomes.
Feed rate	Because it is related to the tool’s travel distance per unit of time, the feed rate impacts surface roughness. High feed rates typically raise the roughness value.
Machinability of workpiece	The low machinability of the workpiece results in difficulty in machining, which contributes to the high roughness value. It is easy to maintain a high-quality surface finish with highly machinable materials.
Cutting speed	The tool and machining surface get hotter due to the low cutting speed, increasing surface roughness.

Conclusion

Surface roughness describes the quality of surface finishing for manufactured parts. It is the best way to ensure the surface finish requirement for any machined part. Surface roughness is associated with mechanical parts’ functionality, aesthetic appeal, and durability. Controlling the roughness value within the desired level is essential in quality control.

A thorough grasp of the machining factors, intended use, roughness measurement, and material properties is necessary to obtain the proper surface finishing. ProleanTech offers dedicated surface finishing services for a range of parts and products. We have cutting-edge technology for roughness measurement and expert engineers with a decade of experience in the related field. So, do not hesitate to contact us if you need a professional surface finishing service. We will provide the best finishing for your project as per your requirements.

FAQ’s

Why is surface roughness important in engineering manufacturing?

Roughness is one of the strong parameters in the performance of mechanical parts. It influences functionality & durability and gives the notion of the best finishing method. Manufacturers rigorously regulate the roughness to produce reliable and effective components or products.

How can I measure the surface roughness value “Ra”?

There are several methods and instruments for measuring roughness. You can employ a variety of strategies, including comparison methods, area methods, and profiling methods.

Which factors affect the roughness of the machined surface?

The cutting speed, cutting depth, feed rate, tool quality, machinability, and temperature influence surface roughness.

What are surface finish symbols?

Surface finish symbols are graphical representations used in technical drawings to communicate the desired surface texture and quality of a machined part. They provide a standardized way of specifying the level of surface roughness and other surface characteristics, ensuring that the machined part meets the required design and functionality specifications.

How is CNC surface finish specified?

CNC surface finish is specified using standardized surface finish symbols and roughness values (e.g., Ra) on technical drawings. These symbols and values provide CNC machinists with the necessary information to achieve the desired surface quality using the appropriate cutting tools, speeds, and feeds.

What are standard surface finish values?

Standard surface finish values are guidelines provided by industry standards (e.g., ANSI/ASME B46.1 or ISO 4287) to help engineers and designers specify the appropriate surface finish for a machined part. These values may vary depending on the material, machining process, and application, but they generally serve as a reference for achieving the desired surface quality.

Can you provide some surface finish examples?

Surface finish examples include:

Polished: Ra 0.05-0.2 µm, suitable for applications requiring low friction or high aesthetics
Machined: Ra 0.8-3.2 µm, common for most CNC-machined parts
As-cast: Ra 12.5-50 µm, typical for parts produced by casting processes
Sandblasted: Ra 20-100 µm, used for parts requiring a rough texture for bonding or painting

Bibliography

Bhusan, B. (2001). Surface Roughness Analysis and Measurement Techniques. SEMANTIC SCHOLAR.
Claudio Campana, B. D. (2007). NON-CONTACT SURFACE ROUGHNESS MEASUREMENT. ResearchGate.
(n.d.). Complete Guide to Surface Finish Symbols, Charts, RA, RZ, Measurements, and Callouts.

Let’s Start A New Project Today

Get a Quote

Surface Roughness: Everything You Need to Know