Mounting Surface
Drilled steel plates provide the foundation for securing various dies in a flatbed die cutting or foiling press. The honeycomb platen is characterized by a dense pattern of threaded or shaped holes that cover its entire surface. These holes allow for the flexible placement of dies at any coordinate on the sheet.
Because the pattern resembles a beehive, it offers a high number of mounting points without compromising the structural rigidity of the plate.
Toggle Locking
Metal clips known as toggles fit into the holes to grip the edges of the brass or magnesium dies. These toggles allow for micro adjustments in every direction, which is necessary for achieving perfect registration between the die and the printed image. The system is designed to hold the dies under thousands of tons of pressure.
It prevents any lateral movement that would cause the image to drift during the production run.
Thermal Distribution
Heat must flow evenly through the plate when it is used for hot foiling. The mass of the honeycomb platen helps to stabilize the temperature and provides a consistent thermal reservoir. It is usually made from a specific grade of steel that resists warping under constant heat cycles.
This stability is required to maintain a flat surface across the entire format of the press.
