Overview
EN ISO 5436-2:2012 (ISO 5436-2:2012) is a Geometrical Product Specification (GPS) standard that defines software measurement standards for surface texture measured by the profile method (as referenced in ISO 3274). It introduces two types of software etalons: Type F1 (softgauge / reference data) and Type F2 (reference software), and specifies the file format for Type F1 data files used to verify measurement software in profilometers and other surface texture instruments.
Key topics and requirements
- Type F1 - Reference data (softgauge): digital files that represent a standardized primary profile. The primary profile is the standardized input point for surface texture parameter calculations.
- Type F2 - Reference software: traceable reference software used to validate instrument calculation routines and filter implementations.
- File format for Type F1: structured records (Record 1: header; Record 2: optional metadata; Record 3: data; Record 4: checksum). The standard defines data types and storage conventions including ASCII strings, integers, unsigned integers, long integers, single-precision and double-precision floats, and byte-order rules (less significant bytes stored at lower memory addresses).
- Operations between total profile and primary profile: the standard notes common processing steps that can occur before the primary profile (calibration adjustments, stylus tip correction, decimation, equalization, Ls filtering, end-effect handling, form fitting/removal). If Type F1 entry is before the primary profile, the signal flow must be agreed between producer and user.
- Traceability and uncertainty: F1/F2 standards are intended to reproduce measurand values with known uncertainty so instrument software can be verified.
- Supporting material: annexes include a file-format example and relation to the GPS matrix model.
Applications
- Verification and calibration of profilometers and surface texture instruments.
- Software validation for filter algorithms, parameter calculations, and data processing chains in metrology equipment.
- Production of calibration certificates and audit evidence showing software compliance and traceability.
- Interoperability testing between instrument vendors and metrology laboratories.
Who should use this standard
- Metrology and calibration laboratories
- Instrument manufacturers and firmware/software developers (profilometers, stylus-based systems)
- Quality engineers and R&D teams concerned with surface texture measurement conformity
- Standards bodies and test houses implementing GPS-compliant verification
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 5436-2, EN ISO 5436-2:2012, surface texture, profile method, software measurement standards, softgauge, Type F1, Type F2, profilometer, calibration, file format.
