Can Mounting Holes on Granite Surface Plates Be Customized?

In the field of precision measurement and machine assembly, the granite surface plate plays a fundamental role as the reference foundation for accuracy and stability. As equipment designs become increasingly complex, many engineers often ask whether the mounting holes on granite surface plates can be customized — and more importantly, how the layout should be designed to maintain the plate’s precision.

The answer is yes — customization is not only possible but also essential for many modern applications. At ZHHIMG®, each granite surface plate can be tailor-made with specific hole patterns, threaded inserts, or positioning points based on the customer’s drawings. These mounting holes are widely used to fix measuring instruments, air bearings, motion stages, and other high-precision components.

However, customization must follow clear engineering principles. The placement of holes is not random; it directly affects the flatness, stiffness, and long-term stability of the granite base. A well-designed hole layout ensures that the load is evenly distributed across the plate, avoiding internal stress and minimizing the risk of local deformation.

Another key consideration is the distance from the edges and joints. Mounting holes should be positioned at a safe distance to prevent cracks or surface chipping, particularly in high-load environments. For large assembly bases or CMM granite tables, hole symmetry is crucial to maintaining geometric balance and vibration resistance during operation.

At ZHHIMG®, every hole is precisely machined using diamond tools in a temperature-controlled facility. The surface and hole alignment are then verified using Renishaw laser interferometers, WYLER electronic levels, and Mahr dial indicators, ensuring that the granite plate maintains micron-level accuracy even after customization.

Granite’s natural density and low thermal expansion make it an ideal material for customized precision platforms. Whether it is for coordinate measuring machines, optical inspection systems, or semiconductor processing equipment, a properly designed and calibrated granite base ensures stable, repeatable accuracy throughout years of use.

Ultimately, the precision of a granite surface plate does not end with its material — it continues in the details of its design. Thoughtful customization of mounting holes, when executed with proper engineering and calibration, transforms a granite plate from a simple block of stone into the true foundation of precision measurement.