Full-field Applications of Granite Machine Tool Bases (Granite Bases)
Relying on six core characteristics—low linear expansion, strong vibration absorption, non-magnetic, rust-proof, zero internal stress, and high flatness—granite machine tool bases are exclusively used for micron/nanometer-level high-precision equipment. They are not suitable for general machine tools subject to heavy cutting impacts. They are divided into six major application sectors: precision machining machine tools, metrology and inspection equipment, semiconductor electronics, optical lasers, automated non-standard equipment, and laboratory reference platforms.
I. Ultra-precision Machining Machine Tools (Most Mainstream Application)
- Ultra-precision Grinders, Surface Grinders
Surface grinders, profile grinders, optical curve grinders, and coordinate grinders with an all-granite bed/guide base.
Advantages: Absorbs high-speed grinding wheel cutting chatter; workpiece surface roughness can reach within Ra0.01μm with no tool marks or vibration marks; minimal dimensional drift under temperature fluctuations; stable dimensional consistency in batch processing.
Applications: Precision grinding of optical molds, cemented carbide, ceramics, sapphire, and silicon carbide. - Diamond Ultra-precision Lathes / Fly-cutting Machines
Nano-machining equipment used for infrared lenses, freeform optical elements, and mold cores.
Precision requirements: Profile error ≤50nm; must use an all-granite machine base to isolate vibration and suppress thermal deformation. - High-speed Precision Engraving, Miniature CNC, PCB Micro-hole Engraving Machines
Small-scale gantry granite bases paired with linear motors for high-speed reciprocating motion.
Solves high-speed start-stop jitter issues; suitable for jewelry molds, mobile phone mid-frames, and PCB micro-drilling; repeatability of ±0.002mm. - Five-axis Laser Machining, Fiber Laser Precision Cutting Equipment
Precision thin-plate laser cutting machines, laser micro-hole machines, and laser micro-engraving machines.
Low thermal expansion ensures long-term optical path alignment; high self-weight suppresses high-speed gantry oscillation; smooth, burr-free cuts on thin plates; suitable for precision cutting of stainless steel, copper, and aluminum. - Precision Boring/Milling / Small Coordinate Boring Machines
Small high-precision CNC boring machines with granite worktables and column bases, replacing cast iron to reduce long-term stress deformation.
II. Metrology and Inspection Equipment (Industry Standard)
- Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM)
The entire machine base, worktable, and crossbeam are almost entirely made of granite.
Non-magnetic, high flatness, and vibration absorption; measurement accuracy can reach 0.1μm/m with no long-term accuracy degradation; coolant and oil stains do not corrode the reference surface. - Bases for Various Precision Measuring Instruments
Optical image measuring machines (2D/2.5D), height gauges, roughness testers, roundness testers, gear testers, and optical comparators.
Standard reference platforms for laboratories and quality inspection workshops; integrated bases with 00/000 grade granite surface plates. - Laser Interferometers, Straightness Testers, Displacement Calibration Platforms
Machine tool precision calibration equipment; relies on the extremely low deformation of granite to ensure a constant calibration reference.
III. Semiconductor and Electronic Manufacturing Equipment (High-end Essential Demand)
- Wafer Processing Equipment
Wafer dicing machines, scribing machines, Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CMP) machines, probe stations, die bonders, exposure auxiliary platforms.
In chip manufacturing processes of 2–7nm, minute ground vibrations cause lithography pattern shifts; granite damping absorbs vibrations, non-magnetic material does not interfere with electronic optical paths, and it is clean without producing rust or debris to contaminate wafers. - SMT High-speed Placement and Visual Inspection Equipment
High-speed visual sorting machines, AOI optical inspection machines, 3D solder paste inspection machines.
Continuous 24-hour operation without temperature-induced deformation, stable visual focusing, and elimination of mass false detections. - Precision Electronic Micro-assembly Platforms
Granite bases for automatic assembly machines of connectors, sensors, and micro-motors.
IV. Optical and Laser Complete Equipment
Optical coating machines, lens assembly and calibration platforms;
Femtosecond/picosecond ultrafast laser micromachining and laser marking micro-hole equipment;
Spectrometers, interferometers, and high-resolution imaging system bases.
Core requirements: Stable optical paths, elimination of metal thermal expansion, magnetic field interference, and vibration shifts.
V. Aerospace and Precision Military Component Specialized Equipment
Specialized high-precision machine tools for processing gyroscopes, inertial components, aero-blades, and micro-structural components:
Ultra-precision CNC milling machines, multi-axis micromachining centers;
Granite bases for non-destructive optical inspection tooling of components;
Aero-component tolerances are mostly at the micron level, and environmental temperature differences and vibrations greatly affect the yield rate of finished products; granite is the only long-term stable substrate.
VI. Automated Non-standard Equipment and Laboratory Reference Platforms
Linear motor motion platforms, gantry positioning slide bases (all-granite gantry components);
Constant-temperature laboratory metrology reference plates, calibration workbenches;
Medical precision instrument processing/inspection equipment (implants, endoscope accessories);
High-precision support bases for 3D printing photopolymerization equipment.
VII. Supporting Sub-components (Beyond Machine Bases)
In addition to machine tool beds, granite is also separately manufactured into supporting functional components:
Worktables, linear guide bases, gantry crossbeams, Z-axis slide bases, tooling spacer plates, measurement spacer blocks, threaded mounting substrates, and air-bearing guide installation seats.
VIII. Non-applicable Scenarios (Boundary Distinction)
Due to the high brittleness and weak tensile strength of granite, the following equipment does not use granite bases:
Heavy-duty gantry milling machines, floor boring machines, and large-scale machining centers (heavy cutting and impact loads; cast iron or welded steel plates are preferred);
Forging, stamping, and sheet metal rough processing equipment;
Outdoor, high-impact, and high-torque heavy-load equipment.
