Finding The Right Granite Surface Plate

What is the primary use for the surface plate?

This question is imperative to selecting the Grade that best fits your needs.

• High Precision lab work or metrology - AA Grade

• General Inspection or floor inspection - A Grade

• Basic Toolroom or tasks in workshop - B Grade

What type of environment will the plate be located in?

Considering the locational conditions of the plate can usefully complement other factors in determining the appropriate granite type. Dark Gray/Black plates work well in laboratory settings where temperatures are more stable and there's less dust. While Light Gray, Red, or Pink plates are an attractive option for both applications but especially on the shop floor due to their superior abrasion resistance.

***Stamping Shops & High Vibration Environments:

The finer grain structure and higher density of Dark Gray/Black plates make Black plates an excellent choice for higher vibration environments.

What size parts will be measured on the plate?

The size of the parts measured on the plate helps determine the overall size of the plate that will best suite your needs. For more precise plates, like AA Grade plates, getting a larger plate than required allows metrologists to move around the plate for more consistent precision.

Smaller parts (under 12") 6" x 6" - 18" x 24"

Medium-sized parts (1' - 3') 18" x 24' - 48" x 60"

Larger parts (3' or more) 48" x 60" or larger

How important is load-bearing capability?

In scenarios requiring support for substantial loads, heavy workpieces, the enhanced stiffness and load-bearing characteristics of Dark Gray/ Black granite plates position them as an optimal selection. Otherwise, Red and Pink plates excel with lighter parts and frequent use due to their ware resistance and maximized durability, sometimes 5x better than budget Black plates.

Budget Consideration

Always an important factor, budget helps to refine the surface plate decision-making process. The general rule when looking for top tier quality is to go for a new red or pink plate with the one exception being when the plate is to be used for heavy workpieces and loads. In that case, go with a new Black granite plate. Lower budgets favor used plates or unbranded Chinese made plates.

***Scroll down for more information on buying used granite surface plates.***

***Contact us for more information on where to buy surface plates***

Important Information for Buying Used Surface Plates

Buying a used granite surface plate is a great way to save money and get a great deal on a high-quality plate.

Key Point

Ask for a recent certificate

Ask for a current accredited certification that has a calibration date of under a year ago. This ensures that the plate you're buying used is still certifiable and/or able to be used for precision measurement.

If no certificate, check the condition of the plate

If not available be sure to do a flatness check on it with this method or by having a professional calibrate it ahead of time. Lorenz Calibration, Inc. offers this. Feel free to reach out!

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