Why granite
Writer： admin Time：2023-05-26 Browse：℃
Why granite? Is it better than steel or cast iron for precision surfaces
The answer is 'YES' for almost every application.
Granite is a type of igneous rock formed in the Earth millions of years ago. The composition of igneous rock contains many minerals, such as quartz which is extremely hard and wear-resistant. In addition to hardness and wear resistance, granite has approximately half the coefficient of expansion as cast iron. As its volumetric weight is approximately one-third that of cast iron, granite is easier to manoeuvre.For machine bases and metrology components, black granite is the colour most used. Black granite has a higher percentage of quartz than other colours and is, therefore, the hardest wearing.
Granite is cost-effective, and cut surfaces can be exceptionally flat. Not only can it be hand lapped to achieve extremes of accuracy, but re-conditioning can be performed without moving the plate or table off-site. It is entirely a hand-lapping operation and generally costs much less than re-conditioning a cast iron alternative.
These qualities make granite the ideal material for creating custom-size and custom-design machine bases and metrology components such as the granite surface plate.
FRH produces bespoke granite products that are created to support specific measurement requirements. These bespoke items vary from straight edges to tri squares. Due to the versatile nature of granite, the components can be produced in any size required; they are hard-wearing and long-lasting.
Advantages of Granite Surface Plates
A granite surface plate is an essential investment for laboratories and test facilities. A granite surface plate of 600 x 600 mm can be mounted on a support stand. The stands provide a working height of 34” (0.86m) with five adjustable points for levelling.
For reliable and consistent measurement results, a granite surface plate is crucial. As the surface is a smooth and stable plane, it enables instruments to be carefully manipulated.
The main advantages of granite surface plates are:
• Non-reflective
• Resistant to chemicals and corrosion
• Low coefficient of expansion compared with cart iron so less affected by temperature change
• Naturally rigid and hard-wearing
• The plane of the surface is unaffected if scratched
• Will not rust
• Non-magnetic
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Calibration and resurfacing can be done onsite
• Suitable for drilling for threaded support inserts
• High vibration damping
Care and Maintenance
Due to being highly resistant to wear, granite surface plates are easy to maintain. With regular cleaning using a specialist granite cleaning fluid, the surface plates can remain reliable. We recommend that you use different areas of the granite surface to distribute the workload evenly.
Depending on the care and use of the surface plate, resurfacing will be required at some point. Granite surface plate calibration and resurfacing is vital to maintain original accuracy. Granite surface plates can be re-conditioned onsite with a quick turnaround to minimise disruption and downtime.
FRH can arrange an inspection of your granite equipment at regular intervals. Our team of highly skilled engineers can ensure that your granite equipment is maintained to optimum accuracy and quality levels.
Learn more on our granite surface plate inspection and maintenance packages, please contact us at 0086-755 23301799 / 0086-18928353328 or martin@furuihua.net.
008618928353328
443256781
0086-189 2835 3328
martin@furuihua.net
