Graphic surface roughness tester – SA6260

The graphic surface roughness tester is a professional measuring instrument used for evaluating and monitoring surface roughness in applications where recording the main parameters alone is not sufficient and a more comprehensive analysis of the surface profile is required. It is designed for structured quality-control operations, metrology laboratories, production departments and applications where surface finish must be assessed in greater detail.

Compared with simpler portable models, the SA6260 graphic surface roughness tester represents a more advanced solution. The difference is not limited to the measurement of Ra, Rq, Rz and Rt, which are also available on other instruments in the range, but lies primarily in its ability to work with a much wider set of evaluation parameters. This makes it possible to analyse not only average roughness, but also peaks, valleys, profile distribution, surface bearing properties, the material ratio curve and the functional characteristics of the finish.

The instrument displays the roughness profile directly on the screen, providing a more complete view of the surface condition. This function is useful when comparing different machining processes, analysing a non-conformity, verifying the stability of a production process or determining whether the profile is regular, irregular, repetitive or characterised by localised peaks. Graphical visualisation makes the inspection more technical than simply reading a numerical parameter.

The surface roughness tester measures the surface profile, not the material of the component. It can therefore be used on metal, plastic, painted, coated or finished components, provided that the geometry allows correct positioning of the instrument and smooth probe travel. It is particularly useful where roughness affects function, fit, sliding behaviour, friction, sealing performance, wear, coating adhesion or the visual quality of the component.

In surface roughness inspection, Ra is one of the most widely used parameters because it represents the arithmetic mean roughness of the profile, namely a single value that describes how far the surface deviates from a reference mean line. It is often the first parameter considered for an overall assessment of surface finish. Rq expresses root mean square roughness and is more sensitive to pronounced peaks or valleys. Rz indicates the mean height of profile irregularities, while Rt considers the total profile height over the evaluation length.

SA6260 can, however, go beyond these main parameters. Parameters such as Rp and Rv help distinguish the height of the peaks and the depth of the valleys in relation to the mean line, providing useful information where the surface must ensure sliding, contact or sealing performance. Rmax, R3z and Ry provide further evaluations of irregularity height when the technical specification requires a more targeted inspection than standard values alone.

Other parameters, such as RSk and Rku, describe the statistical shape of the profile. RSk helps identify whether the surface is characterised mainly by peaks or valleys, while Rku provides information on the distribution and concentration of irregularities. This information is important when roughness must be evaluated not only as an average value, but also in relation to the functional behaviour of the surface.

The graphic surface roughness tester can also analyse parameters related to profile spacing and distribution, such as RS and RSm, which are useful for understanding the mean distance between irregularities. Parameters such as Rpc and Rmr help assess the number of peaks and the material ratio, namely aspects related to the ability of the surface to support contact, load or sliding.

The Rk family of parameters, including Rk, Rpk, Rvk, Mr1, Mr2, A1, A2 and V0, is also particularly important for interpreting the functional behaviour of the surface. These parameters are useful when roughness affects wear, lubrication, running-in, oil retention capacity or the stability of contact between surfaces. This advanced analytical capability is what distinguishes the graphic surface roughness tester from simpler models.

Reference to ISO 21920-2 links the measurement to profile roughness parameters and makes the instrument suitable for documented inspections consistent with technical drawings, internal procedures, specifications or specific customer requirements. In this context, SA6260 is suitable when surface roughness control must be more detailed, traceable and comparable over time.

The optional graphical software allows the roughness profile to be analysed in greater detail on a PC. Two-way communication makes it possible to set parameters in the software, transfer them to the instrument and then import the results for analysis. This is useful for storing measurements, comparing profiles, observing roughness trends or graphically assessing whether the surface has a regular behaviour, for example a repetitive or sinusoidal pattern.

The supplied remote control is a particularly useful practical feature. Once the instrument has been positioned on the component, the operator can manage functions such as levelling and starting the measurement without directly touching the surface roughness tester. This helps reduce the risk of accidental movement, vibration or changes in position during the test, especially where stability and repeatability are required.

With an optional accessory, SA6260 can be positioned on a height gauge. This is particularly practical because it allows an instrument that is readily available in many metrology rooms or quality departments to be used, adjusting the working height without necessarily setting up a dedicated station. It is useful when components of different heights must be inspected or when more stable probe positioning is required.

Optional probes further expand the measurement possibilities. In addition to the standard probe, probes for grooves, curved surfaces and small bores are available. In particular, the bore probe can be used in very small openings, starting from diameters that are greater than 2 mm, making it possible to inspect surface roughness even in areas that are difficult to reach with a conventional probe.

The graphic digital surface roughness tester is therefore suitable for users seeking a top-of-the-range instrument for roughness analysis: not only for measuring the main parameters, but also for profile visualisation, advanced analysis, graphical data management, remote control to reduce interference during measurement and the ability to adapt inspections to different geometries through dedicated probes. A calibration report is available upon request.

Applications

• Advanced surface roughness inspection in production, laboratories and metrology rooms
• Direct display of the roughness profile on the instrument screen
• Graphical profile analysis using optional two-way software
• Verification of the main parameters Ra, Rq, Rz and Rt
• Analysis of advanced parameters such as Rp, Rv, RSk, Rku, RSm, Rmr, Rk, Rpk and Rvk
• Inspection of surface bearing properties and profile distribution
• Assessment of surfaces subject to sliding, friction, wear, lubrication or sealing
• Quality control on milled, turned, ground, polished, treated or coated surfaces
• Analysis of non-conformities related to the surface finish of the component
• Comparison between machining processes, production methods or different supplied components
• Measurement on metal, plastic, painted, coated or otherwise finished components
• Use of the remote control to reduce accidental movement during measurement
• Positioning on a height gauge by means of an optional accessory
• Inspection of small bores, grooves and curved surfaces using dedicated optional probes

FAQ – Graphic surface roughness tester

What is a graphic surface roughness tester used for?
It is used to measure surface roughness and display the surface profile, rather than only the numerical value of the measured parameter. It is suitable when quality control requires a more complete analysis of surface finish.

Why is SA6260 a more comprehensive surface roughness tester than other models?
SA6260 stands out because it can measure many more roughness parameters, display the profile on the screen, use optional graphic software, operate with a remote control and work with dedicated probes for specific geometries. It is therefore more suitable for in-depth inspections than models intended for quicker checks.

Which advanced parameters can it analyse in addition to Ra, Rq, Rz and Rt?
In addition to the main parameters, it can analyse values such as Rp, Rv, RSk, Rku, RSm, Rpc, Rmr, Rk, Rpk, Rvk, Mr1, Mr2, A1 and A2. These parameters help describe peaks, valleys, spacing, material distribution and the functional behaviour of the surface in greater detail.

Why are Rk, Rpk and Rvk important?
Rk, Rpk and Rvk help interpret the functional behaviour of the surface. They are useful where roughness affects contact, wear, sliding, lubrication or running-in, providing a clearer understanding of how the surface may behave during actual use of the component.

What are RSk and Rku used for in surface roughness measurement?
RSk indicates whether the profile tends to show a predominance of peaks or valleys, while Rku describes the distribution of irregularities. These parameters help interpret the profile shape, not only the average roughness value.

Why is it useful to view the roughness profile on the display?
Profile visualisation helps provide a clearer understanding of surface behaviour. Rather than showing only one value, it makes it possible to observe peaks, irregularities, profile repetition or differences between machining processes. This is useful for technical analysis, comparison and non-conformity management.

What is the optional graphical software used for?
The optional graphical software allows the roughness profile to be analysed on a PC, measurements to be stored, results to be compared and settings to be managed through two-way communication. Parameters can be set in the software, transferred to the instrument and the measured data imported for a more complete analysis.

What is the benefit of the remote control?
The remote control allows measurement to be started and certain functions to be managed without touching the instrument after it has been positioned. This reduces the risk of vibration, accidental movement or changes in position during the test, improving measurement stability.

When should the SA6260 graphic surface roughness tester be selected?
It should be selected when many roughness parameters, profile visualisation, graphical analysis, more complete data management and the possibility of using dedicated probes are required. It is suitable for more structured quality-control activities than those performed with simpler models.

Can the graphic surface roughness tester be used with a height gauge?
Yes. With an optional accessory, it can be mounted on a height gauge. This allows the use of an adjustable height measuring instrument already available in many companies, simplifying positioning on components with varying heights.

Can surface roughness be measured inside small bores?
Yes. With the optional bore probe, very small openings can also be inspected, starting from diameters greater than 2 mm. This is useful where the measurement point cannot be reached with the standard probe.

Does the graphic surface roughness tester only measure metal surfaces?
No. The instrument measures the surface profile, not the material. It can be used on different materials, provided that the surface is suitable for contact measurement and allows correct probe travel.

Why is reference to ISO 21920-2 important?
ISO 21920-2 covers profile roughness parameters. Reference to this standard is useful when measurement must be linked to technical drawings, internal procedures, specifications, quality-control activities or specific customer requirements.

Is surface roughness measurement destructive?
No. This type of measurement is non-destructive. The probe travels across the surface and detects the profile without altering the component, allowing inspections on finished parts, batches ready for delivery or components already within the production process.

Can a calibration report be requested?
Yes. A calibration report can be supplied on request and makes it possible to document the instrument’s control within the company’s measurement equipment management system.

To learn more about how roughness testers work and how to choose the right model for your needs, read our comprehensive guide to roughness measurement.  

To ask for a quote for the roughness tester, return to the top of the page and select the red “Request a Quote” option.