Measuring and control surface plates (hardstone)

Measuring and control surface plates are made of natural hard stone. Although the material is often referred to as granite, the scientific name is gabbro. Natural hard stone is a basis plutonic rock, which has, due to its genesis, characteristics at its disposal that make it particularly suitable to the requirements of our products.

The material is high-strength, extremely homogeneous; it has fine pores as well as a tight structure. It also has a low thermal conductivity and expansion coefficient, is non-magnetic and electrically non-conductive, absolutely rust-proof and acid-resistant. No greasing, no degreasing – your granite measuring plates are practically maintenance-free.

Natural hard stone that meets our requirements for high-precision measuring and surface control plates is extracted in Europe, Asia and Africa. Because the granite for our measuring and surface control plates is widely used in the world, the supply is generally considered crisis-proof.

The planeness of measuring plate surfaces – and thus also their precision – is defined in DIN 876. Grade 1 precision is required for workshop tasks, grade 0 precision is required for measuring room tasks, grade 00 precision is required for precision measuring room tasks and grade 000 precision is required for laboratory tasks.

We manufacture hardstone plates with surface planeness in accordance with DIN 876/1, DIN 876/0, DIN 876/00 and DIN 876/000. The surface deviation values can be found in our dimension tables. Finishing and inspection are carried out in a measuring room of the highest quality quality grade in accordance with VDI/KDE 2627-1, thus guaranteeing the precision and quality of our products.

You can also calculate individual values in our tolerance calculator.

Several important standards and guidelines apply to measuring and control plates made of hard stone (granite), which regulate flatness, accuracy classes, test methods and use in the measuring room. The central standard is DIN 876, which defines the flatness requirements in accuracy classes 3, 2, 1, 0, 00 and 000. In addition, VDI/VDE 2629 describes practical requirements for measuring plates, measuring stands and their operating conditions - such as correct installation, the influence of ambient temperature and regular repeat testing and calibration.

Select the panel size so that your workpiece and measuring equipment can fit comfortably on it - ideally with some working space all around. The panel thickness depends on the size: the larger the panel, the thicker it must be to ensure that the flatness according to DIN 876 is permanently maintained.

The granite of the measuring and control plate should be protected as well as possible from impact during transportation. Pack the stone in a wooden crate with sufficient cushioning material.

Three support points are required to set up a measuring and control plate. Place the granite plate with steel frame or individual supports on these support points. Small measuring plates can also be mounted on workbenches or tables using special articulated feet.

Measuring plates must be leveled using a three-point support. Machine spirit levels can be used for this purpose. You can also find out more about the installation instructions and the support points in our technical information.

For precise measurements, constant temperatures without fluctuations, controlled humidity and a low-vibration environment without external shocks should be ensured in the room where the granite measuring plate is installed.

Granite measuring plates that are stored for long periods should be covered and kept clean. They should also be protected from moisture, dust and temperature fluctuations. Use a care product for long-term protection.

To extend the service life of your granite measuring and control plates, it is important to clean the plates regularly, use a suitable care product and have the plate checked or recalibrated periodically.

Measuring and surface control plates made of hard stone should be cleaned and maintained regularly. This reduces wear and tear and provides a longer service life. Cleaning and maintenance also ensure easy sliding of the workpieces on the surface. Use our Litho-Clean for cleaning and our Litho-Care for maintenance.

Frequent application errors with granite measuring and control plates are impact and shock events on the measuring surfaces as well as strong temperature changes. In order to maintain the quality of your measuring plate in the long term, such events should be avoided at all costs. And: Measuring and control plates are not a breakfast table.

In addition to the standard sizes of our granite measuring slabs, we also manufacture customized special shapes and very large slabs, depending on material availability and transport options. Send us your individual request!

On request, we can supply matching base frames (with and without cabinet substructure), desk-shaped base frames, table bearings, individual supports and base frames with vibration isolation. This allows you to put together your own individual measuring station.

We also offer the installation of steel T-slotted rails, linear guide rails, threaded and fitting holes as stainless steel bushings, as well as drill holes and complex contours on request. Ideally, send us your 3D models.

Yes, that is possible. Depending on your requirements, PLANOLITH can integrate threaded bushes, drill holes, steel T-slot rails or milled grooves into your granite measuring plates.

Yes, that is possible. PLANOLITH manufactures special versions of granite measuring plates with grooves, edge processing, threaded inserts, drill holes (e.g. for flat countersinks), milling for built-in parts individually according to your specifications.