ZHHIMG Expert Provides Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Your Granite Surface Plate

In industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, aerospace, and precision metrology, the precision granite surface plate is known as the “mother of all measurements.” It serves as the ultimate benchmark for ensuring product accuracy and quality. However, even the hardest and most stable granite requires proper care to maintain its exceptional performance over time. To help users protect this critical asset, we interviewed a technical expert from Zhonghui Group (ZHHIMG) to bring you a comprehensive, professional guide to granite surface plate maintenance.

Daily Cleaning: A Routine for Preserving the Benchmark

Daily cleaning is the first line of defense in maintaining the accuracy of your precision granite surface plate. The correct method not only removes dust and debris but also prevents microscopic damage to the surface.

1. Choosing Your Cleaning Tools:
   • Recommended: Use a soft, lint-free cloth, cotton cloth, or chamois.
   • What to Avoid: Steer clear of any cleaning cloths with abrasive particles, such as hard sponges or rough rags, as they can scratch the granite surface.
2. Selecting Cleaning Agents:
   • Recommended: Use a neutral, non-corrosive, or non-abrasive professional granite cleaner. A mild soap and water solution is also a good alternative.
   • What to Avoid: Absolutely do not use acetone, alcohol, or any strong acid or alkaline solvents. These chemicals can damage the molecular structure of the granite surface.
3. The Cleaning Process:
   • Slightly dampen your cloth with the cleaning agent and gently wipe the surface of the plate in a circular motion.
   • Use a clean, damp cloth to remove any remaining residue.
   • Finally, use a dry cloth to thoroughly dry the surface, ensuring no moisture remains.

Periodic Maintenance: Ensuring Long-Term Stability

Beyond daily cleaning, regular professional maintenance is also crucial.

1. Regular Inspection: It’s recommended to perform a monthly visual inspection of your granite surface plate for any signs of scratches, pits, or unusual stains.
2. Professional Calibration: ZHHIMG experts recommend that a granite surface plate be professionally calibrated at least once a year, depending on usage frequency. Our calibration services use world-class equipment like the Renishaw laser interferometer to precisely evaluate and adjust key parameters like flatness and parallelism, ensuring your plate consistently meets international standards.

Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

• Mistake 1: Placing heavy or sharp objects on the surface. This can damage the granite and compromise its reliability as a benchmark.
• Mistake 2: Performing grinding or cutting work on the surface plate. This will directly destroy its surface accuracy.
• Mistake 3: Neglecting temperature and humidity. While granite is highly stable, extreme changes in temperature and humidity can still affect measurement results. Always strive to keep your granite surface plate in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment.

ZHHIMG: More Than a Manufacturer, Your Partner in Precision

As a leading global manufacturer of precision granite, ZHHIMG provides not only the highest quality products but also comprehensive technical support and services to its clients. We believe that proper maintenance is the key to ensuring the performance and return on investment of your precision granite surface plate. By following these guidelines, your “mother of all measurements” will continue to provide a reliable and accurate measurement benchmark for years to come. If you need any assistance with cleaning, calibration, or maintenance, the ZHHIMG expert team is always ready to help.