{"id":25379,"date":"2020-03-16T22:34:00","date_gmt":"2020-03-16T21:34:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/prodotto\/roughness-tester-calibration-test-blocks-sa6204\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T09:37:22","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T07:37:22","slug":"roughness-tester-calibration-test-blocks-sa6204","status":"publish","type":"product","link":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/product\/roughness-tester-calibration-test-blocks-sa6204\/","title":{"rendered":"Roughness tester calibration test blocks – SA6204"},"content":{"rendered":"

Roughness tester calibration test blocks<\/strong> are reference samples used to check and calibrate stylus-type surface roughness testers<\/a>. Unlike visual surface comparators, which provide an indicative comparison of a component finish by sight and touch, these test blocks are designed to be measured directly by the roughness tester<\/a>, allowing its outcome to be checked against a known reference.<\/p>\n

A roughness calibration test block<\/strong> is used when it is necessary to verify that a roughness tester provides consistent readings before measuring components, machined surfaces, or parts subject to quality control. The instrument probe travels along the profile of the sample and the measured value is compared with the assigned value of the test block, in accordance with the adopted metrological procedure.<\/p>\n

The test blocks comply with ISO 5436-1<\/strong>, which defines material measures used as standards for calibrating the metrological characteristics of instruments that measure roughness using the profile method. They are therefore suitable for stylus-type roughness testers used in laboratories, metrology rooms, quality departments and production environments where the reliability of measurement data must be verified and documented.<\/p>\n

The reference profile of the test blocks is sinusoidal<\/strong>, allowing the roughness tester <\/a>to measure a surface with a known and repeatable pattern. Different nominal Ra<\/strong> values are available, making it possible to select the test block best suited to the roughness range normally measured by the instrument or to the intended measurement application.<\/p>\n

The Ra<\/strong> parameter represents the arithmetic mean roughness of the profile, namely a single value that describes how far the surface deviates from a reference mean line. Test blocks with different nominal values make it possible to check different roughness levels and assess the behaviour of the roughness tester within the range most commonly used during measurement activities.<\/p>\n

Some roughness tester calibration test blocks<\/strong> also incorporate a stylus check<\/strong> function, used to check the response of the probe. The stylus tip is a key element in surface roughness measurement: wear, damage or unsuitable conditions may affect the results obtained. A test block designed for this check makes it possible to assess the behaviour of both the instrument and the probing system more completely.<\/p>\n

These test blocks are intended for roughness testers used for instrumental surface roughness measurement and should not be confused with visual and tactile comparators for mechanical machining or Electrical Discharge Machining. Roughness surface comparators<\/a> provide an indicative comparison of the surface, whereas a reference standard for a roughness tester<\/strong> is measured directly by the instrument to support inspection, verification or calibration activities.<\/p>\n

Using test blocks is useful during routine internal inspections, before important measurement campaigns, after work done on the roughness tester or whenever it is necessary to verify the consistency of readings over time. This makes it possible to identify any instrument anomalies before they affect the results obtained on inspected parts.<\/p>\n

Upon request, the test blocks can be supplied with an ACCREDIA calibration certificate issued by an accredited laboratory<\/strong>. The certificate documents the assigned values of the sample and the relevant uncertainties, ensuring metrological traceability of the reported measurements. This option is particularly important for laboratories, quality departments and companies that manage instruments and reference standards within documented metrological procedures.<\/p>\n

The certificate supplied with the test block covers the roughness calibration test block<\/strong> itself and does not replace any calibration certificate required for the roughness tester. The certified test block is the reference used to check or calibrate the instrument according to the adopted procedure, whereas assessment of the roughness tester must be managed separately when required by the quality system or the specific application.<\/p>\n

Applications<\/h3>\n
    \n
  • Periodic inspection of stylus-type surface roughness testers used for surface roughness measurement<\/li>\n
  • Calibration of roughness testers using ISO 5436-1-compliant reference test blocks<\/li>\n
  • Verification of instrument response before checks on components or production batches<\/li>\n
  • Assessment of roughness tester behaviour at different nominal Ra values<\/li>\n
  • Probe verification using versions equipped with stylus check<\/li>\n
  • Use in metrology laboratories, quality departments and inspection rooms<\/li>\n
  • Management of instruments used to inspect machined, finished or treated surfaces<\/li>\n
  • Support for internal processes related to the verification and management of measuring equipment<\/li>\n
  • Roughness tester inspections before measurement programmes or after work has been carried out on the instrument<\/li>\n
  • Use with a calibration certificate where metrological traceability of the test block is required<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    FAQ – Roughness tester calibration test blocks<\/h2>\n

    What are roughness tester calibration test blocks used for?<\/strong>
    \nThey are used to check and calibrate stylus-type roughness testers used for surface roughness measurement. The roughness tester measures the profile of the test block and the result is compared with the assigned value of the sample, according to the inspection or calibration procedure adopted.<\/p>\n

    What is the difference between a roughness tester calibration test block and a visual roughness surface comparator?<\/strong>
    \nA roughness tester calibration test block is measured directly by the instrument and is intended for inspection or calibration activities. A visual roughness surface comparator is instead used to compare the finish of a component by sight and touch and is not suitable for calibrating or checking a roughness tester.<\/p>\n

    What does ISO 5436-1 specify?<\/strong>
    \nISO 5436-1 defines the characteristics of material measures used as standards for calibrating the metrological characteristics of instruments that measure roughness by the profile method. Test blocks compliant with this standard are therefore specific references for stylus-type roughness testers.<\/p>\n

    Why do the test blocks have a sinusoidal profile?<\/strong>
    \nThe sinusoidal profile provides a known and repeatable pattern that can be measured by the roughness tester. This makes it possible to compare the instrument reading with the assigned value of the test block and check its response consistently.<\/p>\n

    How should the Ra value of the test block be selected?<\/strong>
    \nThe choice depends on the roughness range most frequently measured and on the applications for which the roughness tester is used. A test block with a nominal value consistent with the surfaces normally inspected provides a verification that is more representative of the instrument\u2019s actual use.<\/p>\n

    What does the Ra value of a roughness calibration test block indicate?<\/strong>
    \nRa represents the arithmetic mean roughness of the profile, namely a value that describes how far the surface of the sample deviates from a reference mean line. On the test block, it is the nominal value against which the roughness tester reading is compared.<\/p>\n

    What is the stylus check included on some versions used for?<\/strong>
    \nThe stylus check is used to check the response of the roughness tester probe. This is useful because the condition of the tip can affect the measurement result: a worn or damaged probe may not detect the surface profile correctly.<\/p>\n

    When is it advisable to check a roughness tester using a test block?<\/strong>
    \nIt is advisable to carry out the check periodically, before important measurements, after work has been carried out on the instrument, when results appear doubtful or whenever required by the internal procedures of the quality system.<\/p>\n

    Can test blocks be supplied with an ACCREDIA calibration certificate?<\/strong>
    \nYes. Upon request, the test blocks can be supplied with a calibration certificate issued by an ACCREDIA-accredited laboratory.<\/p>\n

    Does the calibration certificate of the test block also certify the roughness tester?<\/strong>
    \nNo. The certificate covers only the test block used as the reference. The roughness tester must be calibrated separately by measuring the sample according to the required procedure and assessing the results obtained.<\/p>\n

    Can these test blocks be used with any roughness tester?<\/strong>
    \nThey are intended for stylus-type roughness testers that measure roughness by the profile method and that can be verified using reference standards compliant with ISO 5436-1. The selection of the test specimen must be consistent with the instrument\u2019s measuring range and with the procedure defined for its use.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Roughness tester calibration test blocks are reference samples used to check and calibrate stylus-type surface roughness testers. Unlike visual surface comparators, which provide an indicative comparison of a component finish by sight and touch, these test blocks are designed to be measured directly by the roughness tester, allowing its outcome to be checked against a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":5058,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false},"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[6241],"product_tag":[],"class_list":["post-25379","product","type-product","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","product_cat-roughness-measurement-and-control","first","instock","product-type-simple"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product\/25379","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25379"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_brand?post=25379"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_cat?post=25379"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.samatools.it\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/product_tag?post=25379"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}