ABSTRACT
The clamping mechanism provides the force to keep the mold closed during the injection and holding-pressure stages of the machine cycle. Although many variations have existed through the years, there are two basic types of clamping mechanisms used on injection molding machines: hydraulic and hydro-mechanical. Many injection molding machine manufacturers offer both hydraulic and hydro-mechanical machines, and some now provide a fully electrical machine as an option. Each of the two more common clamping mechanisms will be illustrated and explained.
