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What is an Angle Plate? Know Definition, Types, Maintenance and Applications

Oct 09, 2024

An angle plate is a fundamental tool in machining and metalworking, designed to assist with precision measurement, assembly, and machining tasks. This versatile device features flat, rigid surfaces with precisely machined angles, typically 90 degrees, but can accommodate other angles as well. Angle plates are widely used for positioning workpieces at specific angles during machining, ensuring accurate alignment during assembly, and serving as reference surfaces for measurement instruments.

 

What is an Angle Plate?  


An angle plate, typically made from durable cast steel, is characterized by its precise 90-degree geometry and two carefully machined surfaces. These essential tools play a critical role in machining and metalworking, providing a reliable solution for securing workpieces that are difficult to hold with conventional methods like machine vices.

 

Angle plates feature strategically placed slots, allowing for the use of nuts and bolts to firmly secure materials during operations such as drilling, milling, or precision measurement. Whether in a machine shop or precision engineering environment, angle plates offer stability and accuracy, making them indispensable for craftsmen and engineers in various manufacturing and assembly processes.

 

box angle plates


Types of Angle Plates:

 

1. Plain or Solid Angle Plate  

 

Plain angle plates are flat and set at a fixed 90-degree angle. Unlike other types, they do not have any slots. These are the most commonly used angle plates, featuring ribbing in their design to enhance structural strength and prevent deformation. They are typically more compact compared to other types of angle plates.

 

2. Slotted Angle Plate

 

Slotted angle plates feature precisely cut slots or grooves between the two plates, making them larger in size than their plain counterparts. These slots allow for secure fastening of workpieces using nuts and bolts, and clamping bolts can be affixed within the slots on the top surface. The bottom side can be securely attached to the machine table, serving to fasten, support, and facilitate workpiece marking and machining. They are commonly used in machinery like lathes, shapers, and grinding machines.

 

3. Adjustable Angle Plate or Swivel Base Angle Plate  

 

Adjustable angle plates, also known as swivel base angle plates, provide the ability to change the angle between the two plates as needed. Unlike plain or slotted angle plates, these consist of two separate plates: one serves as the base, while the other can be adjusted to the desired angle. The plates often feature graduated markings for precise angle measurements, and they are secured in place using nut bolts. These plates are ideal for applications that require precise machining at angles other than 90 degrees.

 

4. Box Angle Plate  

 

The box angle plate gets its name from its box-like structure, consisting of six plates arranged at alternating 90-degree angles. Its functionality is similar to that of standard angle plates, but it includes slots on each of its six sides, allowing for secure fastening using nuts and bolts from either side.

 

Once a workpiece is clamped or positioned on a box angle plate, it can be easily rotated to change the job's orientation for various operations, such as drilling and marking. This rotational feature simplifies diverse machining processes and offers significant advantages.

 

To ensure precise angles, all planes within the box angle plate are meticulously machined to 90 degrees, guaranteeing accuracy. Box angle plates are commonly used in larger machinery, particularly in radial drilling machines, where they are essential for securing and clamping workpieces.

 

5. Swivel Angle Plates  

 

Swivel angle plates allow for the quick and precise positioning of workpieces at various angles. These adjustable plates feature a graduated scale for setting angles from 0 to 90 degrees, making angle adjustments easy to fine-tune and securely lock in place with two locking nuts. A degree scale, marked with at least one-degree precision, is prominently displayed on the central boss, ensuring reliable angle alignment.

 

Available in a variety of sizes, swivel angle plates offer tilting capabilities from 0 to 90 degrees, making them versatile tools for a range of machining applications.

 

What is an Angle Plate? FAQs

 

What is an angle plate?  

An angle plate is a precision tool with flat, machined surfaces designed to hold and secure workpieces at specific angles for various machining applications.

 

What is the use of a box angle plate?  

A box angle plate features a box-like structure that allows for versatile orientation changes of workpieces, making it ideal for multiple machining processes.

 

What is the purpose of an angle plate in a lathe machine?  

In lathe machines, angle plates assist with workpiece clamping, providing support and facilitating accurate machining at specific angles.

 

What are the advantages of angle plates?  

The advantages of angle plates include stable workpiece support, precise angle alignment, and improved accuracy in machining and assembly processes.

 

What are the types of angle plates?  

Types of angle plates include plain, slotted, adjustable swivel base, T-slotted, and box angle plates, each designed for specific applications and angle adjustments.

box angle plates

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