Feb 17 2016
Filmetrics has announced the release of the world’s first low-cost optical profiler. With an entry price of only $25,000, the Profilm3D significantly increases the accessibility of profilometry equipment.
Many industries profit from optical profilers and their surface measurement capabilities - the semiconductor, solar cells, optics, automotive, and biomed industries to name only a few. Aside from the more obvious use to image manufactured surface features, optical profilers are also used to investigate wear (e.g. of tools and its impact on the workpiece), fit (of mating surfaces), leaks (sealing quality), vibration, and friction (both caused by roughness).
The Profilm3D uses the state-of-the-art methods of vertical scanning interferometry and phase shifting interferometry to measure 3D surfaces with high accuracy. With these technologies, it is possible to measure surface features and roughness with sub-nanometer resolution.
“The goal of Filmetrics with the Profilm3D is to substantially lower the entry barrier for high-accuracy profiler equipment, thus allowing more companies worldwide to profit from the use of this technology,” says Scott Chalmers, CEO of Filmetrics. “It is the same approach we applied some years ago to thin-film measurement equipment, which made us the world’s leader in that market.”
Website: http://www.filmetrics.com/opticalprofilers/Profilm3D