Finding replacement platens for OEMs made in the USA has never been easier thanks to the professional and experienced team at Venango Machine. As the leading heated platen specialist near Erie, PA, Venango Machine can work with you to revitalize existing platens, refurbish platens for new applications, or provide any number of supplemental metal finishing services required by countless industries. With experience manufacturing all varieties of platens including steam, thermal fluid, and electrically heated platens from domestically sourced materials, our knowledgeable staff understands the intricacies of each and how critical certain aspects are to unique industry applications. This page will take a closer look at the experience Venango has with different types of platens, the specific heating methods used by different industries, and how we can reverse-engineer your existing platens while avoiding costly tariffs and providing our customers with premium quality platens made in the USA.
Types of Replacement Platens for OEMs
An OEM is an original equipment manufacturer that produces parts for other companies to use in final products. Over the last several decades, Venango Machine has been a primary producer of platens for OEMs made in the USA and has contributed to the success of countless industries including automotive, aerospace, commercial goods, and composite lumber to name a few. There are several different types of heating methods used within the platen, depending on the end application, and details for each can be found below.
Finding the Right Replacement Platen for Your Specific Industry
Depending on the end application, different OEMs will require varying styles of platen with unique heating methods to provide the optimal results and necessary consistency. Additional details on the most in-demand heated platens from Venango Machine and their associated industries are below.
Electrically Heated Platens: Electrically heated platens are available in cartridge or strip variants with optional MultiZone heat control. These platens are in high demand for the compression molding industry as they offer expedited heat-up times and are capable of reaching higher temperatures with precise heat control across the platen face. As a result, the heating elements used in these platens frequently burn out and require replacement. Other OEMs that frequently use electrically heated platens are the wood and laminating industries as well as the advanced composite industry for things like carbon fiber.
Steam Heated Platens: Steam platens are traditionally used to heat and cure the many adhesives required in numerous wood products like MDF, OSB, and laminate flooring. Steam platens offer stable and uniform heating across the platen face and typically operate between 200 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Like all other platens, the surface gradually degrades due to consistent heating and use and can lead to imperfections that impact final product quality.
Thermal Fluid Heated Platens: Thermal fluid platens move heated fluids or oil through the platen and are capable of reaching more elevated temperatures than steam heated. This platen type is also used throughout the rubber molding and plywood industries or any other application where heat and pressure are used to cure specific materials. Thermal replacement platens for OEMs are in high demand as these products can experience fluid degradation that impacts heating uniformity not to mention the other regular wear and tear that comes with standard end applications.
Benefits of Working with Venango for Replacement Platens
Venango Machine is widely renowned throughout the manufacturing world for its American-made replacement platens for OEMs and looks to continue building that recognition in the coming years. Any OEM looking for new platens, replacement platens, or an experienced company capable of refurbishing existing platens for different applications should consider Venango Machine. Below are just a few of the notable benefits customers can expect from working with our team.
- Domestically Sourced Materials: Venango prides itself on using domestically sourced materials in all new and replacement platens for OEMs. This includes the cartridge and strip heating elements used in electrically heated platens.
- Made in the USA: In addition to using domestic materials, our platens have been proudly manufactured in our Pennsylvania facility since 1954. Our building is outfitted with a vast array of modern machining and finishing equipment including 6-axis gun drill centers, Blanchard grinders, horizontal CNC boring mills, and hydrostatic testing facilities.
- Avoiding Costly Tariffs: With possible legislation looming in the next year, OEMs can avoid costly tariffs and shop domestically for their replacement platens. Our prices can compete with foreign providers in China or Taiwan while surpassing quality standards.
- Reduced Shipping Times: Again, why shop overseas and hope your replacement platen arrives undamaged in a shipping container with no hard deadline? Our friendly and communicative customer service team will clearly outline the expected turnaround time of your platen and provide detailed information on our shipping partners to provide peace of mind.
Shop Platens Made in the USA from Venango Machine
Venango Machine will manufacture premium quality replacement platens for OEMs no matter the industry, the required temperatures, the production volume, or the end product design. With over seven decades of experience working with customers throughout the manufacturing world, we are confident in our ability to keep your business moving efficiently while adapting to new product designs or specifications. Our competitively priced electric, steam, or thermal fluid platens only use domestically sourced materials and will help avoid looming tariffs, uncertain delivery dates, and unreliable customer service provided by companies overseas. If you are interested in learning more about replacement platens for OEMs made in the USA, please send us an email with more information or give us a call to get started today!
