Machine Drawing
SURFACE ROUGHNESS
Lesson objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to;
1. Define surface roughness
2. Explain the different tools used to measure surface roughness
3. Identify and define the different profiles
4. List and explain the different factors influencing surface roughness
Introduction
It is not possible to achieve in practice, a geometrically ideal surface of a component and hence,
production drawings of components must also contain information about the permissible surface
conditions. Machine components which have undergone machining operation, when inspected
under magnification, will have some minute irregularities. The actual surface condition will
depend upon the finishing process adopted.
The properties and performance of machine components are affected by the degree of roughness
of the various surfaces. The higher the smoothness of the surface, the better is the fatigue
strength and corrosion resistance. Friction between mating parts is also reduced due to better
surface finish.
Definition of Surface Roughness
Surface roughness describes the fine scale irregularities on a material’s surface that deviates
from a perfectly smooth ideal form. These microscopic deviations, often resulting from
manufacturing processes, affect properties like friction, wear, and adhesion.
Characteristics of Surface Roughness
The geometrical characteristics of a surface include,
1. Macro-deviations,
2. Surface waviness, and
3. Micro-irregularities.
1
Machine Drawing
The surface roughness is evaluated by the height, Rt and mean roughness index Ra of the micro-
irregularities. Following are the definitions of the terms indicated in Fig. 1
Rt Rf
H
Af
h1 h2 hn
Mf
D f
B
L
Figure 1
Actual profile, Af
It is the profile of the actual surface obtained by finishing operation.
Reference profile, Rf
It is the profile to which the irregularities of the surface are referred to. It passes through the
highest point of the actual profile.
Datum profile, Df
It is the profile, parallel to the reference profile. It passes through the lowest point B of the
actual profile.
Mean Profile, Mf
It is that profile, within the sampling length chosen (L), such that the sum of the material-
filled areas enclosed above it by the actual profile is equal to the sum of the material-void areas
enclosed below it by the profile.
2
Machine Drawing
Pick-to-valley Height, Rt
It is the distance from the datum profile to the reference profile.
Mean Roughness Index, Ra
It is the arithmetic mean of the absolute values of the heights hi between the actual and mean
profiles. It is given by,
Ra = 1/L ∫ | |
Surface Roughness Number
The surface roughness number represents the average departure of the surface from perfection over
a prescribed sampling length, usually selected as 0.8 mm and is expressed in microns. The
measurements are usually made along a line, running at right angle to the general direction of tool
marks on the surface. Surface roughness values are usually expressed as the Ra value in microns,
which are determined from:
Ra =
The surface roughness may be measured, using any one of the following:
1. Straight edge
2. Surface guage
3. Optical flat
4. Tool maker’s microscope
5. Profilometer
6. Profilograph
7. Talysurf
The table below shows the surface roughness exposed from various manufacturing processes.
3
Machine Drawing
Table 1: Surface roughness expected from various manufacturing processes
4
Machine Drawing
Machining Symbols
This article deals with the symbols and other additional indications of surface texture, to be
indicated on production drawings.
The basic symbol consists of two legs of unequal length, inclined at approximately 60° to the
line, representing the surface considered (Fig. 2a). This symbol may be used where it is
necessary to indicate that the surface is machined, without indicating the grade of roughness
or the process to be used.
If the removal of material is not permitted, a circle is added to the basic symbol, as shown in
Fig. 2b. This symbol may also be used in a drawing, relating to a production process, to
indicate that a surface is to be left in the state, resulting from a preceding manufacturing
process, whether this state was achieved by removal of material or otherwise. If the removal
of material by machining is required, a bar is added to the basic symbol, as shown in Fig. 2c.
When special surface characteristics have to be indicated, a line is added to the longer arm of
the basic symbol, as shown in Fig. 2d.
(a) (b) (c) (d)
) ) Fig. 2 ) )
Indication of surface roughness
The value or values, defining the principal criterion of roughness, are added to the symbol as
shown in Fig. 3.
a a
a
(a) (b)
) (c)
) )
Fig. 3
5
Machine Drawing
a1
a2
a c
(a) (b) (d) (e)
) ) ) )
a2 a1
(c)
Fig 4
The principal criterion of surface roughness, Ra may be indicated by the corresponding
roughness grade number, as shown in Table 16.2.
Table 16.2 Equivalent surface roughness symbols
Roughness values Ra Roughness Roughness grade
m grade symbol
number
50 N12
25 N11
12.5 N10
6.3 N9
3.2 N8
1.6 N7
0.8 N6
0.4 N5
0.2 N4
0.1 N3
0.05 N2
0.025 N1
6
Machine Drawing
Indication of Special Surface Roughness Characteristics
In certain circumstances, for functional reasons, it may be necessary to specify additional special
requirements, concerning surface roughness.
If it is required that the final surface texture be produced by one particular production method, this
method should be indicated on an extension of the longer arm of the symbol as shown in Fig. 16.4b.
Also, any indications relating to treatment of coating may be given on the extension of the longer arm
of the symbol.
Unless otherwise stated, the numerical value of the roughness, applies to the surface roughness after
treatment or coating. If it is necessary to define surface texture, both before and after treatment, this
should be explained by a suitable note or as shown in Fig 4c.
If it is necessary to indicate the sampling length, it should be selected from the series
given in ISO/R 468 and be stated adjacent to the symbol, as shown in Fig. 4d. If it is
necessary to control the direction of lay, it is specified by a symbol added to the surface
roughness symbol, as shown in Fig. 4e.
NOTE The direction of lay is the direction of the predominant surface pattern, ordinarily
determined by the production method employed.
Table 16.3 shows the symbols which specify the common directions of lay.
Table 16.3 Symbols specifying the directions of lay
Symbol Interpretation
=
Parallel to the plane of
projection of the view in
which the symbol is used Direction of lay
Perpendicular to the plane
of projection of the view in
which the symbol is used
Direction of lay
X
Crossed in two slant directions
relative to the plane of
projection of the view in
which the symbol is used Direction of lay
7
Machine Drawing
M M
Multi-directional
C
C
Approximately circular,
relative to the centre of the
surface to which the symbol
is applied
R
Approximately radial,
relative to the centre of the
surface to which the
symbol is applied
When it is necessary to specify the value of the machining allowance, this should be
indicated on the left of the symbol, as shown in Fig. 5a. This value is expressed normally in
millimetres.
Figure 16.5b shows the various specifications of surface roughness, placed relative to the
symbol.
a c (f)
5 e d
(a) (b)
Fig 5
Indications of Surface Roughness Symbols on Drawings
The symbol and the inscriptions should be so oriented, that they may be read from the
bottom or the right hand side of the drawing (Fig. 6a). If it is not practicable to adopt
this general rule, the symbol may be drawn in any position (Fig. 6b), provided that it does
not carry any indications of special surface texture characteristics.
8
Machine Drawing
b
a c
(a) (b)
Fig. 6
The symbol may be connected to the surface by a leader line, terminating in an arrow.
The symbol or the arrow should point from outside the material of the piece, either to the
line representing the surface, or to an extension of it (Fig. 6a)
In accordance with the general principles of dimensioning, the symbol is only used once
for a given surface and, if possible, on the view which carries the dimension, defining
the size or position of the surface (Fig. 6.7).
If the same surface roughness is required on all the surfaces of a part, it is specified,
either by a note near a view of the part (Fig. 6.8), near the title block, or in the space
devoted to general notes, or following the part number on the drawing.
If the same surface roughness is required on the majority of the surfaces of a part, it is
specified with the addition of, the notation, except where otherwise stated (Fig. 16.9a),
or a basic symbol (in brackets) without any other indication (Fig. 6.9b), or the symbol or
symbols (in brackets) of the special surface roughness or roughnesses (Fig. 6.9c).
Figure 6.7
9
Machining Drawing
All over
a a
Figure 6.8
All over except where
aotherwise stated a1 a1 a2 a3
a2 a2 a2
a3 a3 a3
(a) (b) (c)
Fig. 6.9
To avoid the necessity of repeating a complicated specification a number of times, or where
space is limited, a simplified specification may be used on the surface, provided that its
meaning is explained near the drawing of the part, near the title block or in the space devoted
to general notes (Fig. 6.10).
a1 b
z a2 c
z =
e d
y 3, 2
=
4
(a) (b)
Fig. 6.10
Conclusion
Surface roughness remains a cornerstone of manufacturing quality encapsulating the microscopic
texture irregularities that dictate friction, wear, lubrication, fatigue life, and overall part performance
across industries like aerospace, automotive and biomedical engineering. By mastering its definition,
key parameters such as Ra and Rz, measurement techniques including profile meters, and critical
10
Machining Drawing
influencing factors – feed rate, tool geometry, vibrations, material properties, and cutting fluids –
engineers gain the ability to specify optimal finishes on drawings, troubleshoot production
inconsistencies, and select processes that balance functionality, cost and aesthetics. Ultimately, precise
control of surface roughness not only ensures compliance with stringent standards but also drives
innovation, enhances product reliability, and minimizes failures in real-world applications.
11
Machining Drawing
QUIZ
THEORY QUESTIONS
1. What is the importance of surface roughness ?
2. Mention the geometrical characteristics of a surface.
3. Define the following terms :
(a) reference profile, (b) datum profile,
(a) mean roughness index (d) surface roughness
number.
4. What are the various means that are used to determine the surface roughness value ?
5. How surface roughness values are indicated on a drawing ?
6. Indicate how various surface roughness specifications are placed relative to the
symbol.
7. Indicate roughness grade symbols for the following roughness grade numbers :
(a) N 12 (b) N 10 (c) N 8
(b) N 6 (e) N 2
8. What is meant by direction of lay? How is it shown on a drawing ? Sketch the
symbols related to the common directions of lay.
DRAWING EXERCISES
1. Indicate the roughness grade symbols used in shop floor practice, with their range
of roughness values.
2. What are the roughness values that can be normally obtained by (a) fine turning,
(b) machine reaming, (c) milling, (d) precision grinding and (e) chrome plating.
3. Show how the roughness is indicated on the component for the following situations.
(a) surface to be obtained by any production method,
(b) surface to be obtained without removal of material
(c) surface to be coated, and
(d) surface to be given a machining allowance.
4. With examples, show the method of indicating surface roughness on the following
components :
(a) symmetrical surfaces requiring the same quality,
12
Machining Drawing
(b) cylindrical part, and (c) same surface quality all over.
5. Suggest suitable surface finish values and the process of obtaining them for the
following compo- nents :
(a) precision drill sleeve, (b) grade 1 milling machine column guide-ways,
(c) splines on a shaft, (d) faces of a milling arbor spacer, and
(e) precision lathe bed guide-ways.
13