Precision engineering is all about perfect surfaces which help in laying out the work uniformly with absolutely no chances of errors. Even the slightest miscalculation would lead to significant problems with the final precision product. Bed Plates and welding platens are important components of precision tools as they provide a stable base upon which work may be done. While engineers are more than familiar with the use of these tools, it is important for their exact usage and benefits to be understood before they are utilized in engineering processes.
What Are Bed Plates?
Bed plates are engineering tools which aid in maintaining perfect alignment and is required for supporting the entire weight of the components. A key requisite of a good bedplate is that it should be able to withstand the dynamically changing forces that are generated when work is done on the components. It is also the best surface on which the work may be laid out so as to align all the components as per requirements. Since this is widely used in the assembly and testing of precision equipment, the need for a perfect stable surface is quintessential.
Uses of Bed Plates:
Bed plates are available for a wide range of applications which are specifically designed for a particular process. This is useful in delivery higher accuracy and providing process specific tools to enhance the possibilities of getting a perfect end product. T-Slot bed plates serve as rigid base platforms which help in conducting inspection, layout, marking, assembly, special tooling requirements, production setups, mounting tasks often involving welding, machining operation requirements and as surfaces for testing.
In terms of testing, the bed plates are capable of withstanding engines, transmission, large machines and other heavy industrial machines that need to be tested thoroughly to avoid complications further down in the process. Welding platen are specifically used almost exclusively for all welding and bending requirements with the ability to set up layout blocks, assembly platens, and other tools. In order to maintain the accuracy and effectiveness of the plates, they need to be maintained carefully to ensure long lasting quality of the tools.