Address:
Glafo, PG Vejdes väg 15,
SE-351 96 Växjö
SWEDEN

Visitor's address:
Vejdes plats 3

Tel: +46 10 516 63 50
E-mail: info@glafo.se

You find a map at the
"about Glafo" page.

Optical profiler – Wyko NPFlex 3D

Instrument facts The optical profiler can be used for examining surface characteristics in 3D, contact-free. It is possible to determine surface roughness parameters and critical dimensions in high resolution and coating thicknesses. It is also used in tribology applications. This model in particular provides an especially good opportunity to investigate large samples that are up to several decimetres in size.

The resolution goes down to 0.5 micrometres laterally and better than 0.15 nanometres vertically.

We have three lenses (5x 10x 50x), of which two have an extra long working distance (34 mm), making it possible to measure more inaccessible surfaces, such as angled cuts. The maximum analysed surface is 1.7 x 2.3 mm, still with the same vertical resolution.

Research, development, quality control and fault analysis
In the first phase, Glafo will use the instrument in the project "Polishing glass with water jet cutting technology". In this, the traditional water jet cutting method is to be developed into a method for polishing glass.

The optical profiler will be used both in the research and development work and as quality control for measuring how shiny the glass surfaces can be made.


Sample polished using the 1 mm nozzle and Sillitin as the polish.

Surface measurement has a broad area of application from the study of wear on car components and the functionality of medical implants for checking the quality of thin films.


Example of a 3D image of an orthopaedic hip implant after the surface conditioning process (image Veeco).

The profiler can be used to examine all surfaces that are significant to quality, performance, appearance and efficiency. Common areas of application include fault analysis or investigation of the ways in which friction and wear affect different materials.

Example from the vehicle industry
Vehicle engineers have understood that smooth, shining surfaces are of greater significance than just looking good. Surface smoothness has a direct impact on the reliability of components that are subject to friction. The profiler can be used, for example, to better understand the function of important engine components, such as cylinder barrel, crankshafts, pistons and different gear and brake elements.

Surface smoothness is studied to understand the way irregularities and structures affect operating characteristics and efficiency, for example. It is also possible to study the way these parameters are affected by time, environment and use.

Contact person: Christina Stålhandske, +46 10 516 63 63, christina.stalhandske@glafo.se