Abstract Over the past eig ht years the subject of 3D surface met rology has developed from something of a novelty to a posit ion where it has now become a crucial tool in the characterisat ion of engineering surfaces across a broad rang e of applicat ions. It is widely accepted that the nature of the topography of a surface has a signif icant influence on the efficiency and functional performance of the surface include wear, frict ion, lubrication, corrosion, fatigue, coat ing, paintability , etc. It is also increasingly being recognised that in order to fully study and control surface manufacture to enhance the above applicat ions, studies need to be carried out from a 3D perspect ive. A number of key research groups have been working in this area in an effort to produce def init ive 3D surface roughness standards. This paper reviews the most recent work in the field of 3D surface characterisat ion and out lines the development tow ards a 3D surface roughness standard.
