Contact profilometers utilize a stylus that runs over the surface of an object to allow for measurement of various profile parameters. There are two general types of contact profilometers: Skidded and skidless.

In this tech bulletin, GFS discusses how skidded profilometers work as well as skidless (non-skidded). Additionally, we discuss how to choose between skidded vs. skidless methods and which is the right one for your application.