platens

Platens are flat, rigid plates that serve as bearing, clamping, or pressure surfaces in various machines and devices. They provide a stable, uniform surface for transferring force, holding workpieces, or mating components, and the term is the plural of platen.

In printing and graphic arts, the platen is the flat bed of a press against which paper rests during ink transfer. In letterpress tooling, the platen supports the paper while the type or printing plate is pressed into it. Modern sheet-fed and digital printers also rely on flat platens to support sheets during processing and finishing.

In manufacturing, hydraulic and mechanical presses use platens to provide the surface on which dies are clamped and pressure is applied. Hot platen presses use heated platens to cure adhesives or form laminated composites, while cold platens provide a rigid surface without heat. Die casting, stamping, and forming equipment may use upper and lower platens to sandwich workpieces during shaping operations.

Other common uses include wood- and composite-material laminating, where platens actively press layers together under heat and pressure. Platens must be designed for rigidity, flatness, and wear resistance. Materials commonly used include steel or cast iron, sometimes with hardened inserts and surface treatments to reduce sticking and extend life. Precision platens may incorporate alignment features, dowel pins, and quick-change inserts to facilitate repeatable setups.