Granite Surface Plates and Tables
AC Metrology supplies black granite surface plates and 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. Plates can be fitted with threaded inserts, T-slots and a choice of edge profiles, supplied on their own or with a matching stand, and delivered anywhere in the UK and Ireland.
Why choose a granite surface plate?
-
Stable: granite resists temperature change well and holds its shape over time
-
Non-magnetic and rust-free: suits inspection rooms, QA labs and electronic measuring equipment
-
Forgiving: damage to the top surface usually leaves a small chip rather than a raised burr, so the rest of the working surface stays usable
-
Low maintenance: no oiling, and wear can be corrected by resurfacing and lapping
Granite surface plate grades
BS 817:2008 sets the flatness tolerance for each plate size and grade, along with a local variation limit for any small area of the surface. We supply granite plates in three grades:
Not sure which grade you need? Tell us what the plate will be used for, and we’ll advise.
Standard sizes and flatness tolerances
Flatness tolerances are for the overall working surface. Other sizes are available, along with bespoke plates made to your drawing.
Options and machining
-
Blind and captive threaded inserts
-
T-slots and V-grooves
-
Edge profiles: square, chamfered, radiused or bevelled
-
Lapped or honed working faces
-
Matched sets of plates for larger assemblies
-
Steel or stainless steel standard stands, and custom cupboard stands
Calibration certificates
Every new plate can be supplied with an AC Metrology calibration certificate, or a UKAS calibration certificate from an accredited laboratory, at extra cost. If you don’t need a certificate, plates can be supplied without one.
Granite or cast iron?
Granite is the usual choice for inspection and measurement, where stability and a non-magnetic, rust-free surface matter most. Cast iron surface plates and T-slot tables are better suited to marking out, clamping and heavy set-up work.
Delivery, installation and calibration
Plates are delivered by courier as standard, or we can deliver and install them on request anywhere in the UK and Ireland. Once your plate is in service, we can calibrate it to BS 817:2008 on site, and complete the set-up with granite squares, straight edges and parallels. Lead times vary depending on availability.
Granite surface plate FAQs
What grades of granite surface plate do you supply?
We supply black granite surface plates to BS 817:2008 in grades 0, 1 and 2. Grade 0 suits inspection rooms and calibration work, grade 1 general inspection, and grade 2 workshop use and marking out.
What sizes of granite surface plate are available?
Standard sizes run from 300 x 200 x 50mm up to 2400 x 1200 x 250mm, in grades 0, 1 and 2. Other sizes can be made to order.
Do granite surface plates come with a calibration certificate?
New plates can be supplied with an AC Metrology calibration certificate or a UKAS calibration certificate from an accredited laboratory, at extra cost, or without a certificate if you don’t need one.
Can granite surface plates have threaded inserts or T-slots?
Yes. Granite plates can be supplied with threaded inserts, T-slots and V-grooves, in standard or custom positions.
How should I look after a granite surface plate?
Keep the surface clean using a cleaner made for granite surface plates, cover it when not in use, and spread work across the surface rather than always using the same area. Have it calibrated at regular intervals, we recommend every 12 months.
Do you deliver and install granite surface tables?
Yes. Plates are delivered by courier as standard, and we can deliver and install granite plates and tables on request anywhere in the UK and Ireland, including large tables on stands.
Get a quote for a granite surface plate
Send us the size, grade and any options you need, or call 01332 214424 to talk it through.