Cast Iron Surface Plates and T-Slot Tables
AC Metrology supplies cast iron surface plates, T-slot tables and marking out tables to BS 817:2008 in grades 0, 1 and 2, in standard sizes from 300 x 200mm up to 2400 x 1200mm or made to your dimensions. Cast iron is the workshop choice for marking out, clamping and heavy set-up work, and we deliver across the UK and Ireland.
When to choose cast iron
Cast iron surface plates suit work where a granite plate would be at risk or can’t do the job: clamping fixtures and components through T-slots, marking out with scribers and supporting heavy parts during set-up. For inspection rooms and QA labs, a granite surface plate is usually the better choice.
Grades, finish and sizes
Cast iron plates are made to BS 817:2008 in the same grades and standard sizes as our granite plates, from 300 x 200mm up to 2400 x 1200mm.
Custom dimensions can be manufactured to your requirements, and plates can be supplied with matching stands.
Standard sizes and flatness tolerances
Flatness tolerances are for the overall working surface. Custom sizes are available.
Cast iron T-slot tables
T-slot tables and plates give you a flat, stable base that you can clamp to, for fixture building, welding set-ups, assembly and inspection of large components. Slot size, spacing and table size can be specified to suit your work.
Marking out tables
Cast iron marking out tables give a hard-wearing reference surface for scribing and layout work, used with angle plates and squares. We also supply cast iron angle plates and granite squares for marking out set-ups.
Calibration and resurfacing
Cast iron plates wear like any other reference surface. We calibrate cast iron surface plates to BS 817:2008 on site or in house, and can resurface them by grinding or lapping, depending on size, if they’ve worn out of tolerance.
Cast iron surface plate FAQs
What is a T-slot table used for?
A T-slot table is a cast iron table with slots machined into its surface, so fixtures and components can be clamped down. It’s used for fixture building, set-up, assembly, welding set-ups and inspection of large parts.
What grades of cast iron surface plate do you supply?
We supply cast iron surface plates to BS 817:2008 in grades 0, 1 and 2. Grade 0 and 1 plates are hand scraped and 2 plates are ground or lapped.
Is cast iron or granite better for a surface plate?
Cast iron suits workshop use, marking out and clamping, as it takes T-slots and copes well with heavy parts. Granite is the preferred choice as it suits inspection and measurement, as it’s stable, non-magnetic and doesn’t rust.
Can you make cast iron tables to custom sizes?
Yes. Cast iron plates and T-slot tables can be manufactured to your dimensions, with slot sizes and spacing to suit your work.