Surface topography
roughness map
Material Analysis · Microscopy & Imaging
White-Light Interferometric 3D Profilometry (WLI)
Characterise surface topography, step height and form, and areal roughness and volume parameters using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£90 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 6 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Bruker ContourX-500Keyence VK-X3000rtec up-lambda-u-3000
- Typical outputs
- 3D height mapLine and areal roughness parametersStep-height, volume, and profile measurementsMethod-specific images
Why this test
What WLI can help you understand
White-Light Interferometric 3D Profilometry is selected when the project needs defensible information on surface topography, step height and form, or areal roughness and volume parameters. Coherence-scanning…
Step height and form
step-height or form measurement
Areal roughness and volume parameters
stitched large-area scan
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the instrument
The measurement mode, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to learn from the sample.
Roughness map
surface topography
- Best used when
- surface topography
- Typical result
- 3D height map
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Step-height or form measurement
step height and form
- Best used when
- step height and form
- Typical result
- Line and areal roughness parameters
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Stitched large-area scan
areal roughness and volume parameters
- Best used when
- areal roughness and volume parameters
- Typical result
- Step-height, volume, and profile measurements
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, measurement conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
3D height map reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Line and areal roughness parameters supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Step-height, volume, and profile measurements provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Method-specific images included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to send
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the region, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample or input | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
Region of interest: include a marked image, sketch or reference when the target feature is localised.
Handling: declare hazardous, magnetic, volatile, moisture-sensitive, beam-sensitive or temperature-controlled material before dispatch.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope or interpretation.
What should I send for White-Light Interferometric 3D Profilometry?
Provide film / coating, test coupon / specimen as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For surface topography, start with roughness map; add step-height or form measurement when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 6 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
Very steep, transparent, low-reflectivity, or multi-reflecting surfaces can create missing or ambiguous points. Optical filtering choices must be reported for traceable roughness values.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope WLI correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Marked region of interest where relevant
- Required comparison, output and reporting depth