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Terms & Clarifications

Precise definitions and conditions that govern our metrology services and product specifications.

What does "sub-nanometer surface finish" mean in practice?

Our reported sub-nanometer values refer to the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) measured over a 0.8 mm cutoff length on titanium alloy surfaces. The measurement is performed under controlled lab conditions (20 °C ± 1 °C, 45 % RH) using our White Light Interferometry System. Results may vary by up to ±0.3 nm on parts with complex curvature or high-aspect-ratio features.

Which ASME standards apply to your roughness topography mapping?

All roughness topography mapping reports comply with ASME B46.1-2019 for surface texture parameters (Ra, Rz, Rq, Rsk, Rku) and ASME B89.4.22 for the interferometric measurement system itself. We do not certify compliance with ASME Y14.5 for geometric dimensioning and tolerancing unless explicitly requested as a separate service.

Is micro-honing suitable for all titanium alloys?

Our micro-honing process is validated for Ti-6Al-4V (Grade 5), Ti-6Al-4V ELI (Grade 23), and Ti-3Al-2.5V (Grade 9). For other titanium alloys, including beta‑titanium or high‑interstitial grades, we require a preliminary feasibility test on a sample coupon (minimum 25 mm × 25 mm). The test cost is credited toward the first production batch.

What is the typical turnaround time for a micro-honing service order?

Standard turnaround is 10 business days from receipt of parts and signed service agreement. Expedited service (5 business days) is available at a 40 % surcharge. Both timelines exclude shipping. We do not guarantee specific finish values on parts with pre-existing surface damage deeper than 2 µm.

How do you handle measurement uncertainty on high-reflectivity surfaces?

For polished titanium or other high-reflectivity surfaces, our system automatically reduces the exposure time and applies an anti‑bloom filter. The combined measurement uncertainty (k=2) is ±1.2 nm for Ra values below 10 nm. If the surface reflectivity exceeds 85 %, we recommend applying a thin anti‑reflective coating or using our optional dark‑field measurement mode.

Can I use your Roughness Topography Mapping Suite with third‑party interferometers?

The software suite accepts data in CSV, TXT, and proprietary .WLI formats. Import adapters for Zygo, Bruker, and Polytec instruments are included. For other systems, we provide a free data‑conversion tool upon request. The suite does not support real‑time streaming from non‑PrecisionMet hardware.

What clients say about our surface metrology

Real feedback from engineers and quality managers who rely on sub-nanometer precision for critical joints.

Lead Engineer, Aerospace Actuators

“The micro-honing service cut friction wear by 37% on our titanium alloy hinge pins. ASME compliance was verified within one week.”

Ratan Naruka
Quality Manager, Medical Implants

“White light interferometry gave us repeatable Ra values below 0.8 nm on cobalt‑chrome knee components. No other method came close.”

Amir Raj Pillay
R&D Director, Precision Metal Interfaces

“Roughness topography mapping revealed a 0.12 µm peak that was causing micro‑cracking. We fixed the process in two days.”

Bhola Acharya
Senior Metrologist, Automotive Driveline

“We switched from contact profilometry to non‑contact interferometry. Measurement time dropped from 12 minutes to 45 seconds per part.”

Ratan Naruka
Process Engineer, High‑Strength Alloys

“Sub‑nanometer surface finish on our titanium actuator shafts eliminated galling during endurance testing. Zero failures after 10⁶ cycles.”

Amir Raj Pillay

Surface Metrology Capabilities

Non-contact white light interferometry and micro-honing for high-strength titanium alloys and precision metal interfaces, achieving sub-nanometer surface finishes under ASME compliance.

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White Light Interferometry

Sub-nanometer vertical resolution for non-contact 3D surface profiling on titanium alloys and precision metal interfaces. Complies with ASME B46.1 standards.

Eliminates friction wear in critical cinematic joints

Roughness Topography Mapping

Advanced software generates 2D and 3D maps, calculates Ra, Rz, Rq parameters, and supports custom filtering for comprehensive surface texture analysis.

Visualize and quantify surface texture with repeatable accuracy

Micro-Honing for Titanium Alloys

Controlled abrasive process optimized for high-strength metals, achieving surface finishes that reduce friction wear in aerospace actuators and medical implants.

Extends component life under high-load cinematic conditions

ASME Compliance Verification

Pre- and post-process roughness mapping ensures every surface meets ASME B46.1 specifications. Full documentation for quality audits.

Certified traceability for regulated industries

Surface Metrology FAQ

Straight answers about white light interferometry, micro-honing, and roughness mapping for titanium alloys and precision metal interfaces under ASME compliance.

What surface finish range can your white light interferometry measure?

Our system resolves sub-nanometer vertical features, typically from 0.1 nm up to several millimeters in step height. It handles roughness Ra values from below 1 nm to 10 µm on high-strength titanium alloys and polished metal interfaces, meeting ASME B46.1 requirements for both fine and coarse textures.

How does micro-honing reduce friction wear in cinematic joints?

Micro-honing uses controlled abrasive media to remove microscopic peaks and valleys on bearing surfaces. By achieving a consistent plateau finish with controlled oil-retention valleys, we lower the coefficient of friction by up to 40% compared to ground or turned surfaces. This directly reduces wear in high-cycle cinematic joints made of Ti-6Al-4V or similar alloys.

Do you provide roughness topography maps before and after honing?

Yes. Every micro-honing service includes pre- and post-process 3D surface maps generated by our white light interferometer. The maps show Ra, Rz, Rq, and bearing ratio curves. We deliver a compliance report that compares your part against ASME B46.1 or customer-specified tolerances.

What is the typical turnaround for a micro-honing batch of 50 titanium parts?

For a standard batch of 50 precision titanium components (e.g., actuator pins or implant stems), we complete micro-honing and full topography mapping within 5 business days. Rush orders with partial batches can be finished in 2 days. Each part is individually measured and documented.

Can your system measure curved or freeform surfaces?

Yes. Our white light interferometry head can be tilted and translated to follow complex geometries. We routinely measure spherical, aspheric, and freeform surfaces on titanium and stainless steel parts. The software stitches multiple overlapping scans to create a unified topography map of the entire interface.

How do you ensure repeatability across different operators?

We use automated measurement sequences with fixed illumination settings, stage positioning, and analysis filters. The system prompts the operator only to load the part and confirm alignment. Repeatability tests on a single titanium reference show Ra variation below 0.5 nm across 20 consecutive measurements by three different technicians.

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