Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester: A Comprehensive Review

Introduction

Mitutoyo is a renowned brand in the field of precision measuring instruments, and its 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester is a top-of-the-line product. This instrument is designed to measure the surface roughness of a variety of materials, and it is compatible with the Surftest SJ-411 surface roughness tester. In this article, we will discuss the specifications of this product in detail.

Measuring Range

The Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester has a measuring range of 8 μm (0.32 mils), 80 μm (3.2 mils), and 800 μm (31.5 mils), making it suitable for measuring the roughness of a variety of materials. The measuring range is indicated on the digital display located on the front of the instrument.

Resolution

The resolution of the Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester is 0.01 μm (0.0004 mils), which is an impressive level of precision. The instrument has a digital display that shows the measurement to two decimal places, allowing for accurate readings.

Measuring Principle

The Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester uses a non-contact measuring principle, which means that it does not require the use of a skid to measure the surface roughness of an object. This feature ensures that the instrument does not cause any damage to the object being measured.

Drive Unit

The instrument has a built-in drive unit that provides the necessary movement to measure the surface roughness of an object. The drive unit is powered by a rechargeable battery, which is included in the package. The battery life is approximately 10 hours, assuming the instrument is used continuously.

Filter Settings

The Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester has a range of filter settings that can be adjusted to suit the surface roughness of the material being measured. The filter settings include Gaussian, ISO 11562, and JIS 2001.

Measurement Parameters

The instrument can measure a range of parameters, including Ra (average roughness), Rz (average maximum roughness depth), and Rt (total roughness). The instrument also has the capability to measure a range of other parameters, including Rq (root-mean-square roughness), Rp (peak-to-valley height), and Rsk (skewness).

Data Output

The Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester has a data output port located on the side of the instrument, which allows the user to connect the instrument to a computer or data logger for data recording and analysis. The instrument is compatible with Mitutoyo’s proprietary data management software, which is available for purchase separately.

Accessories

The instrument comes with a range of accessories, including a carrying case, a calibration standard, and a charger for the rechargeable battery. The calibration standard is used to ensure the accuracy of the instrument, and it should be used regularly to maintain the accuracy of the readings.

Conclusion

The Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester is a high-quality instrument that offers precision, accuracy, and versatility. The instrument’s non-contact measuring principle, range of filter settings, and measurement parameters make it suitable for a wide range of materials and applications. The instrument’s digital display, rechargeable battery, and data output port make it user-friendly and convenient to use. Overall, the Mitutoyo 178-580-12D Skidless Surface Roughness Tester is an essential tool for anyone who needs to measure the surface roughness of materials accurately.