Maintenance of Inspection Surface Plate:
1.A surface plate is a a surface plate is a datum and should be protected against damage. The top should be frequently wiped clean from dust and other particles. When measurements are being made, a cloth should be spread on the surface plate on which small tools and gauges can be placed when not in use. When the surface plate is not in use the top should always be kept covered.
2. A Grade 0 or Grade 1 surface plate should be placed in a location wher there is a circulation of air which is under constant temperature control. The plate should be in a location away from direct sunlight and sources of draughts which could cause a vertical gradient of temperature such that the top and underside of the surface plate are at different temperatures.
3.Stands should be located on a stable foundation. the surface plate should be supported firmly and levelled.
4.Care should be taken that, wherver possible, the load on a surface plate is distributed over the working surface.
5. Use should be made of the full available area of the working surface and not concentrated on any one area.a common form of damage to cast iron surface plates is burrs on the working surface. the excess metal may be stoned away by attention confined to the burr. this operation should be followed by thorough cleaning with abrasive dust. if the surface plate is not required for some days, the surface should be coated with a corrosion preventive, such as petroleum jelly. rusting is a sign of neglect and misuse. its effects can be reduced by frequently wiping the top when in use and by occasionally gently rubbing with another surface plate.
6.Users are advised to take advantage of the specialized services of surface plate manufacturers to have surface plates reconditioned.
