Abstract: Process for making a press platen heatable by a fluid medium whereby in a steel plate a plurality of heating channels running parallel to each other are drilled in one direction and the heating channels are connected according to a predetermined flow pattern for the fluid medium to collecting channels and return channels running transversely with respect to the heating channels. First, the return or collecting channels are drilled. In the return or collecting channels, cores with a predetermined fit are inserted. After that, the heating channels are drilled and thereby the cores inserted in the return or collecting channels are drilled through. Subsequently, the drilled cores are extracted and outside the steel plate the cores of the return channels are provided with deflectingly shaped elements and optionally with plugs. Finally, the cores equipped with the deflecting elements, as well as optionally with plugs, are inserted again in the assigned return channels.