The V-Pro (Vacuum Mold Process) plate on the Kawai SK Series is the acoustically-neutral gray iron framework of the piano on which the strings are applied. As the “backbone” of the piano, the plate must be designed and built to ensure stability while enduring up to 18 tons of string tension. At the same time, it must be molded with sufficient precision to ensure exact string lengths. The V-Pro process produces a sturdy plate that is dimensionally accurate and consistent, with added strength provided by the “crossbone” design of the plate struts. With the application of a lustrous finish and the addition of highly-polished solid brass finials, the result is a plate that is strong, stable and beautiful.