Surface Plates, Tables and Metrology Standards
AC Metrology supplies granite and cast iron surface plates and tables to BS 817:2008, from bench-top plates to large floor-standing tables, plus metrology standards including squares, straight edges, parallels and angle plates. Delivered by courier as standard, or installed on request, across the UK and Ireland.
Surface plate or surface table?
The two terms are used for the same thing. “Surface table” usually means a larger plate supplied on its own stand, while “surface plate” often means a plate that sits on a bench. Both are made and graded to the same standard, BS 817:2008, which covers granite and cast iron plates and sets the flatness tolerances for each size and grade.
Choosing a material and grade
Granite is the usual choice for inspection rooms and QA labs. It’s stable, non-magnetic and doesn’t rust, and damage in the top surface tends to leave a small chip rather than a raised burr, so the working surface stays usable.
Cast iron suits workshop use, marking out and set-up work. It takes T-slots for clamping and copes well with heavy components and fixtures.
Grade depends on what the plate is used for. As a guide, grade 0 suits inspection rooms and calibration work, grade 1 general inspection, and grade 2 workshop use and marking out. We supply granite and cast iron plates in grades 0, 1 and 2, and can advise on the right grade for your work.
Our surface plates and stands
Metrology standards and accessories
Alongside surface plates, we supply the reference equipment used with them:
Granite squares and tri squares to BS 939:2007, grades AA and A
Granite straight edges to BS 5204 Part 2:1977, grades AA and A
Granite and steel parallels to BS 906:1972, grades A and B, in matched pairs
Cast iron angle plates and box angle plates to BS 5535:1978, grades A and B
Digital spirit levels, own-brand, for levelling plates, machines and CMMs
Call 01332 214424 or send us an enquiry for sizes, grades and prices.
Options, delivery and installation
Plates can be supplied with threaded inserts, T-slots, V-grooves and a choice of edge profiles, in standard or custom sizes and as matched sets. Products are delivered by courier as standard, or we can deliver and install them on request across the UK and Ireland, and we can calibrate your plates on site once they’re in position. Lead times vary depending on availability, so tell us when you need the plate and we’ll confirm.