3D Optical and Mechanical Roughness Measurements of Complex and Irregular Structures on the Basis of Polypropylene Moldings

The most frequently used method for measuring surface roughness is profilographometry. However, with complex and non-homogeneous surfaces, this method may be subject to large errors because of its contact nature and limitations related to the geometry of the measuring head. In this study, the surface topography was examined on polypropylene injection moldings produced using an injection mold with a complex molding cavity surface. The moldings were modified using a Nd:YAG laser, and the obtained structures were examined using two measurement methods, i.e. contact (profilographometry) and optical (3D digital microscopy). Researchers performed a statistical analysis to determine the differences between the measurement results obtained for the two methods. Additionally, the impact of the laser parameters on the modified surface was determined. The obtained results showed significant differences between the values of measurements made using different methods, especially in the case of surfaces that were modified by the laser beam to the greatest extent (laser A parameters). In all cases where a statistically significant difference was found between the measurement results, the mechanical method showed lower roughness values than the optical method, and the average difference between these results was 15%.