Application Notes
Evaluation of razor blade edges/Micro shape measurement using a laser microscope
Application
A razor’s cutting ability depends on the condition of the blade edge, and a chipped blade makes the razor dull. When testing a blade’s durability, it is important to correctly capture the shape of the blade edge for quality improvement. However, due to the blade edge’s extremely acute angle, it is difficult to capture accurate images of the edge’s shape.
The Olympus solution
Olympus' LEXT 3D scanning laser microscope has a very high detection sensitivity for slopes, enabling three-dimensional observation and measurement of the small shape of a razor blade edge. By comparing new and used blades, you can visually check edges whose sharpness has deteriorated, and the high-resolution and high-precision 3D shape m\easurement enables you to quantitatively evaluate the angle of the edge and the depth of chipping.
Non-defective blade edge
Objective lens: 100X Zoom: 1X
Chipped blade edge after use
Objective lens: 100X Zoom: 1X
Products Used for This Application
LEXT OLS5500
Hybrid 3D Optical Profilometer
- Traceable surface measurements from the nanometer to micrometer scale
- Laser scanning microscopy (LSM), white light interferometry (WLI), and focus variation microscopy (FVM) in one award-winning platform
- First 3D optical profilometer to offer guaranteed accuracy and repeatability* for both LSM and WLI measurements
- WLI mode delivers up to 40x faster measurement throughput than conventional LSM
- Exceptional precision across surfaces with in-house engineered optics
- Intuitive interface and smart automation streamline operation for users of all levels
- AI-enhanced and high-throughput workflows with PRECiV™ software integration
*Based on Evident’s internal research as of October 2025. The guaranteed accuracy and repeatability apply only if the device has been calibrated according to the manufacturer’s specifications and is in defect free condition. Calibration must be performed by an Evident technician or an Evident-authorized specialist.
LEXT OLS5100
The LEXT™ OLS5100 laser scanning microscope combines exceptional accuracy and optical performance with smart tools that make the system easy to use. The tasks of precisely measuring shape and surface roughness at the submicron level are fast and efficient, simplifying your workflow and delivering high-quality data you can trust.