Digital Metrology Releases Multi-Band Surface Texture Analysis Software

Digital Metrology Solutions has released two new products for multi-band surface texture analysis. Bandify and Bandify3D instantly separate surface texture into wavelength bands and display the data in an intuitive, single-screen interface.

"To produce surface finishes that both look good and perform well, you need to understand the spatial wavelengths within the surface texture," explains Dr. Mark Malburg, president of Digital Metrology Solutions. "A roughness number alone can't tell you whether a paint coat will appear glossy, if a gasket will seal, or if a gear will make noise. Understanding the impact of various wavelength domains leads to a better understanding of these complex functions."

Bandify is the first software tool designed exclusively to analyze surface texture simultaneously over several user-defined wavelength bands. The software reports wavelength-specific surface parameters, with user-defined tolerance bands to highlight out-of-spec conditions.

Bandify can analyze data from a wide variety of surface measurement instruments, making it a powerful, common platform for all measuring systems. A selection of stylus-based profiling instruments can even be controlled directly from Bandify for "one click" measurement and analysis.

Bandify3D provides similar information for three-dimensional surface measurement data, also in a single-screen user interface.

Because every application has unique requirements, the wavelength bands are fully customizable in Bandify and Bandify3D, with user-configurable cutoff wavelengths, display parameters and pass/fail limits. All settings can be saved as measurement "recipes" for various types of parts and/or process stages.

Both software packages feature drag-and-drop interfaces that let users analyze data in most standard formats, while batch process enables rapid analysis of hundreds of measurements at a time.

"The most important aspect of Bandify and Bandify3D is that the software lets engineers explore and interact with data," continues Dr. Malburg. "Many other software packages can analyze surface texture in a general sense, but Bandify makes it exceptionally easy, and extremely fast, to see and understand textures in a wavelength-by-wavelength manner. More importantly, the software can clearly show the relationship between the wavelength domains. It provides the data to describe, specify, track and control the aspects of surface texture that will ultimately yield an excellent finish."

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.