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Cross Hatch Software

In many applications that have machined wear surfaces (cylinders, bores, bearings, etc.) there is often a need to analyze the bearing surface of these parts. The NewView™ is the ideal tool for this process as it provides a large 3D viewing area. Until recently there were few options for measuring such surfaces including: “scratching” the surface with a stylus profilometer and/or measure the part in a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Cross Hatch Software

The SEM gives a visual picture of the lines or crosshatch, and angles are then calculated by laying a protractor down and taking a measurement. The profilometer gives the actual magnitude of the heights and depths of the surface. A critical parameter in these applications is the Rvk, or the valleys in the measurement. These valleys store oil, provide space for metal shavings, and help ensure long wear. Users had no analytic way to look at these surfaces and judge if their processing improved or damaged the surface. Zygo has solved this issue with a new software application called Crosshatch available with the NewView™ operating software, MetroPro.

In one specific application where a metrology laboratory previously had to cut and destroy every part tested with a process time of 45 minutes per part, annual savings have exceeded £40k/year, without even considering the process improvements and measurable metrics. To make the measurement the part is placed over a Zygo supplied optical diverter. The part with the diverter is then put under the NewView 10X LWD (Long Working Distance objective lens).

The part is measured and the data is transferred to the Crosshatch software (see image above). The Crosshatch software includes a readout of crosshatch angles and amplitudes, looks for 1 and 90 degree defects, and plots the data for operators to easily understand. Surveyor, a machine vision application can be added to the package to provide a seamless defect detection system.