Impetus for surface metrology

The first day of the event focused on tribological models, manufacturing processes and modern metrology of high-performance surfaces. What properties characterize low-friction and low-wear workpiece surfaces, and how can they be reliably manufactured and quantified? "The participants received highly interesting insights into the current state of research and teaching, new perspectives on characterization and innovative measurement methods for the latest industrial requirements – from the most renowned professors in the field as well as excellent practitioners, practical and well-founded," summarized Mahr CEO Manuel Hüsken. "It was important to us to bring research, teaching and practice into direct dialog." The focus was on questions such as: "What requirements are placed on functional surfaces today and how can they be reliably characterized?" or "What metrological, analytical and model-based methods are currently available for this?"

Reproducible production and testing of high-precision surfaces

The second day of the event focused on the measurement of high-performance surfaces in industrial practice. Among other things, the speakers highlighted the metrological requirements for sealing systems, the influence of steel surface topography on the tribology of ball joints and the grinding of calender rolls. Other topics included the measurement of ball screws in noise and efficiency-critical applications and their quantification using the scattered light method in accordance with VDA 2009. Aspects such as knowledge management in the age of artificial intelligence and the presentation of a new surface model based on cylinder tracks were also met with great interest.

The event concluded with an open forum in which participants and speakers jointly discussed how functionally relevant surfaces can be manufactured and measured in a reproducible and cost-efficient manner – and the role played by the combination of classic methods with the scattered light method as an innovative multi-sensor approach. The focus was on the question of how to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and industrial series production.

Between parameters and practice: HPS gets experts talking

In his conclusion, Peter Ebert put it in a nutshell: "The industry's need for information seems to be enormous. The breaks and forums often went into overtime because the discussions simply didn't want to end." According to Ebert, "you have to be able to come together in one place to discuss these topics openly." The debates on classic parameters such as Rz and Ra were particularly noteworthy: Apparently, there are measurement processes that do not meaningfully describe the functional behavior of technical surfaces, but still need to be applied for legal reasons.

The first HPS in October offered space for joint reflection, a change of perspective and in-depth discussions on current challenges. "Due to the great demand and the consistently positive response, we want to continue the format," announced Kai Meine, Global Head of Sales Optical Technologies & Managing Director of OptoSurf GmbH. "Next year, we will once again come up with new topics and top-class guests at the High Performance Surface Summit."