Roughness Average (Ra)

Roughness Average, often abbreviated as Ra, is a measure used to describe the texture of a surface. It quantifies the average height of surface irregularities over a specified area. Imagine running your fingers over a surface; Ra helps determine how smooth or rough that surface feels. A lower Ra value indicates a smoother surface, while a higher value suggests greater roughness. This measurement is important in various industries, including manufacturing and engineering, where surface texture can impact functionality, wear resistance, and aesthetics of products.