TS 6959

TS 6959 is a terminology standard that brings together the terms and definitions used in the measurement of surface roughness parameters. Surface roughness refers to microscopic departures of a surface from its ideal geometric form, and the standard helps establish a common language for quality control, testing, and technical communication.

What the terminology covers

The focus of the standard is the naming of surface roughness parameters and their characteristics when these are measured. In general technical practice, such parameters are used to describe profile features such as height, spacing, and distribution aspects of a surface. The document does not describe the measurement technique or the instruments themselves; those topics are covered elsewhere, with TS 929 and TS 930 identified as the relevant references in the scope.

Why terminology matters in surface metrology

A terminology standard does more than define words: it reduces ambiguity between concepts that may look similar but represent different mathematical definitions or evaluation purposes. In surface metrology, that distinction is important because a single surface can be described by several parameters, each highlighting a different property of the same profile. TS 6959 provides that conceptual framework for reports, research records, and industrial discussion.

This edition was published on the basis of ISO 4287-2:1984 and later withdrawn. Even so, it remains a useful historical reference for understanding the terminology associated with surface roughness parameter measurement.