COMPRESSION PLATENS - FIXED AND SPHERICAL SEAT

 Various Types, Configurations, Sizes and Load Capacities are Available

Spherical-Seat Platen (top, center),
Fixed Platen with Integral Male Threaded Stud (left), and Fixed Platen with Female Threaded Hole and Optional Adapter (right)
(all platens shown are 6" diameter)

Platens of all types, in all sizes and load capacities, can be provided, including custom designs for special applications. The 6" diameter platens shown in the above photograph are a popular size. Typically, platens are fabricated of fully heat-treated tool steel, and chrome plated to provide high surface hardness and durability in combination with corrosion resistance. However, for less demanding loading applications, such as for testing soft, low strength materials, platens of black-oxided low carbon steel or other materials can be supplied as a lower cost alternative.

Very shallow concentric rings are typically engraved on the loading surface to permit visual centering of the object to be placed on them for loading.

Any type of adapter, threaded or otherwise, can be provided, at reasonable cost, to permit mating of these platens with the user's specific testing machine.

A fixed platen is commonly used in combination with a spherical seat platen, the former at the bottom to provide a stable base to place the object to be tested on, and the latter at the top to help compensate for any load misalignment in the testing machine or the particular test fixture being used.

The movable portion of the spherical seat platen is held in the neutral position by springs, and thus can also be used in the lower position, if desired.   Sizes as small as 1” diameter have been fabricated.

6” and 2.5” Diameter Spherical Seat Platens