A comparison between profile and areal surface roughness parameters

Surface roughness has an important influence on the service performance and life of parts. Areal surface roughness has the advantage of accurately and comprehensively characterizing surface microtopography. Understanding the relationship and distinction between profile and areal surface roughness is conducive to deepening the study of areal surface roughness and improving its application. In this paper, the concepts, development, and applications of surface roughness in the profile and the areal are summarized from the aspect of evaluation parameters. The relationships and differences between surface roughness in the profile and the areal are analyzed for each aspect, and future development trends are identified.