TopMap Sherpa Launch Simplifies Surface Measurement and Analysis
Polytec has introduced TopMap Sherpa, a next-generation software platform developed for its TopMap optical surface metrology systems. Designed to simplify measurement workflows while enhancing productivity and measurement confidence, Sherpa combines an intuitive user interface with advanced automation and analysis capabilities.
As surface measurement applications become increasingly complex, users demand software that not only delivers accurate data but also reduces setup time and simplifies operation. Sherpa addresses these challenges through a range of new tools that streamline measurement, evaluation and reporting processes.
Simplified Navigation and Measurement Setup
One of Sherpa’s most notable innovations is Virtual Positioning, which allows users to navigate interactively across a sample surface and quickly select features or regions of interest. The functionality provides a more intuitive way to work with large datasets and complex geometries.
Complementing this capability is True View, a high-definition visualization tool that combines topography data with realistic surface textures. By providing a more natural representation of the measured component, True View improves orientation, feature recognition and data interpretation.
Intelligent Exposure Management
Measuring surfaces that contain both highly reflective and dark regions often requires multiple measurement adjustments. Sherpa simplifies this process by enabling users to define multiple exposure settings within a single measurement sequence.
The software automatically detects overexposed and underexposed areas while offering intelligent auto-exposure functionality. Vertical range settings have also been streamlined, reducing setup complexity and helping users achieve optimal measurement conditions with minimal effort.
Enhanced Data Analysis
Sherpa introduces a powerful Line Analyzer tool that expands evaluation possibilities beyond conventional roughness and profile measurements.
Users can quickly perform analyses including:
- Peak-to-valley evaluations
- Vertical and horizontal distance measurements
- Angle determination
- Step-height measurements
- Circle fitting
- Geometric feature analysis
The integrated approach enables faster assessment of critical surface characteristics without the need for additional software tools.
Advanced Filtering with Built-In Data Validation
Reliable measurement results depend on effective data processing. Sherpa incorporates powerful live filtering capabilities with predefined filter settings that support faster and more standardized measurements.
Advanced users retain full access to detailed filtering parameters, while an integrated data quality assessment continuously reports valid pixel information. This additional transparency helps users better understand data integrity and increases confidence in measurement results.
Automation for Repeatable Measurements
A key focus of Sherpa is reducing operator workload through automation. The software includes a comprehensive library of routines that enable straightforward measurements based on industry-standard methodologies, eliminating the need for extensive manual configuration.
Users can save complete measurement workflows as reusable recipes that include:
- Illumination settings
- Measurement parameters
- Evaluation routines
- Filtering configurations
- Reporting formats
These recipes ensure consistency across repeated measurements while significantly reducing setup times.
For production environments, Sherpa also offers a streamlined quality control interface that allows predefined measurement routines to be executed with a single click, making advanced metrology accessible to operators with limited training.
Improved Stitching for Large-Area Measurements
Large-area surface measurements often require multiple scans to be combined into a single dataset. Sherpa incorporates True Stitching, a technology designed to improve data quality across overlapping regions and edges while simplifying the overall stitching workflow.
Fully integrated within the software environment, True Stitching enables users to acquire larger measurement fields more efficiently while maintaining high-quality topographical data.
Designed for Productivity
With its combination of intuitive navigation, intelligent automation, advanced analysis tools and enhanced visualization capabilities, TopMap Sherpa represents a significant evolution in software for optical surface metrology. By reducing complexity while increasing measurement confidence and repeatability, Sherpa helps manufacturers, researchers and quality professionals gain deeper insight into surface characteristics while improving operational efficiency.
For more information: www.polytec.com
