Non-Destructive Surface Roughness Analysis for Polymer-Based Products: Integrating Laser Speckle Contrast and Stylus Profilometry

This study introduces a novel approach for measuring surface roughness in polymer-based samples using laser speckle photometry principles, offering potential for noncontact and non-destructive in-process measurements. A methodology for characterising surface roughness offline for polymer samples is outlined, utilising stylus profilometry, a technique not commonly employed in polymer manufacturing. Investigations into the reliability and stability of laser speckle on polymer-based products with various shape profiles were conducted, resulting in successful outcomes through mean intensity matching techniques. This enabled the correlation of surface roughness with two laser speckle statistical parameters: laser speckle contrast and binary digitization techniques. This research provides valuable insights for advancing surface roughness measurement techniques in polymer manufacturing processes.