Abstract: A mold apparatus for producing a molded article by injection molding includes (a) a base plate for mounting to a platen of an injection molding machine; and (b) a core plate movably coupled to the base plate and axially translatable relative to the base plate between a plate advanced position and a plate retracted position. A method of resetting the core plate includes energizing a mechanical actuator in a retraction direction to exert a retraction force against the core plate and axially translate the core plate relative to a base plate from the plate advanced (molded part ejection) position to a plate retracted (mold injection) position; and then, prior to applying clamping tonnage, relieving the retraction force to axially unload the mechanical actuator, wherein the actuator is isolated from axial force exerted across the mold during application of the clamping tonnage.

Abstract: A mold apparatus for producing a molded article by injection molding includes (a) a base plate for mounting to a platen of an injection molding machine; (b) a core plate movably coupled to the base plate and axially translatable relative to the base plate between a plate advanced position and a plate retracted position; (c) a lead screw rotatably supported by, and axially fixed relative to, the base plate; and (d) a lead nut coupled to the lead screw and rotationally fixed relative to the core plate. The lead nut is translatable in response to rotation of the lead screw between a first and a second abutment surface fixed relative to the core plate. The lead nut alternately bears against the first abutment surface for moving the core plate to the plate advanced position and the second abutment surface for moving the core plate to the plate retracted position.