Overview
EN ISO 25178-601:2025 - Geometrical product specifications (GPS) - Surface texture: Areal - Part 601 defines the design, metrological characteristics and nominal characteristics of contact (stylus) instruments used for areal measurement of surface topography. The standard applies to devices that physically trace surfaces (contact stylus scanning) and is also applicable to profile measurements derived from areal data. It supersedes EN ISO 25178-601:2010 and incorporates material from ISO 3274:1996.
Key topics and requirements
This part of the ISO 25178 series focuses on instrument-level requirements and includes:
- Instrument requirements: normative features and an information-flow concept for contact stylus instruments.
- Metrological characteristics: parameters that define measurement performance; referenced to ISO 25178-600 for detailed metrological rules.
- Design features: constructive and nominal characteristics of probing systems, stylus geometry and static measuring force.
- Terms and definitions: harmonized terminology with ISO 25178-600 to ensure consistency across areal topography standards.
- Informative annexes: principles of contact stylus instruments (Annex A), sources of measurement error and influence quantities (Annex B), history and changes from ISO 3274 (Annex C), and relationship to the GPS matrix model (Annex D).
- Normative references: key cross-references include ISO 25178-600 and other GPS framework standards (ISO 14638, ISO 8015, ISO 14253-1).
Note: the document cautions that some instrument features or methods described may be subject to patent rights.
Applications and who uses this standard
EN ISO 25178-601:2025 is valuable for anyone involved in surface metrology and quality control:
- Metrology and calibration labs: specification and verification of contact stylus instruments.
- Instrument manufacturers: guidance on design, nominal characteristics and performance claims.
- Quality assurance and production engineers: establishing compliant measurement practices for surface texture and areal topography.
- R&D and testing labs: selecting appropriate stylus probes and understanding error sources.
- Standards bodies and auditors: harmonizing measurement requirements within the ISO GPS framework.
Industries that benefit include automotive, aerospace, precision engineering, tooling, and any sector where surface texture affects function or wear.
Related standards
- ISO 25178-600 - Metrological characteristics for areal topography measuring methods (normative reference).
- ISO 25178 series - broader GPS for areal surface texture.
- ISO 3274:1996 - legacy profile instrument requirements (content incorporated/updated).
- ISO 14638, ISO 8015, ISO 14253-1 - GPS framework and decision rules referenced for conformity and system context.
Keywords: EN ISO 25178-601:2025, surface texture areal, contact stylus instruments, areal topography, metrological characteristics, stylus scanning, GPS.