Abstract: A mold apparatus provides a movable mold module which includes movable tie rods which are extendable and retractable with respect to the movable mold module of the mold apparatus, such that the tie rods may initially be removed from a gap between the platens of the mold apparatus when the platens have been separated. Preferably, the tie rod assemblies are movably mounted to the movable carriage or module, which also moves the injection machine and movable platen along a base toward and away from the fixed platen and corresponding mold part. Additionally, the tie rods may be extended relative to the movable platen as the platen is moved toward the fixed platen, such that the tie rods engage a locking member on the fixed platen to lock the platens relative to one another during the molding process. The tie rods are rotatable via a rotational device mounted at the movable platen, to rotate the tie rods and lock the tie rods to the locking member at the fixed platen.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for producing large injection molded products and producing high tonnage injection molding apparatus utilizing tie rods interposed between the mold part supporting platens, the tie rods being removed from proximity to the mold parts upon the mold parts being opened to facilitate removal of large parts from the mold, and to facilitate mold part setup and installation. The tie rods are axially displaceable with respect to both mold part supporting platens and selectively locked and released from the platens during each molding cycle.

Abstract: A mold closing assembly having two platen supporting bodies or turrets mounted on a base to pivot in a generally horizontal plane about two vertical pivot axes. At least one platen reciprocates linearly to clamp the mold sections together, and a tie bar extends above the two turrets between the pivot points. Preferably the mold closing assembly has a modular construction.