brs1

If wooden platens are so inferior to steel and aluminum, then why do manufacturers and suppliers even make/provide them? Also, if the answer is merely due to cost, and that wood platens are fine till used after a number of hours, how long can one expect to be able to utilize their wooden pallets that come with the press? You’d assume that if the press comes with the wooden ones, then they should be able to be used. I’m interested in this 4 by 2 below, but it does come with wooden platens. It also doesn’t have any rubber coating that I’ve heard people talk about being important. Makes me wonder what ELSE will have to likely be upgraded just so I can make shirts halfway normally like others who have more superior equipment.

4 Color 2 Station Table Top Screen Printing Press

Thank you for any help,
Brs1

 

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XYLisa

In my opinion the wooden platens are fine, that's what I use on my 8 color/10 station automatic. I've had it for 4 years and have never had a problem with them. I also have a 6c/6station manual gosh I've had it for probably 10 years with wood platens and they are still going strong. I think some people choose metal platens as they don't use conveyor dryers and are trying to use a flash to cure.

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Lisa
www.xyllc.com

 

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tpitman

The heat from the flash will eventually warp the wooden boards. The only real advantage to them is if you've got a sabre saw and some sandpaper, you can replace them on the cheap, and make custom sizes or shapes easily. My Vastex has steel platens, but I bought a bracket and made a sleeve platen out of MDF. For as few sleeves as I print, it works fine. I think most manufacturer's use them because they're easy to make and cheap. Aluminum ones get expensive.

 

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