Alongside the macro test parameters on tooth flanks for profile and tooth traces, surface properties
(roughness) play a decisive role in ensuring proper toothed gear function. The generally increased load
stresses on gear teeth can only be implemented by maintaining precisely defined roughness parameters.
Roughness measurements are therefore conducted on the gearing flanks in all highly developed drives,
in the automotive industry, aircraft industry, or the area of wind energy drives, for example.
This article addresses roughness measurement systems on tooth flanks. In addition to universal test
equipment, modified test equipment based on the profile method for use on gears is addressed in
particular. The equipment application here refers to cylindrical gear flanks and bevel gear flanks. The
most important roughness parameters, as well as the implementation of the precise measurement
procedure will also be described under consideration of the applicable DIN EN ISO standards as well as
the current VDI/VDE Directive 261 2 Sheet 5.