The Raw material: Granites of Microplan Group

Due to its unique properties, black granite has in recent years been used extensively in the field of measuring instruments, both for traditional ones (surface plates, rules, set squares, etc…), as well as modern ones: three-dimensional measuring machines, physico-chemical process machine tools. Suitably lapped black granite surfaces are not only extremely precise but also ideal for use in conjunction with air bearings. The reasons for the choice of black granite in constructing of precision instruments are the following:
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY: il black granite is a natural aged material formed over millions of years and therefore displays great internal stability.
THERMAL STABILITY: the coefficient of linear expansion is much lower than for steel or cast iron.
HARDNESS: comparable to good-quality tempered steel.
DURABILITY: instrument last longer.
ACCURACY: the regularity of the surfaces is superior to that obtained with traditional materials.
RESISTANCE TO OXIDATION: no corrosion, no maintenance.
COST: with state-of-the-art technology prices are lower.
OVERHAUL: Eventual servicing can be carried out quickly and cheaply.
NON-ADHERENCE TO ACIDS, NON-MAGNETIC, ELECTRICAL INSULATOR.

COMPARATIVE TABLE
OF MICROPLAN GROUP GRANITES

BLU LANHELIN
(For big sizes)


NERO AFRICA
(Standard)

NERO ASSOLUTO
(Utilizzato su richiesta)

SPECIFIC WEIGHT
2.7 kg/dm3
2.85 kg/dm3
3.0 kg/dm3

POROSITY

0.35 %
0.09 %
0.15 %

COEFF. ELASTICITY

44 / 58 Gpa
60 / 107 Gpa
80 / 103 Gpa
RESISTENCE TO COMPRESSION
188 MPa
244 MPa
270 MPa

RESISTENCE TO FLEXION

21.5 MPa
24 MPa
25 MPa

COEFF. LENGTH EXPANSION

7.4 x 10-6
6.5 x 10-6
5.9 x 10-6
HARDNESS SHORE
105
90
90
ORIGINE
FRANCE
SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AFRICA
COLOUR
Blue - Grey
Dark Grey
Black