This standard relates to rectangular surface plates in metric units, of cast iron or stone, intended for use in engineering for inspection and marking-out purposes.
Note: For surface plates in imperial units, see AS B70.
The standard recommends certain design features for plates and their stands, specifies types and quality of materials (cast irons and stones) and provides for surface plates of three grades of accuracy, as follows:
Stone Surface Plates Grades AA, A and B
Cast-iron Surface Plates Grades A and B
Only those design features necessary to ensure convenience in use, rigidity, stability and durability are specified; further design details are left to individual designers.
Test methods for the assessment of compliance with certain requirements of this standard are given in appendices.