Contact vs Non-Contact Surface Roughness Measurement Comparison

This document compares contact-type stylus profilometers and non-contact laser microscopes for surface roughness measurement, highlighting key differences in resolution, measurement range, and sample damage. It details the problems associated with stylus profilometers, such as stylus wear, sample scratching, and inability to measure soft samples or small grooves, and promotes non-contact 3D surface profiling as a solution.