Storage is maintenance at zero speed.
A baseline storage routine
Clean and dry surfaces before storage, then apply a suitable protective coating to machined faces. Desiccant and sealed wrap help in humid climates where bare steel weeps overnight.
Store on dunnage that keeps plates off concrete floors, and keep hardware bagged and labelled with the base it belongs to.
FAQ
How often should stored bases be inspected?
A scheduled walk-through, for example quarterly, catches condensation and coating breakdown before corrosion sets in. Humid season may warrant shorter intervals.
What is the first sign of trouble on a stored plate?
Discoloration along edges and around tapped holes, where coatings thin out. Early spotting makes re-coating a minutes-long task.
Should spare bases be stored assembled or as plates?
Both approaches exist. Assembled bases save assembly time but hide internal surfaces; plates are compact but demand a documented hardware inventory.
All figures above refer to standard product data sheets; final confirmation is subject to written quotation.