Abstract: A thrust member on column secured to a movable platen of an injection-molding machine, surrounded by a mounting frame with laterally withdrawable shutters which enter behind the thrust member in the terminal phase of a mold-closing stroke for transmitting to the thrust member a supplemental clamping force, is linked with a hydraulically actuated plunger or driving piston via a lost-motion coupling. The clamping force is supplied through one or more annular pistons received in respective cylinder chambers of a stationary housing linked via tie rods with a fixed platen. Upon the release of the clamping force, a counter-vailing hydraulic force is developed between the column and the driving piston, whose forward displacement is limited by a fixed abutment, to break open the mold with a larger hydraulic force.