Automated surface roughness measurement

A non-contact roughness sensor is described that is suited for integration with a computer-controlled coordinate measuring machine (CMM). The sensor employs a fibre optic interferometer, electronic control system and data-processing software. The combination of the sensor and computer controlled CMM allows surface texture assessment to be made during scheduled dimensional inspections of complex curved surface components, such as turbine blades. The sensor system will measure surface roughness parameters, for example R-a, using a method that reflects standard procedures. The lightweight sensor head can be mounted on a touch probe arm and the associated articulated mounting head; this combination gives quasi 5-axis positioning ability to the overall sensor. This is suitable for automated surface finish inspection of compound curved surface blades. The sensor and its control unit are integrated with the CMM controller and its operation can be controlled through standard part-program commands used by the CMM.