Abstract: A mold closing device for an injection molding machine for plastics includes a movable tool clamping plate having a first side opposedly oriented to a fixed tool clamping plate for cooperatively mating tool halves with the fixed tool clamping plate and having a second side distal from the fixed tool clamping plate. The movable tool clamping plate is mounted on a machine slide connected to a first and second guide shoe for traversing in an axial direction two guide rails associated with a respective edge of the movable tool clamping plate. The mold closing device also includes two bending elements. Each of the two bending elements connects a corner of the second side of the movable tool clamping plate to a guide shoe that is cooperating with one of the at least two guide rails. Each bending element is rigid perpendicular to the respective guide rail and includes a bending region that has a predeterminable elasticity in the axial direction to absorb a closing force.

Abstract: A mold closing device for an injection molding machine for plastics includes a movable tool clamping plate having a first side opposedly oriented to a fixed tool clamping plate for cooperatively mating tool halves with the fixed tool clamping plate and having a second side distal from the fixed tool clamping plate. The movable tool clamping plate is mounted on a machine slide connected to a first and second guide shoe for traversing in an axial direction two guide rails associated with a respective edge of the movable tool clamping plate. The mold closing device also includes two bending elements. Each of the two bending elements connects a corner of the second side of the movable tool clamping plate to a guide shoe that is cooperating with one of the at least two guide rails. Each bending element is rigid perpendicular to the respective guide rail and includes a bending region that has a predeterminable elasticity in the axial direction to absorb a closing force.