Newport offers carbide pads which can be used to create highly stable and repeatable kinematic mechanisms such as custom kinematic bases or mounts. They are available in standard and precision grades. The precision grade pads (CPP-series) have polished surfaces to 10 µ-in. while the standard grade (CP-series) has a 63 µ-in. surface finish. Better surface finish means better repeatability. The tungsten carbide material used for these pads is exceptionally hard at 1800 Knoops. Compare that to stainless steel at 280 or aluminum at 120 Knoops. These parts are made to be used together: CPP-F-6 Flat-, CPP-F-6 Cone- and CPP-V-6 V-Groove- shaped carbide pads. Kinematic mounts can be created either in the Cone-V-Flat or the 3V configuration.