A contact profilometer is a precision instrument used to measure the surface profile of materials. It works by dragging a fine stylus across the surface, which records the height variations as it moves. This data is then used to create a detailed map of the surface texture, including roughness and waviness. These devices are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, semiconductors, and materials science to ensure quality control and improve product performance. By providing accurate measurements, contact profilometers help engineers and researchers understand how surface characteristics affect the functionality of various components.