University Research

High-Resolution Surface Inspection In Restricted Spaces: A Confocal Chromatic Solution

Author 1 OrcID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5872-8131

Academic department

Department of Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering

Description

The physical and mechanical properties of manufactured surfaces play a crucial role in determining the performance of machine components. Surface roughness is a key indicator of surface quality and significantly affects machine parts and product functionality. Despite advanced real-time, high-resolution profile measurements, confocal chromatic sensors remain limited in inspecting areas with restricted reflective spaces. This work introduces a confocal chromatic measurement system to inspect surface roughness within confined small-bore fittings. The system incorporates median and Gaussian filters alongside a characterization stage that computes nineteen parameters for comprehensive surface analysis. The proposed system was validated using Flexbar’s Surface Roughness Standards Set calibration plate and as-machined, post-machined, and rejected small-bore fittings. Notably, statistical moments, peak prominence, the autocorrelation function, and the total power percentage between 100 and 150 Hz were found to be particularly effective for surface roughness characterization and estimation. Four inspection models were developed and evaluated. The mathematical equations, R2 values, norms of residuals, and average errors for Ra estimation were presented for each model. Three of the models demonstrated an error of less than 10% in Ra estimation for surfaces with an Ra value of 0.1 µm or lower.

Publisher name

Springer

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-20-2025

Publication Title

International Journal of Dynamics and Control

Volume

13

Issue

125

First Page

1

Last Page

15

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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