Chemeon Surface Technology announced the launch of a new non-contact 3D surface metrology service based on the Keyence VK X3000 3D Surface Profiler.
The new service provides high-resolution, non-destructive areal surface measurements for coated and uncoated components where preservation of the part matters.
Chemeon’s surface metrology service supports aerospace, defense, automotive, electronics, battery manufacturing, and space applications where surface condition directly influences corrosion resistance, adhesion, fatigue performance, and service life. Typical uses include verification of coating uniformity, evaluation of surface preparation and pretreatment processes, early detection of microcracking or filiform corrosion, and failure analysis of coated parts.
The Keyence VK X3000 enables non-contact measurement of surface topography with vertical resolution down to 2 nm and magnification up to 28,800×. The system produces quantitative 3D surface data suitable for roughness analysis, step height and thickness measurements, defect identification, and comparative studies of surface condition before and after processing—without vacuum environments, conductive coatings, or destructive sectioning.
“Keyence is excited to work alongside Chemeon Surface Technology as they integrate our VK-X3000 3D Surface Profiler into their process for analyzing complex surfaces, coatings, and corrosion protection for light metals,” says Keyence Corporation. “The chemistries they measure perfectly complement the precision capabilities of the VK-X3000, which allows Chemeon to drive superior reliability and compliance in high-stakes industries. This collaboration will empower manufacturers to achieve deeper insights into surface performance without compromising valuable components, and we're excited to support Chemeon in accelerating next-generation surface technology analysis and innovation.”
Chemeon Chief Operating Officer Ted Ventresca says that what truly set Keyence apart was their expert knowledge of surface metrology and the exceptional support from their top-tier technical sales and applications team.
Ted Ventresca“They worked seamlessly alongside our technical and business development groups from the very first conversation through installation and training, ensuring the system was optimized for our exact needs in launching a service for aerospace, defense, and high-reliability applications,” Ventresca says. “This partnership enables us to provide our customers with deeper, quantitative insights into coating uniformity, adhesion, and corrosion resistance — accelerating innovation while preserving valuable components.”
The VK X3000 is particularly well suited for evaluating conversion coatings and pretreatment systems, including chrome-free technologies such as Chemeon’s eTCP and TCP HF. High-resolution areal measurements allow engineers to correlate surface morphology with adhesion performance, corrosion behavior, and process consistency.
Alex Westre“Accurate surface measurement is foundational to understanding coating performance,” says Alex Westre, Chemeon Director of Product Development. “This capability allows us to evaluate surfaces directly, without altering the part, and to generate data that engineers can use immediately.”
Unlike scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which often requires destructive sample preparation and vacuum exposure, Chemeon’s optical surface metrology service with the VK X3000 preserves high-value prototypes and production components while providing rapid, automated measurements aligned with ISO 25178 and JIS B 0601 surface texture standards.
Results are delivered as technical reports prepared by Chemeon scientists and engineers. They may include quantitative surface parameters, annotated 3D images, and comparative datasets to support quality control, process development, and qualification activities.
The non-contact 3D surface metrology service is available immediately on a per-part, project, or contract basis.
