Soleplate refers to the metal plate on the bottom of an iron that comes in direct contact with the fabric. There are several synonyms for soleplate depending on the region and industry. In the UK, soleplate is often referred to as the baseplate or iron plate. In the textile industry, this part is called a heated platen or pressing plate. Some other synonyms include bottom plate, hotplate, and steam plate. Different types of irons, such as steam irons or industrial irons, may have varying soleplate materials, like ceramic or stainless steel, or different shapes, such as curved or tapered. Overall, while it may be called by different names, the soleplate remains an essential component of any iron.