In one embodiment, a vertical mold clamping apparatus includes a fixed platen, a turntable placed on the fixed platen, and a plate which is provided between the fixed platen and the turntable and supports the turntable so as to be rotatable, and a lubricant is supplied from a lateral side of the plate to an upper surface of the plate that faces a lower surface of the turntable.

A drive unit for a molding machine for longitudinally displacing a movable first machine component relative to a second machine component, includes a rotationally drivable spindle mounted in a linear movement-locking manner on the second machine component, a spindle nut arranged in a rotational movement-locking manner on the first machine component for positive-locking engagement with the spindle, and a fluid chamber which at least adjoins the spindle and/or the spindle nut, and contains a lubricant. A temperature control element for controlling the temperature of the lubricant is arranged in and/or on the fluid chamber at least in areas.

A drive unit for a molding machine for longitudinally displacing a movable first machine component relative to a second machine component, includes a rotationally drivable spindle mounted in a linear movement-locking manner on the second machine component, a spindle nut arranged in a rotational movement-locking manner on the first machine component for positive-locking engagement with the spindle, and a fluid chamber which at least adjoins the spindle and/or the spindle nut, and contains a lubricant. A temperature control element for controlling the temperature of the lubricant is arranged in and/or on the fluid chamber at least in areas.

A mold clamping device includes two mold platens; a plurality of ball screw mechanisms connecting the mold platens to each other; and a plurality of servo motors configured to drive the respective ball screw mechanisms. Each of ball screws respectively configuring the plurality of ball screw mechanisms is provided with a cover which covers at least a part of the corresponding ball screw between the two mold platens.