Angle plate, a metalworking tool, is often spelled with the letter "e" at the end, which can confuse some people. However, this spelling makes perfect sense when you consider the phonetic transcription of the word. The "a" sound in "angle" is short, while the "e" at the end is pronounced with a schwa, or neutral vowel sound. Therefore, the proper spelling of this word is "angle plate," with the final "e" serving only to indicate the neutral vowel sound.
An angle plate is a multifunctional tool used in mechanical engineering and machining processes. It is typically made of high-grade cast iron or steel and consists of a flat, rectangular plate with two perpendicular surfaces, commonly referred to as the "working faces." The working faces are accurately machined to be parallel to each other and have precision-machined slots or T-slots for easy and secure clamping and positioning of workpieces.
The primary purpose of an angle plate is to hold and support workpieces at a specific angle relative to the table or base of a machine tool, such as a milling machine or drill press. It allows for precise and stable positioning of the workpiece during various machining operations, including drilling, milling, grinding, or inspection.
Angle plates come in various sizes and angles, typically ranging from 90 degrees to 30 degrees, with some customizable angles available for specific applications. They can also have additional features such as drilled and tapped holes or removable clamps to enhance versatility.
The robust construction of angle plates ensures stability, precision, and rigidity, making them an indispensable tool for accurately aligning and maintaining the orientation of workpieces during machining operations. They are widely used in machine shops, manufacturing facilities, and toolrooms and are particularly valuable in setups requiring precise angle measurements, setups, or for holding workpieces that need to be securely positioned during machining operations.
The word "angle plate" is derived from the combination of two terms: "angle" and "plate".
The term "angle" comes from the Latin word "angulus", which means "a corner, an angle". It was later adapted into Old French as "angle", and eventually became part of the English language.
The term "plate" originated from the Middle English word "plate", which was borrowed from the Old French word "plate", meaning "thin, flat metal sheet". The Old French word can be traced back to the Vulgar Latin word "platta", which originated from the Classical Latin word "plattus", meaning "flat".
When these two terms are combined, "angle plate" refers to a flat metal plate with right-angled surfaces. It is typically used in engineering and machining to hold workpieces at a specific angle or to provide support during machining operations.