objectives
Understand the fundamental principles of roughness and 2D/3D topography.
Select the right measurement parameters (Ra, Rz, Sa, Sq, etc.) and the associated filters.
Master the use of your profilometer
Interpret the results to validate the conformity of your parts or understand a defect (adhesion, wear, appearance).
Teaching methods
- Projection of the training materials
- Distribution of the training materials
- Training led by experts in the requested techniques
Target audience
Technicians or engineers responsible for research & innovation, process & industrialization, production & maintenance…
Program
For more information about the program, please contact us
Information updated on 10.06.2026
Practical information
- In-company training
- Questionnaire at the beginning and end of the training (quiz)
- Attendance sheet
- Duration: to be defined
- Accessibility for people with reduced mobility and disabilities
- Adaptability according to customer needs
- Price on request
- No prerequisites are required to take this course
- A certificate of completion will be issued to beneficiaries at the end of the training
Our training courses are accessible to people with disabilities. We will propose adaptation solutions (for example: training materials, training pace, educational support, etc.) and adjustments according to your needs.
Your teams need profilometer training ...
What is the principle of surface analysis by profilometer?
The principle of surface analysis by profilometer is based on quantifying the topography (or relief) of a sample at the micro or nanometric scale. To do this, the device uses either a mechanical means (a stylus equipped with a diamond tip that physically scans the surface while recording height variations), or a non-destructive optical means (such as interferometry or confocal microscopy, which measure the reflection of light).
By scanning the area of interest, the profilometer converts these height variations into digital data to generate a 2D profile or a 3D map of the surface. These data then make it possible to accurately calculate standardized roughness, waviness or porosity parameters (such as Ra or Sa), which are essential for assessing conformity, wear, adhesion or the aesthetic appearance of a material.
The FILAB laboratory profilometer training...
Have you just acquired a profilometer for your laboratory? Are the qualified person or people no longer part of your team? Would you like to deepen your expertise in the profilometry method and in interpreting the results?
As an approved training organization, FILAB supports your teams in using the surface relief analysis and measurement technique with a profilometer, whatever your industry.
Indeed, this technique has many applications, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, geochemistry, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and the medical sector…
At FILAB, we develop and offer our clients only tailor-made training courses, aligned with your industrial challenges or analytical needs.
To register for the training or to obtain a quote, please contact us directly by email or by phone.
The training will begin within 3 months from acceptance of the agreement.
Why choose FILAB for any training in analytical chemistry or materials science?
FILAB is QUALIOPI certified for its training activities. Thanks to this certification, the training we provide may be eligible for funding requests through OPCOs.
Analytical training is essential for professionals looking to master analysis and characterization techniques. It covers a wide range of methods designed to analyze and characterize substances, materials, or products across various industrial sectors.
Our analytical training programs are designed to equip participants with the skills they need to excel in their field, combining rigorous theory with practical applications. Discover how our analytical training can transform your skill set within your company.
Several factors explain the growing number of training requests received by FILAB:
Tailor-made technical training: most training courses offered by many training providers are standard, not tailored, and do not address your technical challenges
Highly qualified people: our trainers are laboratory professionals, PhDs, or specialized engineers
Industry know-how: FILAB has been delivering training to its clients for over 10 years, regardless of the industrial sector
A unique profile with dual expertise in Chemistry and Materials Science
A human-sized organization, which allows us to be more responsive and more flexible
Our FAQ
These are the two most commonly requested 2D roughness criteria in machining and quality control, but they do not measure the same thing:
Ra (Arithmetic average roughness): it calculates the overall average of the height deviations. It gives a good overall picture of the texture, but it "smooths out" isolated defects.
Rz (Maximum roughness depth): it measures the difference between the highest peak and the deepest valley over a given area. It is essential for detecting an isolated scratch or a localized defect that could compromise the seal of a gasket, for example.
Two surfaces can have exactly the same Ra but a completely different Rz. That is why relying on Ra alone is risky.
It depends on the dimension of your measurement:
Parameters starting with R (Ra, Rz, Rt) relate to 2D profilometry. The measurement is taken along a single straight line.
Parameters starting with S (Sa, Sq, Sz) relate to 3D or areal profilometry. They describe the topography calculated over a surface (a full square or rectangle). The modern ISO 25178 standard governs these parameters.
The profilometer is a versatile tool that goes far beyond simply calculating a roughness value. In our training, we teach you how to perform and interpret:
Texture and appearance analysis: to understand the origin of a visual defect (matte finish, gloss, orange peel).
Geometric and dimensional measurements: step height, groove depth, dome volume, chamfer angle, or radius of curvature.
Porosity and cell structure analysis: useful for quantifying the oil retention capacity of a cylindrical surface (engines) in order to reduce friction.
Wettability and adhesion studies: to predict whether an adhesive, paint, or surface treatment will properly adhere to the part.
To get a quote, you can contact our teams via our contact form, by phone, or by email.
All you need to do is send us your requirements (material type, desired analysis, applicable standard, urgency, number of samples, etc.). We will then send you a personalized technical and pricing proposal within 24-48 hours.
Lead times vary depending on the nature of the analysis and the complexity of the expert assessment project.
FILAB is nevertheless committed to providing fast turnaround times tailored to your industrial constraints and urgent needs.
