STORAGE BEFORE COMMISSIONING :

During the temporary storage before commissioning the working surface of Surface Plates should be kept well protected against rusting by moisture and against deposition of dirt, dust etc. and against scratches, dents etc. It should be kept placed in its normal horizontal position and should remain well supported and fairly levelled to avoid distortion.

HANDLING :

It should be carefully handled, while lifting and shifting to another place. It should be lifted with the help of proper lifting tackles and slings. The slings may be inserted from beneath the plate. Holes are also provided in the peripheral ribbing of the plate to enable lifting by other mechanical means, if necessary. Ensure that the metallic slings do not come in direct contact and do not rub with the edges of the top working surface. It is advisable to keep the top working surface covered during handling of the plate.

CLEANING OF TOP WORKING SURFACE :

Top working surface of each Surface Plate is coated with varnish before despatch to prevent rusting of plate during transit and temporary storage. Remove this varnish carefully with the help of thinner or petrol. Ensure that no trace of varnish remains on the top working surface of plate.

COMMISSIONING :

A Surface Plate is a precision equipment. Its flatness accuracy as checked at the manufacturer’s works can be ensured at the user’s end only, if the plate is properly levelled.

To facilitate proper levelling of Surface Plates suitable stands with levelling screws are supplied at an extra charge, provided originally ordered with the plate.

If the Surface Plates are without stands, suitable shims as necessary may be placed between the bottom of the legs of plates and a firm surface supporting the legs.

Surface Plate can be levelled with the help of a precision level and by employing three point levelling method. For the purpose three legs of the plate - two corner legs at one end of the plate and the middle leg at the other end of the plate - may be employed. After the plate is properly levelled the legs not employed for levelling should be supported properly to avoid rocking of the plate. While doing so, proper care should be taken to ensure that the levelling of the plate is not disturbed.