This fully illustrated text explains the basic measurement techniques, describes the commercially available instruments and provides an overview of the current perception of 3-D topography analysis in the academic world and industry, and the commonly used 3-D parameters and plots for the characterizing and visualizing 3-D surface topography. It also includes new sections providing full treatment of surface characterization, filtering technology and engineered surfaces, as well as a fully updated bibliography.

Presented here are 73 refereed papers given at the 34th MATADOR Conference held at UMIST in July 2004. The MATADOR series of conferences covers the topics of Manufacturing Automation and Systems Technology, Applications, Design, Organisation and Management, and Research. The 34th proceedings contains original papers contributed by researchers from many countries on different continents. The papers cover both the technological aspect of manufacturing processes; and the systems, business and management features of manufacturing enterprise. The papers in this volume reflect: - the importance of manufacturing to international wealth creation; - the necessity of responsiveness and agility of manufacturing companies to meet market-led requirements and international change; - the role of information technology and electronic communications in the growth of global manufacturing enterprises; - the impact of new technologies, new materials and processes, on the ability to produce goods of higher quality, more quickly, to meet markets needs at a lower cost. Some of the major generic developments which have taken place in these areas since the 33rd MATADOR conference was held in 2000 are reported in this volume.

This is an indespensible guide to both researchers in academia and industry who wish to perform tribological experiments more effectively. With an extensive range of illustrations which communicate the basic concepts in experimental methods tribology more effectively than text alone. An extensive citation list is also provided at the end of each chapter facilitating a more thorough navigation through a particular subject.* Contains extensive illustrations* Highlights limitations of current techniques

The function of a component part can be profoundly affected by its surface topography. There are many examples in nature of surfaces that have a well-controlled topography to affect their function. Examples include the hydrophobic effect of the lotus leaf, the reduction of fluid drag due to the riblet structure of shark skin, the directional adhesion of the gecko foot and the angular sensitivity of the multi-faceted fly eye. Surface structuring is also being used extensively in modern manufacturing. In this way many properties can be altered, for example optical, tribological, biological and fluidic. Previously, single line (profile) measurements were adequate to control manufacture of surfaces, but as the need to control the functionality of surfaces increases, there is a growing need for three-dimensional (areal) measurement and characterisation techniques. For this reason there has been considerable research, development and standardisation of areal techniques. This book will present the areal framework that is being adopted by the international community. Whereas previous books have concentrated on the measurement aspects, this book concentrates on the characterisation techniques, i.e. how to interpret the measurement data to give the appropriate (functional) information for a given task. The first part of the book presents the characterisation methods and the second part case studies that highlight the use of areal methods in a broad range of subject areas - from automobile manufacture to archaeology. Contents Introduction to Surface Topography The Areal Field Parameters The Areal Feature Parameters Areal Filtering Methods Areal Form Removal Areal Fractal Methods Choosing the Appropriate Parameter Characterisation of Individual Areal Features Multi-Scale Signature of Surface Topography Correlation of Areal Surface Texture Parameters to Solar Cell Efficiency Characterisation of Cylinder Liner Honing Textures for Production Control Characterisation of the Mechanical Bond Strength for Copper on Glass Plating Applications Inspection of Laser Structured Cams and Conrods Road Surfaces

The subject of this book is surface metrology, in particular two major aspects: surface texture and roundness. It has taken a long time for manufacturing engineers and designers to realise the usefulness of these features in quality of conformance and quality of design. Unfortunately this awareness has come at a time when engineers versed in the use and specification of surfaces are at a premium. Traditionally surface metrology usage has been dictated by engineers who have served long and demanding apprenticeships, usually in parallel with studies leading to technician-level qualifications. Such people understood the processes and the achievable accuracies of machine tools, thereby enabling them to match production capability with design requirements. This synergy, has been made possible by the understanding of adherence to careful metrological procedures and a detailed knowledge of surface measuring instruments and their operation, in addition to wider inspection room techniques. With the demise in the UK of polytechnics and technical colleges, this source of skilled technicians has all but dried up. The shortfall has been made up of semi skilled craftsmen, or inexperienced graduates who cannot be expected to satisfy tradition al or new technology needs. Miniaturisation, for example, has had a pro found effect. Engineering parts are now routinely being made with nanometre surface texture and fiatness. At these molecular and atomic scales, the engineer has to be a physicist.

This publication deals with the latest developments in the field of 3D surface metrology and will become a seminal text in this important area. It has been prepared with the support of the European Community's Directorate General XII and represents the culmination of research conducted by 11 international partners as part of an EU-funded project. The aim of the project is to inform standards bodies of the possibilities that exist for a new international standard covering the field of 3D surface characterisation.The book covers a description of the proposed 3D surface parameters and advanced filtering techniques using wavelet and robust Gaussian methodologies. The next generation areal surface characterisation theories are discussed and their practical implementation is illustrated. It describes techniques for calibration of 3D instrumentation, including stylus instruments as well as scanning probe instrumentation. Practical verification of the 3D parameters and the filtering is illustrated through a series of case studies which cover bio-implant surfaces, automotive cylinder liner and steel sheet. Finally, future developments of the subject are alluded to and implications for future standardisation and development are discussed.