On-Site Granite Surface Table Lapping Services
UKAS Accredited Surface Table & Plate Calibration Laboratory
What is Surface Table Reconditioning or Re-Lapping?
Reconditioning a surface table refers to the process of restoring the working surface back to the required tolerance. For Granite Surface Tables, this process is known as re-lapping. Lapping involves using abrasive compounds, slowly removing sub-micron amounts of material to achieve the desired flatness. After this process is complete our technicians will calibrate the surface table or surface plate and issue a certificate verifying the flatness of the working surface.
Why Is Re-Lapping Required?
Over time, even these robust instruments require maintenance to restore their accuracy. Surface Tables develop subtle depressions and low spots that affect the flatness of the working surface. Common causes include abrasive wear from sliding tools or workpieces across the surface and the accumulation of dust, grit and contaminants acting as abrasives.
Regular calibration can detect deviations from flatness, but only re-lapping can correct them.
When Should a Surface Table be Re-Lapped
There is no universal schedule for re-lapping, as deterioration depends on usage, environment, and care. However, the following guidelines are commonly adopted:
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A Suitable Calibration Timeframe: Professional calibration at a determined interval that is suitable for the usage and environment. The frequency can be adjusted according to the change in flatness between calibrations.
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Change in workload – An increase or decrease in workload would lead to a re-assessment of the calibration frequencies.
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Deviation Threshold: Setting a limit that is suitable before the surface table requires re-lapping such as when the surface table reaches Grade 2, it is re-lapped to Grade 1. Considering there is a limit that the surface table can be restored.
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Visible Damage: Any visible scratches, gouges, or high spots warrant inspection and possible re-lapping.
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Critical Applications: High-precision settings may require more frequent checks and reconditioning.
On-Site Surface Table Lapping Services - Documentation
After re-lapping has been completed, our trained technicians will verify the results have been achieved with a calibration and UKAS certificate. Surface Tables lapped on-site by OSS Calibration Ltd are furnished with a label stating the certification number and calibration date
Certificates are processed at our laboratory and emailed as a .pdf.
Please note that under certain circumstances, Granite Surface Tables deteriorate beyond economical repair.
Should this happen, we can replace your surface table.
