Application Notes
Observation and measurement of profile changes in wiper blades using a laser microscope
Wiper blade
Application
Automobile wiper blades are subjected to significant changes in temperature and humidity, and they are required to remain durable under severe service conditions.
Observing and measuring the wiper’s rubber blade before and after durability testing to look for the presence of tears, cracks, deformation, and the presence of foreign matter helps manufacturers design and create products that are more durable. However, it has been difficult quantitatively measure changes in the wiper’s surface profile.
Olympus' solution
The LEXT OLS5000 microscope enables users to measure changes in the wiper’s surface profile using images and provides quantitative data.
Product features
(1) Color and laser images and 3D profile data can be obtained at the same time, expanding the range of your analysis.
(2) By freely drawing a measurement line on the area you want to measure in the image, a cross-sectional profile can be displayed to measure the step, width, and cross-sectional area between any two points.
(3) The analysis function enables operators of any skill level to easily measure the step, line width, surface roughness, and volume by specifying the measurement region. The system continuously obtains accurate results.
Wiper blade (Top: new wiper blade; bottom: blade after durability test)
Surface profile measurement of a new wiper blade; 50X objective lens
Surface profile measurement of a wiper blade after durability testing; 50X objective lens
Related products
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.