How is surface finish typically checked?

Surface finish is typically checked using a profilometer. This instrument is specifically designed to measure the surface texture and topography, providing detailed quantitative data about the surface finishes such as roughness, waviness, and lay. A profilometer can quantify different characteristics of the surface and help ensure that it meets specified tolerances, which is critical in precision machining.

While visual inspection and comparison charts may offer some insights into surface quality, they lack the precision and accuracy needed for technical assessments, especially in critical applications. Unlike a micrometer, which mainly measures dimensions rather than surface characteristics, a profilometer provides a comprehensive analysis related to surface finish, making it the optimal choice for this purpose.