Gauge Plate (Flat Ground Stock): Precision Steel for Every Project

At Edcon Steel, gauge plate is more than just another line item. It’s a precision steel product that we source carefully and keep in healthy supply for same day dispatch around Australia.

This helpful guide breaks down what gauge plate is, why it’s used, and how Edcon Steel makes sourcing high-quality products simple, fast, and reliable across NSW and the rest of Australia.

What is Gauge Plate (Flat Ground Stock)?

Gauge plate, also known as flat ground stock, is a precision ground flat bar made from high-quality tool steel. Unlike standard hot-rolled or cold-rolled flat bar, gauge plate is machined and ground to very tight tolerances on all sides, giving a smooth surface free of defects or carburisation. Thickness, width, and flatness are controlled far more tightly, which means less preparation work and more predictable results. In simple terms, gauge plate is tool steel that’s been pre-finished to an exact size, so you don’t have to do the hard work of flattening or surface-grinding it yourself.

Supplied in an annealed condition, Edcon Steel’s O1 grade gauge plate is easy to machine, drill, or cut before optional heat treatment. O1 Tool Steel is a high-carbon steel known for its excellent wear resistance, strength, and ability to be heat treated.

Key Benefits of Gauge Plate

Used across industrial, trade, and DIY environments, gauge plate is a highly versatile material widely used in tool and die making for jigs, fixtures, guides, punches, and dies. Its accurate dimensions and smooth, flat surfaces make it ideal for machine components and wear plates where precision and durability are essential. It is also commonly used for knives, blades, and other cutting tools, as well as in model engineering and precision assemblies that demand tight tolerances and dependable performance.

Because it machines predictably and performs reliably in service, gauge plate is a popular choice for applications where consistency matters. Supplied ready to use, it requires no surface grinding before machining, saving both time and workshop effort. Its tight tolerances ensure components fit together as intended, which is critical for tools, dies, machine parts, and jigs. O1 tool steel gauge plate offers an excellent balance of machinability, strength, and hardness, and can be heat treated after machining to achieve high wear resistance for demanding applications.

Edcon Steel’s Gauge Plate Range

At Edcon Steel, we stock Australia’s most comprehensive ranges of gauge plate, with flat bar (rectangular profile) or square bar (equal width and thickness) available in both metric and imperial sizes. Our gauge plate is sourced from Sheffield Gauge Plate in the UK, a globally respected manufacturer known for consistent quality, reliable chemistry, and uniform performance.

BUY ONLINE NOW

Need gauge plate fast? Buy online now and get premium flat ground stock dispatched today and delivered Australia-wide.