Characterisation of 3D topography of the surface machined by finishing technologies of WEDM and grinding

Finishing technologies of machining such as grinding or wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) represent the most frequently used applications when mechanical engineering components that are subject to high requirements for the accuracy of shapes and dimensions as well as quality of machined areas. The study was focused on the evaluation of the machined surface contamination due to grinding and WEDM elements of tool material. In addition, the machined surface morphology was studied using light microscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM) technique and 3D profile meter. Both area and profile parameters of the surfaces were evaluated by means of two different contactless profilometers based on the principle of coherence correlation interferometry.