Screen Printing Platens & Pallets

How to Choose Screen Printing Platens & Pallets

Choose a platen around three requirements: the press it must fit, the garment it must support, and the artwork you need to print.

Start by identifying the mounting system. Then compare board material, dimensions, shape, surface, and any specialty features.

1. Confirm Your Press and Mounting System

Have the exact press manufacturer and model available before selecting a platen.

Confirm:

• Manual or automatic press.
• Model and approximate age.
• Existing platen or pallet identification.
• Slip-tube, bracket, or sliding-mount style.
• Required mounting dimensions.
• Included hardware.
• Whether a mounting component must be purchased separately.

For an older press or an uncertain mounting style, use photos and measurements to identify the existing assembly before ordering.

Do not assume that every Lawson, Workhorse, or DCC platen fits every press bearing that name.

2. Separate the Board From the Mounting Components

Check exactly what the product includes.

A listing may describe:

• A complete platen assembly.
• A replacement board.
• A slip-tube or mounting component.
• An attachment for an existing pallet.
• Replacement surface material.
• An adhesive or protective covering.

Confirm whether the supplied product is ready to mount or requires additional parts.

A pocket attachment and a dedicated pocket platen, for example, should not be treated as the same purchase.

3. Compare Aluminum and Composite Options

Review the material alongside the exact product configuration.

Selection factorComposite T-shirt platensAluminum T-shirt platensListed size optionsChild, youth, adult, and XLChild, youth, adult, XL, and XXLListed shapesNeck and no-neck optionsNo-neck boards with rounded cornersSurface optionsWith or without rubberConfirm rubber inclusion for the selected optionFit requirementVerify the specific press and mounting arrangementMatch the platen to the correct slip-tube style

Choose from the documented product specifications rather than assuming that material alone establishes print quality, heat tolerance, or compatibility.

4. Match the Platen to the Actual Garment

Use garment measurements, not only size labels such as “youth” or “adult.”

Review:

• Garment opening.
• Width at the intended print location.
• Loading direction.
• Fabric stretch.
• Seams and nearby construction.
• Required artwork support.

Check representative garments before choosing a size for an entire product range.

A platen must support the intended image while allowing the garment to be loaded and positioned appropriately.

5. Compare Board Dimensions With Artwork Dimensions

Board size and usable print area are not interchangeable.

Confirm:

• Artwork width and height.
• Position on the garment.
• Available support beneath the image.
• Press print-area limits.
• Screen and squeegee clearance.
• Mounting and adjustment range.

Do not assume that a larger platen increases the press’s maximum print area.

6. Choose Neck or No-Neck Shapes Deliberately

The composite T-shirt listing offers neck and no-neck versions. The reviewed aluminum T-shirt boards are described as no-neck designs with rounded corners.

Compare the shape with your garment-loading and positioning method.

Check:

• Overall length.
• Main board dimensions.
• Garment orientation.
• Placement references.
• Mounting position.

Do not compare two listed lengths without checking whether one includes a neck extension.

7. Review Sleeve, Leg, Pocket, and Tag Applications Separately

Select specialty platens around the garment construction and intended print location.

The collection includes:

• Sleeve platens.
• Single- and double-sleeve options.
• A leg platen.
• A steel pocket platen.
• A pocket attachment.
• A tag platen.

For each application, confirm working dimensions, loading method, mounting compatibility, and clearance around seams or garment layers.

Do not assume that similarly shaped specialty boards are interchangeable.

8. Check Jacket Hold-Downs and Other Attachments

For jackets, caps, and other specialized garments, identify how the attachment supports and holds the product.

Review:

• Compatible press and mounting style.
• Working dimensions.
• Garment-loading procedure.
• Hold-down mechanism, where included.
• Screen clearance.
• Required accessories.
• Included components.

A specialty attachment should be evaluated with the actual garment—not selected solely from its name.

9. Match DCC Pallets to the Correct Product Family

The collection lists separate DCC options for:

• Copperhead Pro Mini.
• Copperhead Series sliding pallets.
• Speedmaster, Infinity, and Intel sliding pallets.

Use the exact press model and mounting arrangement to identify the appropriate listing.

Confirm pallet dimensions, supplied mounting components, and any model-specific restrictions. Do not assume that all Copperhead pallets use the same interface.

10. Review Workhorse Automatic Pallets Independently

Workhorse Automatic Standard Pallets are listed separately from the Lawson composite and aluminum T-shirt products.

Confirm:

• Supported press model.
• Pallet dimensions.
• Mounting interface.
• Surface configuration.
• Included hardware.
• Available specialty sizes.

Do not use compatibility information from a Lawson slip-tube product to establish fit for a Workhorse automatic pallet.

11. Confirm the Rubber Surface Configuration

The collection includes replacement platen rubber, while the composite T-shirt listing offers with-rubber and without-rubber options.

Before purchasing, confirm:

• Whether rubber is included.
• Required dimensions and thickness.
• Compatibility with the board.
• Approved adhesive.
• Preparation and installation instructions.
• Intended operating conditions.

Do not assume replacement rubber is pre-cut, pre-bonded, or supplied with adhesive unless the listing states that it is.

12. Distinguish Protection Tape From Garment-Holding Products

The collection includes protection tape, Dual-Tack tape, PalletGel, and other adhesive products.

Confirm the intended role of each product:

• Protecting the platen surface.
• Holding the garment.
• Providing a reusable adhesive surface.
• Bonding replacement rubber.
• Supporting installation or cleaning.

These functions are not interchangeable.

Follow the selected product’s instructions for application, compatible surfaces, cleaning, removal, and operating conditions.

13. Treat Rubber-Bonding Adhesive as a Separate Application

The collection lists 3M 1357 adhesive for platen rubber.

Do not treat a rubber-bonding adhesive as a substitute for a garment-holding product.

Before use, review:

• Approved materials.
• Surface preparation.
• Application method.
• Required drying or assembly procedure.
• Safety data.
• Ventilation and handling instructions.

Use the specified product for the specified task.

14. Define Custom and Vacuum Applications

For a custom platen, provide a clear drawing or dimensional specification.

Include:

• Press and mounting system.
• Product dimensions.
• Material being printed.
• Artwork dimensions and location.
• Required support shape.
• Clearance restrictions.
• Surface requirements.

For a vacuum platen, also confirm the intended substrate, required vacuum equipment, connections, and what is included.

Do not assume that a vacuum platen uses the same holding method or supporting equipment as a standard garment board.

15. Verify the Order Before Purchase

Review the complete configuration:

• Correct press.
• Correct mounting style.
• Correct dimensions.
• Correct shape.
• Correct surface.
• Required hardware.
• Quantity.
• Current return terms.

The reviewed composite and aluminum T-shirt product pages state that platens are not returnable. Resolve fit and configuration questions before ordering.

Before You Choose: Platen & Pallet Checklist

Have these details ready when selecting equipment:

• Press: Manufacturer, model, and approximate age.
• Mount: Slip-tube, bracket, or sliding interface.
• Existing assembly: Photos, identification, and measurements.
• Garment: Actual dimensions and construction.
• Print location: Front, back, sleeve, leg, pocket, tag, or specialty area.
• Artwork: Width, height, and placement.
• Board: Required dimensions, shape, and material.
• Surface: Rubber, tape, or other specified covering.
• Package: Board only, complete assembly, or attachment.
• Accessories: Hardware, adhesive, or replacement parts.
• Order terms: Confirmed fit and applicable return policy.

Continue Comparing Equipment & Supplies

• Platen Adhesives & Tape.
• Manual Screen Printing Presses.
• Automatic Screen Printing Presses.

Are screen printing platens and pallets the same thing?

Both terms are used in this collection for the board or support beneath the item being printed. When ordering, focus on the exact dimensions, mounting system, surface, and included components rather than relying on the term alone.

Will every platen in this collection fit my press?

No. Match the product to the exact press model and mounting arrangement. Lawson slip-tube products, Workhorse automatic pallets, and DCC sliding pallets should not be assumed interchangeable.

Should I choose an aluminum or composite platen?

Compare the exact product’s dimensions, shape, surface, mounting requirements, and intended use. The composite T-shirt listing offers neck and no-neck versions with optional rubber. The reviewed aluminum T-shirt listing specifies no-neck boards with rounded corners and requires the correct slip-tube match.

What size platen do I need?

Use the actual garment dimensions, artwork size, and intended print location. Confirm that the garment can be loaded appropriately and that the image is supported. A garment size label alone is not enough to establish the right board size.

Does a larger platen increase my press’s print area?

Do not assume so. Confirm the press’s print-area limits, screen and squeegee clearance, and mounting range separately. Platen dimensions describe the support board, not the complete printing capability of the press.

Are rubber tops included with every platen?

No universal inclusion should be assumed. The composite T-shirt listing offers with-rubber and without-rubber options. Check the selected product and package contents for rubber, adhesive, and installation requirements.

Is a pocket attachment the same as a pocket platen?

No. The collection lists them as separate products. Confirm whether you need an attachment for an existing pallet or a dedicated platen, then verify working dimensions, fit, and included mounting components.

Can I use any DCC pallet on a Copperhead press?

Do not assume that. The collection separates Pro Mini pallets, Copperhead Series sliding pallets, and sliding pallets for Speedmaster, Infinity, and Intel presses. Match the exact model and mounting interface before ordering.

Is platen protection tape the same as garment-holding adhesive?

Not necessarily. Confirm whether the product protects the board, holds the garment, provides a reusable adhesive surface, or bonds replacement rubber. Use the product specified for the intended task.

Can I return a platen if I order the wrong size or mount?

The reviewed composite and aluminum T-shirt platen pages state that platens are not returnable. Confirm the current terms for the selected product and resolve dimensions, mounting style, and included components before purchasing.