CHEMEON Surface Profiling Lab
3D Surface Metrology Service
Superior Coatings. Precision Surface Analysis.
ISO 25178-compliant areal surface texture analysis using the Keyence VK-X3000, delivering high-resolution 3D surface maps that accelerate qualification, support failure investigation, and document coating surface performance.
The CHEMEON Surface Profiling Lab
Keyence VK-X3000
Keyence VK-X3000
3D Surface Profiler
CHEMEON's Surface Profiling Lab is built around the Keyence VK-X3000, a research-grade confocal laser scanning microscope that combines three complementary imaging modalities into a single automated measurement system.
The system generates fast, non-contact, high-resolution 3D surface maps of coated parts on virtually any material, geometry, or finish type without requiring sample preparation or risking surface damage in most cases.
All measurement data is traceable and reported against ISO 25178 areal surface texture parameters, providing the documented evidence your quality, engineering, and compliance teams require.
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Keyence VK-X3000
3D Surface Profiler Specifications
WLI Height Resolution
0.01nm
Max Stitch Area
50 x 50mm
Confocal Height Res.
0.1nm
Surface Prep
None (most cases)
Standard
ISO 25178
Measurement Mode
Non-Contact
Triple-Scan Technology
How the VK-X3000 Works
Three distinct imaging modalities work in combination to deliver accurate results across the full range of surface types, geometries, and coating finishes encountered in aerospace, defense, and industrial manufacturing.
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Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy
High-contrast depth profiling on reflective and geometrically complex surfaces, with precise optical sectioning through the z-axis. Ideal for polished metals and anodized layers.
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Focus Variation
Broad-spectrum texture capture across steep slopes, rough topographies, and surfaces with large height variations. Well suited for conversion-coated castings and machined components.
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White-Light Interferometry
High-resolution height profiling on smooth, polished, and semi-transparent thin films where other modes fall short. Best suited for step height measurement and surface texture analysis on low-roughness surfaces under appropriate conditions.
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Automated Large-Area Stitching
Continuous 3D maps up to 50 x 50 mm without manual repositioning, enabling complete surface analysis of production-scale components in a single scan session.
See It in Action
3D Surface Metrology in Practice
Watch the VK-X3000 in operation and see how 3D surface data translates directly into coating qualification evidence and root-cause analysis.
VK Series: Official Keyence Demo
Lab Equipment Showcase: ASU Core Facilities
Core Capabilities
What We Measure
The VK-X3000 quantifies the full range of surface and coating characteristics relevant to metal finishing qualification, failure analysis, and process optimization.
ISO 25178 Areal Texture Parameters
Full areal surface texture analysis including Sa, Sq, Sz, Sdr, Ssk, and Sku. Compliant, traceable, and ready for quality records and regulatory submissions.
3D Topography Mapping
Height-keyed color topography maps with extended depth of field, cross-sections, and high-resolution optical overlay with 3D surface data.
Step Height and Surface Morphology
Precise step height measurements and surface morphology characterization across complex component geometries, quantifying uniformity and edge coverage from surface topography data.
Surface Defect Detection and Documentation
Characterize surface-expressed features including pitting, cracking, and topographic anomalies. Height resolution and detection capability are mode- and objective-dependent; results reflect surface morphology signatures, not subsurface conditions.
Volume, Flatness, and Warpage
Surface volume, flatness deviation, and warpage measurements for precision component inspection, wear analysis, and bond line characterization from surface topography data.
Statistical Analysis and CAD Export
Automated statistical summaries and CAD-compatible 3D model export for direct comparison against engineering drawings and tolerances.
Ready to measure your coatings?
Send us samples or request a complimentary Discovery Scan.
Applications
Common Use Cases
The Surface Profiling Lab supports qualification, troubleshooting, and documentation needs across aerospace, defense, automotive, and industrial manufacturing. Every engagement connects directly to CHEMEON's eTCP and TCP-HF chemistry lines, giving your team coating data and chemistry expertise in a single source.
01
Conversion Coating and Anodize Surface Characterization
Evaluate trivalent chromium conversion coating surface coverage, areal texture, and topographic uniformity on aluminum substrates. Generate comparative 3D surface maps that support process consistency documentation and pre/post-treatment analysis.
MIL-DTL-81706BMIL-DTL-5541FeTCPTCP-HF
02
Surface Morphology Analysis for Failure Investigation
Document the surface morphology conditions associated with coating failures including topographic evidence of pitting, surface cracking, and treatment non-uniformity. 3D surface data provides objective characterization to support root-cause investigation. It is not a direct adhesion measurement.
Failure InvestigationSurface MorphologyCorrosion
03
Chemistry Comparison and Process Qualification
Side-by-side 3D surface analysis of your current chemistry versus CHEMEON-treated samples provides objective, quantitative evidence to support process changes or validate a new chemistry before full production commitment.
Process ValidationChemistry ComparisonPPAP
04
OEM Qualification and NADCAP Documentation
Generate ISO 25178-compliant quantitative reports, professional PDF deliverables, and CAD-comparable 3D models that satisfy OEM qualification packages, PPAP submissions, and NADCAP audit documentation requirements.
NADCAPAS9100ISO 25178PPAP
05
Precision Component Inspection
Assess wear patterns, surface integrity, and dimensional conformance on high-value precision parts with no contact, no risk of damage, and full traceability. Applicable to aerospace, defense, medical, and automotive components.
AerospaceDefenseMedicalAutomotive
06
Electronics and Battery Substrate Analysis
Characterize surface roughness, coating uniformity, and feature geometry on electronics housings, battery cell components, and conductive substrates where surface condition directly impacts electrical performance.
ElectronicsBatteryEV
Not sure which scan is right for your application?
Our engineers will scope the right engagement for your parts and goals.
How It Works
A Straightforward Process
From sample submission to final report, most engagements follow four clear steps.
STEP 01
Submit Your Samples
Ship your coated parts or request that we apply CHEMEON chemistries to reference substrates. Provide material, size, quantity, and analysis goals. We will recommend the right scope for your needs.
STEP 02
Expert Scanning
Our applications team configures the VK-X3000 for your specific materials and objectives, then scans selected areas to build precise 3D surface profiles.
STEP 03
Analysis and Interpretation
We extract full ISO 25178 parameters, generate 3D topography maps, and apply expert interpretation in the context of your coating chemistry, process conditions, and application requirements.
STEP 04
Report Delivery and Review
Receive a professional PDF report with images, quantitative data, and clear recommendations. We offer optional live review sessions to walk your engineering team through the findings.
Deliverables
What You Receive
Every engagement produces a complete, documented package your team can act on immediately.
High-Resolution 3D Surface Maps
Color-coded topography maps with height-keyed visualization and extended depth of field. Publication-ready and suitable for customer-facing presentations.
ISO 25178 Quantitative Parameters
Full areal roughness parameters including Sa, Sq, Sz, and Sdr, plus step heights, thickness profiles, volume measurements, and statistical summaries.
CAD-Compatible 3D Models
Exportable surface models in standard formats, enabling direct overlay against engineering drawings and comparison to design specifications or tolerances.
Professional PDF Report
A structured report with images, data tables, methodology, and actionable recommendations. Suitable for quality records, customer submissions, and audit packages.
Expert Technical Interpretation
Analysis from CHEMEON's surface finishing specialists who connect surface topography, pre-treatment quality, and coating performance into clear, actionable findings.
Optional Live Review Session
A scheduled call with our applications engineers to walk through findings, answer technical questions, and align on next steps. Available at no additional charge for qualified customers.
Industries Served
Built for the Most Demanding Sectors
CHEMEON's surface metrology service supports manufacturers and processors across every sector where coating performance, traceability, and documentation are non-negotiable.
Aerospace
Defense
Automotive
Medical
Electronics
Battery / EV
Space
Technical Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from engineers, quality managers, and procurement teams evaluating 3D surface metrology for coating qualification and analysis.
ISO 25178 is the international standard governing areal (3D) surface texture measurement. Unlike traditional 2D roughness profiles that measure along a single line, areal analysis covers the full surface and captures features that a line trace misses entirely. Parameters such as Sa (arithmetical mean height), Sq (root mean square height), Sdr (developed interfacial area ratio), and Ssk (skewness) provide statistically robust characterization of coating surface uniformity and functional texture. CHEMEON's lab produces fully ISO 25178-compliant reports suitable for quality records, engineering review, and regulatory submissions.
The Keyence VK-X3000 is highly versatile. It performs non-contact analysis on metals including aluminum, titanium, magnesium, and steel alloys; anodized surfaces; trivalent chromium conversion coatings such as CHEMEON's eTCP and TCP-HF; paint and powder coat systems; reflective or semi-transparent finishes; and complex geometries with steep slopes. In most cases, no sample preparation or surface treatment is required prior to scanning.
Yes. CHEMEON's metrology reports provide traceable, quantitative ISO 25178 data paired with professional PDF documentation structured to support MIL-DTL-81706B and MIL-DTL-5541F qualification packages, PPAP submissions, and NADCAP audit evidence requirements. Reports include 3D images, parameter tables, methodology notes, and expert interpretation from CHEMEON's technical team.
A Discovery Scan is a complimentary introductory scan offered to qualified prospects and existing CHEMEON customers. It is designed to demonstrate the value of 3D surface metrology quickly, giving your team real data on your actual parts or coatings before committing to a full engagement. Contact our applications engineers to discuss eligibility and scope.
Height display resolution is mode-dependent. In white-light interferometry mode the VK-X3000 achieves 0.01 nm; in laser scanning confocal mode it is 0.1 nm. Actual measurement repeatability will differ from display resolution values and depends on the measurement mode, objective, and surface characteristics. CHEMEON's applications team will recommend the appropriate scan mode for your specific parts and analysis goals.
CHEMEON's Surface Profiling Lab is operated by the same technical team that formulates eTCP and TCP-HF chemistries. Metrology data is interpreted with a deep understanding of how surface topography, pre-treatment quality, and coating chemistry interact. The lab is well suited for side-by-side comparison of your current process against CHEMEON-treated samples, with objective 3D data to inform any transition or optimization decision.
Get Started
Ready to See the Nanometer-Level Difference?
Provide basic sample details including material, approximate size, quantity, and analysis goals. Our applications engineers will recommend the right scope for your needs.
Complimentary Discovery Scans are available for qualified prospects and existing customers. Contact us to confirm eligibility.