platelevel

Platelevel is a term in precision metrology describing the degree to which a flat plate's surface is level and coplanar with a reference datum. In practice, platelevel means minimizing deviations from a true plane across the surface and ensuring the surface is parallel to a defined horizontal plane when required. It is essential in fields such as machining, optics, semiconductor fabrication, and aerospace, where accurate mating of parts and repeatable setups depend on a known reference plane.

Measurement is performed against a high-precision reference surface, such as a granite plate or an optical flat, using dial indicators, height gauges, interferometers, or laser trackers. For rough leveling, bubble levels may be used, but precision relies on calibrated references and temperature compensation. Modern approaches quantify flatness, levelness, and coplanarity; results are expressed as tolerances in micrometers or arcseconds depending on the method.

Applications include machine-tool setups, metrology benches, optical benches, and wafer or panel mounting. Achieving platelevel reduces misalignment, improves tool-path accuracy, and enhances repeatability of production processes.

Tolerances are application-specific and governed by overall design tolerances and relevant standards for measurement and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing. Etymology: the term combines 'plate' and 'level'; it reflects the use of a reference plate to establish a level surface.