Surface Plates Information

Surface plates provide a precision reference surface for layout, checking, machining, and gaging work. A surface plate is a solid, flat table used to gage the accuracy of a plane surface in:

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- layout

- gaging

- tool setting

- inspection activities

Types of Surface Plates

Two types of surface plates can be used: a granite surface plate or a cast iron surface plate. Granite is considered the best material for surface plates because its properties (e.g., surface hardness, low thermal expansion, no rust or corrosion, little warping, longer wear life) result in very accurate, stable, and precise surfaces. Surface plates should be mounted onto a comparator stand (a very stable cast iron base and an upright column with a mounting bracket for fine adjustments) for precise measurements. Gaging accessories and layout and marking tools may be needed for:

- dimensional measurement

- inspecting

- marking

- layout

- other machine shop applications

Specifications  

The accuracy of surface plates is defined by two key specifications: repeatability and flatness. Repeatability measures the consistency of local flatness, ensuring that measurements taken from any point on the surface fall within the stated tolerance. Flatness refers to the condition where all points on the surface lie within two parallel planes: the base plane and the roof plane.

Key Features to Consider When Selecting Surface Plates

1. Material

The material of the surface plate determines its durability, weight, and resistance to environmental factors. Granite is the most popular due to its non-magnetic and corrosion-resistant properties.

2. Flatness Tolerance

Flatness tolerance refers to the allowable deviation from a perfectly flat surface. This is critical for ensuring precise measurements. Look for plates that meet your specific accuracy requirements.

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3. Grade

Grade 0: Highest accuracy, ideal for laboratories and inspection rooms.

Grade 1: Suitable for general inspection and tool room tasks.

Grade 2: For general shop work with moderate precision needs.

4. Size

Choose a size that accommodates your workspace and the size of the components you'll be measuring. Oversized plates may be cumbersome, while undersized ones might limit functionality.

5. Thermal Stability

Materials with low thermal expansion, like granite, maintain accuracy in fluctuating temperatures.

6. Weight and Portability

Lightweight plates are easier to move but may sacrifice durability. Consider the trade-offs based on your application.

Applications  

With increasing demands for tighter tolerances in manufacturing and engineering, precise measurements and tool settings have become essential across industries, from local machine shops to aerospace manufacturers. Common surface plate sizes include 18 x 24 in., 24 x 36 in., 36 x 48 in., and 48 x 72 in., though custom sizes can be made to suit specific applications. Regular calibration and resurfacing are crucial, as even minor wear can compromise the plate's accuracy.

Conclusion

Introduction to Granite Surface Plates

Granite surface plates are one of the most critical tools in the world of precision measurement. Used as the foundation for gauging, inspecting, and calibrating parts and tools, these durable and flat surfaces are indispensable in industries like manufacturing, engineering, and quality control.

In this expert guide, we will dive into the world of granite surface plates, covering their types, applications, benefits, and how to choose the right one for your needs. Additionally, we'll explore leading brands in the market, such as Insize, Mitutoyo, and Moore & Wright, to help you make an informed decision when selecting your next granite surface plate.

What is a Granite Surface Plate?

A granite surface plate is a large, flat, durable plate made from high-quality granite that is used as a reference surface for measuring and inspecting the flatness, straightness, and overall accuracy of parts and tools. The primary purpose of a granite surface plate is to provide a stable, accurate foundation on which to perform mechanical measurements or calibrations, ensuring that parts are within their required tolerances.

Key Features of Granite Surface Plates:

•    Flatness: Granite surface plates are engineered to be extremely flat, often with tolerance levels of just a few microns.

•    Durability: Granite is highly resistant to wear and deformation, ensuring that the surface plate maintains its accuracy for years.

•    Stability: Granite provides a stable platform that resists temperature changes and other environmental factors, which can affect measurements.

•    Non-reactivity: Granite does not react with oils, coolants, or other chemicals, making it ideal for industrial settings.

How Do Granite Surface Plates Work?

Granite surface plates provide a precise, flat surface that serves as a reference for gauging and measuring various parts. The plate itself doesn't perform any active measurement, but rather acts as the foundation for other measurement tools, such as dial indicators, micrometers, or height gauges, to ensure that parts meet their design specifications.

Key Steps in Using a Granite Surface Plate:

1.    Cleaning: Before use, ensure the surface plate is clean and free from dust, debris, and oils, which could compromise the accuracy of measurements.

2.    Positioning the Part: Place the workpiece or tool to be measured onto the surface plate. Ensure it is stable and secure.

3.    Measuring: Use a measurement tool, such as a height gauge or micrometer, to measure various dimensions of the part while using the granite surface plate as a flat reference.

4.    Inspection and Calibration: Granite surface plates are also used to inspect the flatness of parts or to calibrate other measuring instruments, ensuring they are providing accurate results.

Benefits of Granite Surface Plates

1. Unmatched Flatness and Accuracy

The primary benefit of granite surface plates is their exceptional flatness, which allows for accurate and reliable measurements. Because of their rigid construction and carefully crafted surfaces, granite plates can be used to measure tolerances as tight as a few microns (thousandths of a millimeter).

2. Durability and Longevity

Granite is a highly durable material that resists wear and deformation. Unlike metal plates, which can become scratched or warped over time, granite plates maintain their accuracy for many years, even in the most demanding environments.

3. Stable in Varying Conditions

Granite’s natural properties allow it to be stable under temperature fluctuations. This is a significant advantage in environments where temperature changes could affect the precision of measurements. Granite does not expand or contract in response to temperature shifts, making it an ideal material for precision inspection.

4. Non-reactive

Granite surface plates are resistant to most oils, solvents, and chemicals, ensuring that they remain unaffected by the liquids commonly used in machining and manufacturing processes. This resistance to chemical damage ensures a long lifespan and consistent accuracy.

5. Ease of Maintenance

Granite surface plates are easy to maintain. They only require periodic cleaning to remove dust, oil, or other contaminants. When properly cared for, these plates maintain their flatness and accuracy for years, providing a reliable reference surface.

Leading Brands of Granite Surface Plates

When it comes to choosing a granite surface plate, several top brands offer products that are known for their quality, precision, and durability. Let's explore three well-established brands in the industry: Insize, Mitutoyo, and Moore & Wright.

1. Insize Granite Surface Plates

Insize is a well-known brand in the precision measurement tools market, offering high-quality granite surface plates that provide excellent value for money. Their granite surface plates are designed to meet the needs of workshops, laboratories, and manufacturing environments.

•    Key Features:

o    Affordable Precision: Insize provides granite surface plates that offer high precision at a more affordable price point compared to some other premium brands.
o    Durable Construction: Their surface plates are made from high-quality granite, ensuring long-lasting durability and stability.
o    Variety of Sizes: Insize offers various sizes of granite surface plates to suit different applications, from small-scale workshops to large-scale manufacturing environments.

•    Recommended For: Small to medium-sized workshops or businesses looking for reliable, cost-effective granite surface plates.

2. Mitutoyo Granite Surface Plates

Mitutoyo is a global leader in precision measurement tools and is known for offering high-end granite surface plates with exceptional flatness, accuracy, and durability. They are often considered the gold standard in the industry due to their rigorous manufacturing processes and high-precision standards.

•    Key Features:

o    Premium Quality: Mitutoyo granite surface plates are manufactured to strict tolerances, ensuring unparalleled precision and reliability.
o    Advanced Material: Mitutoyo uses specially selected granite to ensure that their plates are resistant to temperature changes, wear, and other environmental factors.
o    Customisation Options: Mitutoyo offers customised sizes and configurations to meet specific customer needs, making them a go-to brand for industries requiring high-precision
measurements.

•    Recommended For: Professionals and large enterprises in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and metrology that require the highest level of precision and reliability.

3. Moore & Wright Granite Surface Plates

Moore & Wright, a UK-based brand, is known for producing high-quality precision measuring tools, including granite surface plates. The company has built a reputation for offering reliable and durable tools that meet the needs of both general workshops and highly specialized industries.

•    Key Features:

o    Precision Engineering: Moore & Wright surface plates are crafted to provide high levels of flatness and dimensional stability.
o    Versatile Use: Their granite surface plates are suitable for a wide range of applications, from simple tool calibration to high-precision inspections.
o    Affordable Options: Moore & Wright offers competitive pricing without compromising on the accuracy and durability of their products.

•    Recommended For: Medium to large businesses or workshops that require reliable and cost-effective granite surface plates for general and specialized measurement applications.

How to Choose the Right Granite Surface Plate

When selecting a granite surface plate, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the right one for your needs:

1. Flatness Tolerance

Flatness is the most critical characteristic of a granite surface plate. The flatter the surface, the more accurate the measurements will be. Depending on your specific requirements, you can choose from surface plates with tolerances ranging from a few microns (for high-precision work) to higher tolerances for general-purpose applications.

2. Size of the Plate

Granite surface plates come in a variety of sizes, from small benchtop models to large, industrial-sized plates. When choosing a size, consider the size of the parts you will be measuring and the available space in your workspace.

3. Material Quality

Not all granite is created equal. Look for plates made from high-quality, dense granite that is resistant to wear and environmental changes. Both Mitutoyo and Moore & Wright are known for using top-tier granite materials in their products.

4. Brand Reputation

Choose a brand known for its commitment to precision, such as Insize, Mitutoyo, or Moore & Wright. Established brands have a long history of producing durable and accurate surface plates, which ensures reliability and consistency in your measurements.

5. Budget

Granite surface plates come in a range of price points. If you are working on a budget, Insize offers quality plates at a lower price. However, if the highest precision is essential for your work, investing in a Mitutoyo or Moore & Wright plate might be worth the extra cost.

Summary of Granite Surface Plates

Granite surface plates are indispensable tools for precise measurement, inspection, and calibration. Whether you're working with metal parts, tools, or composites, the granite surface plate provides an accurate and stable foundation for your measurements.

Brands like Insize, Mitutoyo, and Moore & Wright offer high-quality granite surface plates that cater to different needs, from affordable, reliable models to high-precision plates used in critical industries. Understanding your measurement requirements, the material you’ll be working with, and your budget will help you select the right surface plate for your workshop or lab.

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Choose the right granite surface plate and take your measurements to the next level! Please feel free to contact our expert in-house technical support team who can provide even more knowledge and expertise on 869 615 or .

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