Press platen protection

[carbongr]

What material is used to cover the aluminium plates of a heated press for composites?

 

[Compositepro]

Aluminum is rarely used for plattens in presses. It may be used over the platten so that when damaged it can be easily replaced.

 

[carbongr]

So what is the best material for the press plates?
We have just installed a 24'x6' hydraulic heated press, with aluminium plates.
Anyway, Airtech recommends Tooltec for this application, but we were wondering if there is any alternative.
Thanks

 

[Compositepro]

Plattens are almost always steel. Meehanite is often used. Aluminum will have good heat transfer but is soft and easily damaged, and will not wear well. Tooltech is teflon impregnated fiberglass,which is very soft and can be considered a disposable liner. Your press must be very very low pressure processing. A thin sheet of stainless steel is one option for better durability, but Tooltech may be fine for your application if your process is a gentle one.

 

[NCSUMAN]

Depends on what you are pressing and how you are pressing it. Can you elaborate?