Serving as the benchmark for all measurements, surface plates play a pivotal role in quality checking and control. This surface is extremely flat that comes in Grade-00 to Grade-3 flatness accuracy substandard. Machine shops, all types of precise manufacturing, defense, automotive, and aerospace manufacturers require tight tolerances for machine shop tools and surface plates are widely used to assess out of accuracy or warped areas on manufactured parts.

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As far as use is concerned, surface plates must be calibrated on a regular basis, at least once to twice a year, but most efficiently and for long-lasting use, it is to be calibrated every six months. Problems usually occur in certain areas having frequent use, so frequent calibration will make sure of chipping, warping, or wear has not observed. An uneven surface will impact the efficient functionality of the whole plate causing errors in measurements and the passing of checked defected parts.

Material Properties of Surface Plate :

To make an ideal surface plate, the material must have the following requirements.

• Must have a high degree of rigidity
• Resistance to the wear and corrosion
• Free from warping that is from being Twisted

Materials used to make Surface Plates

• Cast Iron (C.I)
• Granite
• Glass

Cast Iron Surface plate / C. I Surface Plates

Cast Iron is the most commonly used material in manufacturing, machine shops, and shop floor as it provides the best surface plates over the other materials. and hard annealed in order to relieve internal stresses. The surface plates are made up of Cast Iron (C.I) are duly provided heat treatment for relieving internal stresses. The top surface of the surface plate is manufactured as absolute flat. The backside of the surface plates is having cored and ribbed structure to increase the structural rigidity to withstand the heavy loads.

Granite Surface Plates

Granite surface plates are best known due to their rustless properties. Granite surface plates remain unaffected by the change in temperature and Heat as well so hence it can maintain the flatness for a longer period of time. The hardness of the granite surface plates is more than the C. I Surface Plates.

Glass Surface Plates

Apparently, surface plates can also be made up of Glass. The main reasons to make the surface plates from the glass are due to the following reasons.

• Less Weight
• Free from corrosion and burrs
• Achieve high accuracy and it can maintain for longer life

But they need to be handled carefully they can be broken. Ceramic Surface plates are slowly replacing the glass.

Precautions while using the Surface Plates :

• The flatness accuracy of the surface plate must be checked on a regular basis to make sure the surface is in an ideal condition
• The top surface must be properly cleaned before use in order to avoid dust and other polluted particles.
• Must be covered with the rexine or wooden cover when they are not in use
• Make sure to use every nook and corner of the plate so that the plate must be used in a uniform manner.
• The top surface of the plate should always be coated with corrosion resistive elements such as Oil or Grease after use

What are the important applications of Surface Plates?

A surface plate provides a precisely accurate plain surface that is wear-resistant, and in the case of the granite surface, it has a very low thermal coefficient of expansion, so this helps its flatness resilience against temperature excursions. Heights may be measured and surfaces marked accurately.

Why Granite Surface Plate Calibration is Important

Surface plates are used for mounting mechanical, electronic, and optical gaging systems. Many laboratories and shops rely specifically on granite surface plates for precise measurement and inspection. Every measurement depends on an accurate surface reference from which dimensions are taken, and granite plates offer the perfect base for gaging surfaces and making accurate height measurements. Another reason granite is the most popular material used for surface plates is because it has a low sensitivity to temperature fluctuations and a hard surface.

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However, over time, surface plates can wear, which prevents them from being able to make accurate measurements. That’s why it’s imperative to keep them properly maintained and calibrated regularly.

A surface plate that is calibrated will present a high degree of flatness and stability, ensuring a level surface to work with so accurate workmanship can be achieved. While calibration should be performed regularly to maintain its flatness and measurement accuracy, there are other things you can do to ensure you’re providing the best care possible for your plates.

Tips for Taking Care of your GRANITE Surface Plates:

– Keep the plate cleaned
– Cover the plate when it’s not in use
– Rotate the plate periodically, if possible
– Make sure nothing else is placed on the plate except gages and other measuring pieces
– Don’t over-use it or use the same spot on the plate each time

Rely on Precision Gage as your Calibration Company of Choice

At the end of , Precision Gage Company acquired Astral Precision Equipment Corp., a well renowned granite surface plate and accessory manufacturer and calibration service provider in the midwest.  As a manufacturer of granite products, we are uniquely positioned to provide the best quality service and value to our customers.  A quick list of services we provide are:

• On-site Granite Surface Plate Laser Calibration
• On-site Granite Surface Plate Resurfacing
• Regrinding of Surface Plates at our Facility (Makes old chipped plates back as good as new at a fraction of the price of lapping)
• Repair of Granite Accessories
  • Angle Blocks
  • Parallels
  • Vee Blocks
• Modification of existing granite products
  • Addition of threaded inserts
  • Additon of though holes
• ISO Accredidation in September

Out of all the calibration companies out there, Precision Gage Company is a trusted leader in the manufacturing and OEM industry, offering proven production measurement solutions. Our team has decades of experience manufacturing granite products, offering calibration and resurfacing services with attention to accuracy and detail.

For over 65 years, we have been supplying the best rated inspection tools for all measurement and verification needs. Specializing in dimensional gage calibration, we are focused on making sure measuring equipment performs at its best for our customers.

Our talented team of professionals utilize the highest-quality equipment and perform our granite surface plate calibrations on-site in our 1,000 square foot lab.

Our astral granite products offer superior wear-resistance and low porosity, so it doesn’t absorb a high amount of moisture, preventing gages from rusting and ensuring smooth movement.

The company is the world’s best Cast Iron Straight Ruler supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.