PMEL Forum

There seems to be a bit of controversy in the lab about the care and feeding of surface plates regarding cleaning. Some suggest using GoJo and other similar cleaners, but the research I have done so far indicates that any cleaner which leaves a film of any type should not be used. Seems to me that using the Starrett surface plate cleaner is the best route.

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might find some good information. Most of the information I have found so far seems to be for machine shops and not Metrology Labs.

Thank you for your help!!!

The starret cleaner works well or Windex works well also.  I use a green 3M scrubber to clean the surface and wipe it clean.  DO NOT use any oil based cleaner.

There are many surface plate cleaners available.  I recommend purchasing a small container of the most popular (starrett, doall, mitutoyo, etc.) and see which one produces the best results for your type of use.

Things to remember:
Do not use water based cleaners because these will cause rust on your tools.

Cover your plate when not in use to reduce the amount of dust landing on your plate as the most damage, if not protected, will come from abrasive dust wearing away the surface.

Do not use volatile solvents such as acetone, alcohol, or lacquer thinner because the evaporation will chill the surface and distort it.

Make sure your plate is mounted correctly, on 3 points.

Thank you for your input!!!