Graphical Signatures for Manufactured Surfaces

Three dimensional surface signatures were calculated from radial profile measurements of two lapped specimens, two ground specimens and a milled specimen. These signatures are polar autocorrelation function (ACF) maps and Ra maps. The ACF maps were obtained by plotting contours of equal autocorrelation values. The ACF maps reveal more structure than the Ra maps and their shapes appear to be characteristic of the corresponding manufacturing methods. Therefore, radial profile measurement together with the use of ACF maps is a useful technique for relating surface topographies to manufacturing processes.