Abstract: The technical field of the invention broadly relates to molding systems, and more particularly to a flexible shoe assembly for use in a molding system. The clamp unit of a molding system includes a moving platen and a stationary platen supported by a frame. Tie bars interconnect the moving platen with the stationary platen. The tie bars are secured to the stationary platen and pass through respective openings in the moving platen. Each tie bar is supported and guided within their respective openings by a flexible shoe assembly and wear pad. The flexible shoe assembly has a force redirector for directing force away from a peripheral edge of the wear pad towards a central force area. The flexible shoe assembly also includes a load distributor to distribute the load across the wear pad surface. The flexible shoe assembly includes an upper support that is flexible about a lower support to keep the wear pad in operational contact with the tie bar.

Abstract: Injection molding machine for thermoplastic synthetic synthetic materials, with a substantially C-form frame which is bent open by the closing force generated between the mold halves borne by a stationary and a movable mold platen (6,7), wherein for determining the closing force a distance measuring device (11,13) senses the bending-open of at least one limb of the C-form frame (1).

Abstract: An injection molding machine comprising a substantially C-shaped machine frame, on the one limb (9) of which is mounted a stationary mold mounting plate (2) and on the other limb of which is mounted a closing mechanism for driving a movable mold mounting plate, wherein the free ends of the limbs of the machine frame, which ends are not connected by beam members, deform under the influence of the closing force which occurs during the closing operation, and wherein at least one of the mold mounting plates (2) and/or an end plate carrying the closing mechanism are respectively supported against the closing force at their upper and lower edges, and the lower support of the mold mounting plate(s) (2) or the end plate (3) respectively is formed by a bending pin (10) which extends transversely with respect to the longitudinal direction of the machine.

Abstract: A rotary device (4) for a horizontal injection molding machine for rotating mold portions or molded articles, disposed between the mold mounting plates, about a vertical axis. The invention is further characterized in that the rotary device (40) is supported completely separated from the tie bars (5-8) exclusively on the machine bed (2). The rotary device (4) includes hereby a base plate 914) supported on the machine bed, a rotary table (13) supported on the base plate for rotation about a vertical axis, as well as drive means for turning the rotary table. The base plate (14) has a substantially H-shaped configuration, with the lateral legs (15-18) of the H resting on the machine bed (2). Turning is realized by gear (44) driven by an electric motor or hydraulic motor (49) and meshing in a ring gear (43) on the rotary table (13). The rotary table (13) is mounted on a pivot pin (19) which extends through the base plate (14) and is rotatably supported in addition by a stator (2) arranged below the base plate.

Abstract: A mold clamping apparatusm for an injection molding machine comprises a stationary platen fixedly holding the stationary mold, a movable platen fixedly holding the movable mold and disposed opposite to the stationary platen, tie bars for guiding the movable platen for movement toward and away from the stationary platen, a movable platen driving means for moving the movable platen along the tie bars to close and open the mold, a movable platen fixing means for fixing the movable platen to the tie bars at a set position immediately before a position where the movable mold is joined to the stationary mold, and a clamping force applying means comprising sealed hydraulic cylinder actuators capable of converting energy of a hydraulic fluid into an intensified mold clamping force and of applying the intensified mold clamping force to the stationary platens.

Abstract: There is provided a compact injection molding machine with casters. An injection unit and a mold clamping unit in the compact injection molding machine are disposed longitudinally on a base cabinet which is formed of a tall cabinet with a rectangular top surface. The molding machine can be manually moved and installed by mounting the casters on the bottom of the base cabinet. The inside of the base cabinet is partitioned with partition plates and receives units and devices required for the injection molding of resin. The injection unit and mold clamping unit may use any of oil pressure and electric power as their driving source. In the case of oil pressure, a hydraulic driving circuit and the like are received in the base cabinet, and in the case of electric power, electric servomotors and the like are received in the base cabinet.

Abstract: A mold clamping apparatusm for an injection molding machine comprises a stationary platen fixedly holding the stationary mold, a movable platen fixedly holding the movable mold and disposed opposite to the stationary platen, tie bars for guiding the movable platen for movement toward and away from the stationary platen, a movable platen driving means for moving the movable platen along the tie bars to close and open the mold, a movable platen fixing means for fixing the movable platen to the tie bars at a set position immediately before a position where the movable mold is joined to the stationary mold, and a clamping force applying means comprising sealed hydraulic cylinder actuators capable of converting energy of a hydraulic fluid into an intensified mold clamping force and of applying the intensified mold clamping force to the stationary platens.

Abstract: Injection means for an injection molding machine with a screw (3) for metering plastics, which is mounted in a rotatable manner in a clamping plate (8), which is longitudinally displaceable by means of at least two electrically driven spindles (5), whereby the pressure exerted by the plastics upon the screw (3) is determined by means of at least one sensor (14; 15) which measures the deformation of a connecting ring arranged between a stationary sleeve (9) surrounding the pivot bearing (16) of the screw (3) and the clamping plate (8); the connecting ring is configured as an annular disc (10), the inner edge (11) of which is connected to the sleeve (9) and the outer edge (12) of which is connected to the clamping plate (8).

Abstract: The technical field of the invention broadly relates to molding systems, and more particularly to a flexible shoe assembly for use in a molding system. The clamp unit of a molding system includes a moving platen and a stationary platen supported by a frame. Tie bars interconnect the moving platen with the stationary platen. The tie bars are secured to the stationary platen and pass through respective openings in the moving platen. Each tie bar is supported and guided within their respective openings by a flexible shoe assembly and wear pad. The flexible shoe assembly has a force redirector for directing force away from a peripheral edge of the wear pad towards a central force area. The flexible shoe assembly also includes a load distributor to distribute the load across the wear pad surface. The flexible shoe assembly includes an upper support that is flexible about a lower support to keep the wear pad in operational contact with the tie bar.

Abstract: A ball spline nut is provided in each of tie bar penetrating holes formed in a moving platen constituting a mold clamping mechanism of an injection molding machine. On the other hand, a portion of a tie bar one end of which is fixed to a stationary platen, engaging with the tie bar penetrating hole in the moving platen, is made a ball spline shaft. Since there is no clearance between the ball spline shaft and the ball spline nut engaging therewith, in mold clamping and mold releasing processes, the posture of a movable mold attached to the moving platen with respect to a stationary mold attached to the stationary platen is always kept constant.

Abstract: An injection molding machine capable of easily moving a body of the injection molding machine and its associated peripheral equipments, and eliminating daily correction of the position of the peripheral equipments. A rest (5) having a peripheral-equipment mounting plate (13) is fixed to the body (1) of the injection molding machine, and a robot (17) and a peripheral equipment (18) cooperating with the injection molding machine body (1) are mounted on the plate (13). In moving the injection molding machine body (1) to another location, the robot (17) and the peripheral equipment (18) can be transported together with the injection molding machine body (1). Thus, detachment of the peripheral equipments from the injection molding machine and re-connection of cables and piping become unnecessary, and also the relative positioning does not displaced.

Abstract: An actuator for a press comprises a piston disposed through a small bore diameter high speed actuating cylinder, having a piston head disposed within the actuating cylinder and another piston head disposed within a larger bore diameter hydraulic clamping cylinder to apply the required clamping force to the press.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal mold for producing a synthetic resin molded product, particularly a thermoplastic resin molded product, which is characterized by comprising: a first mold, a sliding mold that is allowed to slide over the entire outer circumferential face or on a portion of said first mold, a second mold having a parting face that is capable of contacting the face of the outer circumference of said sliding mold, and a mechanical clamping mechanism that makes the outer circumferential portion of the said sliding mold mechanically coupled to said second mold, wherein said sliding mold has a sliding direction that is the same as the opening and closing direction of the two molds, that is, the first mold and the second mold, and the sliding face between the first mold and the sliding mold is located inside the outer circumferential line, of a plane projection figure in the opening and closing direction of the metal mold, of a synthetic resin molded product which is molded by the metal mold

Abstract: The technical field of the invention broadly relates to molding systems, and more particularly to a flexible shoe assembly for use in a molding system. The clamp unit of a molding system includes a moving platen and a stationary platen supported by a frame. Tie bars interconnect the moving platen with the stationary platen. The tie bars are secured to the stationary platen and pass through respective openings in the moving platen. Each tie bar is supported and guided within their respective openings by a flexible shoe assembly and wear pad. The flexible shoe assembly has a force redirector for directing force away from a peripheral edge of the wear pad towards a central force area. The flexible shoe assembly also includes a load distributor to distribute the load across the wear pad surface. The flexible shoe assembly includes an upper support that is flexible about a lower support to keep the wear pad in operational contact with the tie bar.

Abstract: An injection molding apparatus for producing formed or molded millwork products includes a workstation supported on a support surface, a lower composite mold/press unit mounted upon the workstation and defining a lower portion of a mold cavity, and upper composite mold/press unit defining an upper portion of the mold cavity, and support members spaced apart from one another along the lower composite unit, movably mounted to the workstation, and extending above the lower composite unit where the support members mount the upper composite unit generally above and for movement toward and away from the lower composite unit. Either of the lower and upper mold/press units can have replaceable plates for different shaped products. The apparatus also includes actuators for the support members and releasable locking mechanisms for the upper composite unit.

Abstract: In a motor-driven-type injection molding machine, large-sized motors (a motor for screw rotation, a motor for screw reciprocation, and a motor for mold clamping) are accommodated in an interior space of a machine base to be located substantially at the center of the machine base with respect to the transverse direction thereof; and each of rotation-transmitted portions provided in an injection apparatus and a mold clamping apparatus is drivingly connected to the corresponding motor via a rotation transmission mechanism comprising a rotation transmission belt. Since the large, heavy motors are accommodated within the interior space of the machine base to be located substantially at the center of the machine base with respect to the transverse direction thereof, the height of the overall center of gravity of the molding machine is lowered, weight balance is improved, and the degree of quietness is improved.

Abstract: A closing unit for an injection moulding machine has a movable closing die and a fixed matching die, as well as several hydraulic cylinders mounted on the fixed matching die to generate the closing force. The closing die has a drawbar for each hydraulic cylinder. The piston of each hydraulic cylinder is mechanically linked to a rotary locking bushing. The drawbars extend through hydraulic cylinders and locking bushings. A servo-drive allows the locking bushings to swivel up to a first and second angular position. First locking elements located along a section of the drawbars cooperate with second locking elements in the locking bushings so that in the first angular position the drawbars may be axially pushed through the hydraulic cylinders and the locking bushings, and in the second angular position the closing force may be transmitted from the hydraulic cylinders to the closing die.

Abstract: A universal mountable and demountable rack-and-pinion structure for a stack mold includes mounting plates affixed to the mold parts and rack-and-pinion mounting elements which are mountable to and demountable from the mounting plates. This arrangement permits the rack and pinion elements first to be mounted in an approximately correct position for the appropriate proportionation of movement within a molding machine. The device includes an adjustment feature which permits the relative distances between the mold parts to be finely adjusted to ensure correct proportionation of movement. The rack-and-pinion structure is interchangeable for various stack molds.

Abstract: A compression apparatus for molding which applies uniform compression force to molten resin, and facilitates downsizing of the overall compression apparatus and attachment of the compression apparatus to a molding machine. Also, an injection compression molding machine and an injection compression molding method which use the compression apparatus for molding are disclosed. The compression apparatus is disposed in the rear of the movable mold of a die of a molding machine in which the movable mold is advanced toward the stationary mold of the die in order to apply compression force to the charged molten resin, to thereby mold the molten resin. The compression apparatus has a function of generating a pressing force for pushing the movable mold toward the stationary mold. The compression apparatus includes first and second slant members and having respective slant faces and in surface contact with each other. The slant members are advanced toward the slant members in order to generate pressing fore.

Abstract: Construction includes a stationary platen and a movable platen movable with respect to the stationary platen from a closed position in clamping engagement with the stationary platen to an open position spaced from the stationary platen. At least two tiebars are provided connecting the stationary platen to the movable platen, and a stroke cylinder within each tiebar operative to move the platens from an open to closed position and from a closed to open position. Clamping means are provided to clamp the platens together in the closed position, and including means carried by the tiebars to engage the clamping means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high pressure injection molding system employing one or more plastic injection molding workstations including split molds, a single plastic extruder coupled to a heated manifold capable of delivering fluid plastic to multiple workstations, and wherein final lockup of the split mold halves results in application of compressive forces effective to maintain the split mold halves in nominal position during high pressure injection molding conditions. Operational movement is performed by use of a single remote pumping station utilizing pressure compensated pumps, accumulators and manifolds. The independent mold workstations allow independent operation while providing efficency of operation for the hydraulic system and extruder system.

Abstract: An injection unit driving device or an mold-clamping unit driving device having a ball screw having a long life. Of the parts of the ball screw, only the balls are subjected to carburizing/nitriding treatment, while the threaded shaft and the nut are subjected to conventional hardening.

Abstract: A closing unit for an injection moulding machine has a movable closing die and a fixed matching die designed as clamping dies for an injection mould, as well as several hydraulic cylinders mounted on the fixed matching die to apply a closing force. A servo-drive allows the drawbars to swivel around their longitudinal axes up to a first and second angular position. A first locking device arranged on the drawbars along a first section A of the drawbars co-operates with second locking device arranged on the movable closing die. In the first angular position of the drawbars, the locking devices allow the movable closing die to move axially with respect to the drawbars, and in a second angular position of the drawbars they transmit the required closing force.

Abstract: Two sets of linear motors are fixed on opposed sides of a molding head driving device. Each linear motor includes a movable slider facing a casing. The linear motor contains a molding head and a magnetic plate facing a molding head. The use of two linear motors cancels out the magnetic attraction between the facing linear motors. A linear roller guide is disposed vertically in a direction perpendicular to the magnetic attraction between the linear motors so that the magnetic attraction from the linear motors does not act on the linear roller guide. In another embodiment, three sets of molding head driving devices are disposed between left and right frames integrally formed projecting from a base to form a molding device. In a further embodiment a pair of double linear motors drives four molding head driving devices. The double linear motors are affixed together by, for example, bolts.

Abstract: A clamping apparatus for a tiebarless injection moulding machine is arranged to absorb all of the clamping forces. The machine has a machine frame supporting a fixed platen and a movable platen which carry mould halves. The movable platen is slidable along linear guide rails as is a force transmission member or second movable platen incorporated in a drive for the movable platen. The drive comprises a hydraulic cylinder and piston unit. A clamping structure has two, parallel clamping frames, each of which is substantially U-shaped so that upstanding clamping arms are defined in each clamping frame. Each clamping arm terminates in a respective force transmission part which has a curved surface and which abuts a respective one of the fixed platen and the second movable platen. When a moulding operation is undertaken, the mould halves carried by the fixed and movable platens are brought into clamping contact.

Abstract: A hydraulic closing unit has a ring-shaped hydraulic cylinder that generates a closing force, a locking bushing, an assisted drive for swivelling the locking bushing from a first angular position to a second angular position, and a pressure bar that extends through the hydraulic cylinder and the locking bushing in the axial direction. Outer teeth on the pressure bar and inner teeth in the locking bushing allow the pressure bar to be axially pushed through the locking bushing in the first angular position of the locking bushing, and an axial force to be transmitted in the second angular position of the locking bushing. The hydraulic cylinder is designed as a double action, ring-shaped compression cylinder. The piston of the hydraulic cylinder is secured against rotation and screwed by a rotary thread into the rotary locking bushing.

Abstract: A two-platen mold-clamping apparatus is provided, which requires neither tie bars nor rear platen, and is thus comprised of a reduced number of components, is easy to maintain, and is low-priced. A plurality of ball nuts are mounted on a movable platen so as to be rotatable but axially immovable relative to the movable platen. The movable platen mounted for reciprocal motion relative to a stationary platen. A respective ball screw is threadedly engaged with each of the ball nuts and each balls screw has an end portion that is fixed to the stationary platen. A motor rotates the ball nuts by means of sprockets and a chain so that the ball nuts and the movable platen are moved toward the stationary platen. The ball screws are moved longitudinally relative to the movable platen so as to generate a mold-clamping force after a mold-touch state has been reached.

Abstract: A runner plate for an injection molding system comprises a plate typically having a plurality of corners, and typically apertures extending through the plate for receiving leader pins of the molding system for support of the plate in the molding system. Also at least a pair of outrigger supports may be provided, the outrigger supports being carried by the plate, each at a different position on the plate, and typically extending diagonally outwardly relative to adjacent plate edges. Also the outrigger support may carry rollers which are positioned to engage tie bars of the mold press for rolling contact therewith and support of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier assembly for supporting the mold center section of a stack mold. The carrier assembly has a pair of mold supports to which the mold center section can be attached. Each mold support is movable along a linear rail attached to the base of a molding machine and has at least one block containing a linear bearing mounted thereto for engaging the linear rail. Each mold support further includes a linkage assembly for connecting the mold support to other platens so as to synchronize movement of each mold support with movement of at least one other platen.

Abstract: A tie-bar less clamping apparatus is intended for use in combination with an injection molding machine. A stationary platen (24) is fixed to a first support section (20B) of a support frame (20), and linear motors (30) are incorporated into the second support section (20C) of the support frame (20). One end of an armature (34) included in each linear motor (30) and having the shape of a rod is connected to a movable platen (28).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved drive system for rotatable members in molding machines. The drive system comprises at least one frameless, brushless electric motor having a stator mounted to the machine and a rotor directly coupled to the rotatable member. Each rotor is coupled to the rotatable member so that the axis of rotation of the rotor is concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member.

Abstract: A horizontal type disk injection mold apparatus having a stationary and a movable mold base, cylindrical cavity molds provided at the center of each base, and a pair of cylindrical guide rings provided concentrically at the outer peripheries of each disk cavity mold, one such guide ring having a female tapered end and the other guide ring having a male tapered end facing and fitting into the female tapered end. One of the guide rings has a plurality of parallel grooves. The other guide ring has a plurality of guide blocks, each such guide block fitting within a parallel groove on the first guide ring. During mold clamping and mold opening, the guide blocks fit into the parallel grooves, ensuring that the disk cavity molds are maintained along the same longitudinal axis during mold opening.

Abstract: A die assembly apparatus is provided with a plurality of die segments that move on guides from open to closed positions. Movement from the open to the closed positions for each die segment is along the path that extends inward toward a central axis and toward a base plate. A compression member provides a retaining force along the central axis to compress the die segments between limited surface areas at the top and bottom portions of the die segments. Molten wax is injected into an injection port so that the molten wax is first introduced into the die cavity at the bottom portion of the die cavity. Hydraulic actuators are used to move the die segments from the open to the closed positions and vice versa.

Abstract: A mold stroke force is applied to the movable platen to move same between the mold open and mold closed position and from the mold closed to the mold open position. A mold break force is applied to the movable platen in the mold closed position to break open the mold. The mold stroke cylinder for applying a mold stroke force acts inside the mold stroke cylinder for applying a mold break force.

Abstract: A tiebar removal method and apparatus for tiebar removal in a two (2) platen injection molding machine wherein some of the tiebars may be removed while others remain in the injection molding machine.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive apparatus uses a single variable speed motor, two one-way clutches, a hydraulic pump stack and a hydraulic accumulator to provide both hydraulic power for linear motion axes and rotation of a driven element of an electromechanical drive system in an injection molding machine. When engaged, the first one-way clutch couples the drive motor to the pump stack, while the second one-way clutch couples the motor to the driven element. During rotation of the drive motor in a forward direction, (a) the first one-way clutch engages, rotating the shaft of the hydraulic pump stack to power the machine's hydraulic systems and charge an accumulator; and (b) the second one-way clutch slips. When the drive motor is rotated in a reverse direction, (a) the second one-way clutch engages, rotating the driven element, and (b) the first one-way clutch slips.

Abstract: A mold press for an electric drive arrangement for controlling opening and closing press movement. The drive arrangement includes a pair of generally identical drive units connected between upper and lower press plates. The drive units in a preferred embodiment each employ a ball-screw arrangement. A screw shaft extends vertically of the press, and engages a ball nut assembly which is mounted on the top press plate for effecting movement thereof toward and away from the bottom press plate. An electric motor is coupled to the screw shafts for effecting high speed opening and closing movement of the top press plate. A force apply device, such as an inflatable hose or bladder, is associated with the bottom press plate to effect application of the desired press closing force.

Abstract: In an injection molding machine for thermoplastic resin, a mold clamping hydraulic circuit is constituted as a hydraulic circuit which can be optionally set to a pressure-free or substantially pressure-free state upon completion of closure of a mold mounted to a clamping unit. A movable mold of the clamping unit can be retracted with a low injection pressure by injecting the molten resin via an injection unit. A nozzle port opening to a space of a mold cavity is closed simultaneously with completion of the charge of predetermined amount of resin, and a mold clamping force at a high pressure is generated on the forward side of the mold clamping unit, thereby producing mold clamping at a predetermined position. Since the mold is in a pressure-free or substantially pressure-free state, the injection pressure may also be low.

Abstract: A molding apparatus comprises a first mold plate positioned between a pair of second mold plates for opening and closing pairs of mold halves. The mold plates carry leader pins which are connected with each other in both the open and the closed position of the molding apparatus, for lateral support of the central first mold plate. Also or alternatively, a mold plate centering system is provided, comprising threaded rods carried by the first, central mold plate and pointing toward the second plates. Internally threaded sleeves are carried by the second plates, with at least a portion of each threaded rod occupying at least a portion of the bore of the internally threaded sleeve and screw threaded relation. Specifically, the threaded rods are joined together and freely rotatable, with the result that the position of the first, central plate is controlled as the respective plates are opened and closed by a moving platen of an injection mold.

Abstract: Stationary and movable platens are provided having mold halves affixed thereto. The movable platen is reciprocatingly moved between a mold open and a mold closed position, and a clamping force is applied to the movable platen in the mold closed position, and a mold break force is applied to the movable platen in the mold closed position. At least one column is provided having a first end affixed to the movable platen, and a threaded rod engages a threaded member which is operatively connected to the column.

Abstract: A molding machine with a movable molding element and at least one stationary molding element and guides to guide the movable molding element relative to the at least one stationary molding element. At least two laser light beam generators are mounted on one of the stationary or movable molding elements, and at least two laser light beam reflectors are mounted on the other of the stationary or movable molding elements at similarly spaced locations in order to receive and reflect a laser beam generated by one of the laser light beam generators.

Abstract: A centering arrangement for controlling relative movement between a series of mold support plates in a stack mold having three or more levels. The centering arrangement uses a plurality of centering devices which are substantially identical, each spanning two mold levels and being connected to three adjacent mold support plates. Each centering device has a shaft generally parallel to an axis of the mold and having an intermediate portion journalled in an intermediate connector to allow rotational movement about a shaft axis, but to restrain relative axial movement between the shaft and the intermediate connector. Helical splines extend from the intermediate portion toward opposite ends of the shaft in oppositely twisting helices. End connectors having cooperating splines engage the splined portions of the shaft and connect the centering device to the outermost of the mold plates to which it is connected.

Abstract: An energy efficient general purpose injection molding employs a hydraulic drive for injection and clamp machine functions and an electric drive for screw recovery. Both drives use AC "squirrel cage" induction motors under vector control. Speed command signals for the vector controls are generated by the machine's controller utilizing state transition and predictive signal techniques to account for motor and motor/pump response latencies. Hydraulic drive efficiency is improved by varying motor speed/pump output to match cycle requirements to retain hydraulic drive advantages for mold clamp and injection functions while improving the electric drive performance for screw recovery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for preventing mold flash. The method broadly comprises the steps of: introducing a fluid under pressure into a mechanism for applying a clamping force such as the clamping cylinder of a piston-cylinder unit; increasing the pressure of the fluid in the clamping force applying mechanism so as to apply a clamping force to the mold; injecting moldable material into the mold; measuring actual pressure in the clamping force applying mechanism; and determining whether the mold is close to blowing open when the moldable material is injected into the mold using the actual measured pressure in the clamping cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stack mold linkages for creating unequal strokes for use in an injection molding machine for making different sized molded parts. The stack mold linkages comprise linkages for moving each of at least two mold assemblies between a mold closed position and a mold open position and for separating the mold halves forming the mold assemblies by unequal stroke lengths.

Abstract: A platen to be operationally coupled to a plurality of tie bars and which is suitable for supporting a mold element in a clamping operation in which the platen is subjected to clamping forces. The platen includes a mold supporting section comprising a mold support member having a mold mounting surface for receiving the mold element. A plurality of tie bar engaging members are spaced apart from the mold supporting section. A flexible interconnecting structure comprises at least one interconnecting element which interconnects at least tie bar engaging member to the mold supporting section. The interconnecting element is placed under tension during the clamping operation to allow the tie bar engaging member to deflect upward relative to the mold supporting section in response to the clamping forces acting against the platen.

Abstract: For the shaping of a microstructure substrate via a mold cavity, an unmolding device allows an abrupt, shear-free separation, in particular at reaction temperature, of the microstructure substrate manufactured using the reaction molding method. Optical waveguide components meeting stringent damping requirements can easily be manufactured with this device.

Abstract: An securing/clamping assembly for clamping platens of an injection molding machine includes a mechanism for guiding the platens and a body member having a structure which is movable as a single unit. The body member is adapted to be attached with at least one of the platens and includes a mechanism for securing the mechanism for guiding and for conveying a clamping force to the platens for clamping the platens during injection molding. The mechanism for securing includes an engagement mechanism for placing the mechanism for securing into and out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding, such that when the engagement a mechanism is out of locking engagement with the mechanism for guiding, the body member and the mechanism for guiding are relatively movable.

Abstract: A clamping assembly for an injection molding apparatus features a double-framed platen unit including a fixed platen, a positioning frame and a clamping frame. Both the positioning and clamping frames are rigidly attached to, or integrally formed with, the fixed platen, but they are otherwise generally mechanically independent of each other. A sliding platen is associated with a linear bearing mounted on the positioning frame so as to be slidable relative to the fixed platen. The clamping frame is configured to receive a drive mechanism for exerting force on the sliding platen towards the fixed platen.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical drive apparatus uses a single variable speed motor, two one-way clutches, and a hydraulic accumulator to provide both hydraulic power for the linear motion axes and rotation of the plasticizing screw in an injection molding machine. When engaged, the first one-way clutch couples the drive motor to the pump stack, while the second one-way clutch couples the motor to the feed screw. During rotation of the drive motor in a forward direction; (a) the first one-way clutch engages, rotating the shaft of the hydraulic pump stack to power the machines hydraulic systems and charge the accumulator; and (b) the second one-way clutch slips. When the drive motor is rotated in a reverse direction, (a) the second one-way clutch engages, rotating the feed screw, and (b) the first one-way clutch slips. Preferably, the drive apparatus is associated with a double shaft motor mounted adjacent separate drive couplings for the feed screw and hydraulic pump stack.