I am setting up a small QC area to analysis the surface of blasted metals. I'll be blasting the part or strip in the cabinet, then looking how the surface finish changed. Is there a recommended profilometer(with computer connectivity) that is widely used by this industry? I saw some handheld devices that were around $4000. I want to keep price down as my budget is tight, but I'd like to use equipment that is widely recognized in the metal finishing/peening arena so potential customers are more comfortable with the data produce.
Any suggestions would be great!

Thanks!

I recommend the SJ-210 series by Mitutoyo. Its not cheap at about $2500 but it is a good piece of equipment. Computer connectivity is something I am not sure about, but it has its own LCD screen with data logging capability and roughness charts. Many of our aerospace customers also use this profilometer in their inspection areas.