How to Care for Granite Surface Plates

Granite has been used for centuries as a building material because it is both strong and decorative. Today, granite is often used for surface plates in precision measurement laboratories and on shop floors. Like any tool or gauge, a granite surface plate is an investment that owners and operators alike should know how to clean and maintain.

Things You'll Need

• Granite surface plate cleaner

Instructions

1. Keep the granite plate uncluttered. Don't use your precision surface plate as a storage shelf. The flatness and surface finish of the granite must be maintained in order for the plate to be used as a precision instrument. Consider the surface of the plate to be as fragile as glass. You wouldn't throw parts, tools and gauges on a sheet of glass---treat your granite with the same respect.

2. Keep the granite plate clean. Surface plate finish and flatness must be maintained, depending on the size and grade of the block, to within millionth's of an inch. Any dirt, debris, or even dust and residue from the air can build up on the plate and affect measurement accuracy. Use a proven granite surface plate cleaner to ensure the plate is dirt free and smooth.

3. Keep the granite plate covered. One of the best ways to protect the surface of the plate is to keep it covered when not in use. There are distributors that sell custom covers for surface plates and these are the best way to protect them. However, even keeping the surface covered with a simple throw cloth is better than leaving it exposed.

4. Inspect regularly. Check the granite plate regularly for damage, particularly before use. Look for dirty spots, muck buildup, nicks and scratches that may indicate damage or might create a raised spot on the surface. If there are visible or palpable areas of damage after a thorough cleaning, consider getting the plate resurfaced.

5. Get the granite plate calibrated. Most precision measurement calibration shops will be able to work your surface plate accuracy back to national and international standards. This is a must to ensure the correctness of any measurements taken using the plate.

Tips & Warnings

• Train those who use the granite plate. It's easy to think of the surface plate as just a rock. But everyone using the surface plate should be made to understand that it is a precision instrument and should be treated as such.

• When measurement matters, be wary of using an uncalibrated, unverified surface plate.

References

• Tru-Stone FAQ
• Quality Magazine
• Surface Plate Cleaner

Resources

• Granite Surface Plates