1. Introduction

1.1 Why is it necessary to characterize the microgeometry of surfaces?

All objects, particularly the components of industrial products, have different surfaces, each with an associated function ranging from simply limiting the material to providing dynamic sealing, holding a coating in place, or ensuring biocompatibility for a medical prosthesis, for example.

The microgeometry of the surface often plays a decisive role in its ability to perform the expected function.

For example, at the interfaces between parts of an assembly with relative movement, various stress and friction phenomena continuously evolve until performance is lost, leading to mechanism failure.

Controlling the surface condition by selecting...