Granite Surface Plates & Tables

Key Features

• All Eley Metrology granite surface plates and tables conform to BS 817 (2008) and are supported by UKAS Certification

• Choose from three grades, Grade 0, Grade 1 and Grade 2

• Larger surface plates are available with a high-quality steel support stand as standard with 3 adjustable points to ensure flatness on any surface

• Available in sizes ranging from 300mm x 200mm x 50mm to 2400mm x 1200mm x 200mm

• Bespoke sizes can be created upon request

• Keep your granite in perfect condition with Eley's annual surface plate calibration and certification service

OR

Related Products and Services

• Granite Cleaning Fluid - The granite cleaning fluid solution developed by Eley metrology is a compound of special detergents and astringents. When applied to a granite surface, it will clean and remove all traces of oil, grease, cutting fluid and dirt

• Granite Surface Plates Calibration and Resurfacing - Our team of engineers provide calibration and resurfacing for all sizes and grades of granite surface plates and tables. We can also inspect granite parallels, master squares and master straight edges

• Surface Plate Support Stands - Our high-grade steel support stands can be produced alongside a granite plate to form a granite table

• Granite Surface Tables Accessories - In metrology, it is very common for customers to require threaded inserts to hold or clamp items in place during the measurement process

Why Choose Granite?

Granite is a type of igneous rock formed in the Earth millions of years ago. The composition of igneous rock contained many minerals such as quartz that is extremely hard and wear-resistant. In addition to hardness and wear resistance granite has approximately half the coefficient of expansion as cast iron. As its volumetric weight is approximately one third that of cast iron, granite is easier to manoeuvre.

For machine bases and metrology components, black granite is the colour most used. Black granite has a higher percentage of quartz than other colours and is, therefore, the hardest wearing.

Granite is cost-effective, and cut surfaces can be exceptionally flat. Not only can it be hand lapped to achieve extremes of accuracy, but re-conditioning can be performed without moving the plate or table off-site. It is entirely a hand lapping operation and generally costs much less than re-conditioning a cast iron alternative.

These qualities make granite the ideal material to create custom-size and custom-design machine bases and metrology components such as the granite surface plate.

Eley Metrology produces bespoke granite products that are created to support specific measurement requirements. These bespoke items vary from straight edges to tri squares. Due to the versatile nature of granite, the components can be produced to any size required; they are hard wearing and long-lasting.

Advantages of Granite Surface Plates

The importance of measuring on an even surface was established by British inventor Henry Maudsley in the 1800s. As a machine tool innovator, he determined that consistent production of parts required a solid surface for reliable measurements.

The industrial revolution created a demand for measuring surfaces, so engineering company Crown Windley created manufacturing standards. The standards for surface plates were first set by Crown in 1904 using metal. As the demand and cost for metal increased, alternative materials for the measuring surface were investigated.

In America, monument creator Wallace Herman established that black granite was an excellent surface plate material alternative to metal. As granite is non-magnetic and doesn’t rust, it soon became the preferred measuring surface.

A granite surface plate is an essential investment for laboratories and test facilities. A granite surface plate of 600 x 600 mm can be mounted on a support stand. The stands provide a working height of 34” (0.86m) with five adjustable points for levelling.

For reliable and consistent measurement results, a granite surface plate is crucial. As the surface is a smooth and stable plane, it enables instruments to be carefully manipulated.

The main advantages of granite surface plates are:

• Non-reflective
• Resistant to chemicals and corrosion
• Low coefficient of expansion compared with cart iron so less affected by temperature change
• Naturally rigid and hard-wearing
• The plane of the surface is unaffected if scratched
• Will not rust
• Non-magnetic
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Calibration and resurfacing can be done onsite
• Suitable for drilling for threaded support inserts
• High vibration damping

Care and Maintenance

Due to being highly resistant to wear, granite equipment is easy to maintain. With regular cleaning using a specialist granite cleaning fluid, the surface can remain reliable. We recommend that you use different areas of the granite surface to distribute the workload evenly.

Depending on the care and use of the equipment, resurfacing will be required at some point. Granite surface plate calibration and resurfacing is vital to maintain original accuracy. Granite surface plates can be re-conditioned simply onsite with a quick turnaround.

Eley Metrology can arrange an inspection of your granite equipment at regular intervals. Our team of highly skilled engineers can ensure that your granite equipment is maintained to optimum accuracy and quality levels.

If you would like a quote or more information on our inspection and maintenance packages, please get in touch.

Find Out More

If you’d like more details about our range of granite surface plates and tables, then our team are available to help.

Call Us: +44 (0) 1332 367475

Email: sales@eleymet.com

Send your enquiry via our contact form below;