A platen for use with an injection molding machine includes a body having an opening for receiving a ring protruding from a mold for aligning the body and the mold. The opening includes a tapered recess having a surface extending radially outward from the opening. The tapered recess defines opposed edges along an outer surface of the body, the opposed edges converging in a radially outward direction away from the opening.

Disclosed herein, amongst other things, are structure and steps for positioning a first mold part of a mold on a mold mounting face in an injection molding machine. In particular, the structure and steps may include a positioner that is configured to connect the first mold part to part of the injection molding machine, wherein the positioner is adjustable to position the first mold part across the mold mounting face.

A platen for use with an injection molding machine includes a body having an opening for receiving a ring protruding from a mold for aligning the body and the mold. The opening includes a tapered recess having a surface extending radially outward from the opening. The tapered recess defines opposed edges along an outer surface of the body, the opposed edges converging in a radially outward direction away from the opening.

A mold for use with an injection molding machine includes a body having a surface and a ring protruding from the surface for aligning the body and a platen. The ring defines a right circular cylinder having a protruding end, the protruding end having subtracted therefrom a generally wedge-shaped portion, the protruding end forming a tapered end.

Disclosed herein, amongst other things, are structure and steps for positioning a first mold part of a mold on a mold mounting face in an injection molding machine. In particular, the structure and steps may include a positioner that is configured to connect the first mold part to part of the injection molding machine, wherein the positioner is adjustable to position the first mold part across the mold mounting face.

A mold tool has a first mold part with a first side forming a first surface, a nozzle exposed on the first side of the first mold part, and a locating ring mounted to the first mold part. The ring has a body of a metal material and a guard of a material softer than the metal material. The body has a ring shape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a central opening concentric with a center axis, a mounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face. The guard is connected to the body radially within the perimeter surface and projects axially beyond the locating face. The locating ring surrounds and exposes the nozzle. The locating ring can be mounted to the first mold part. A second mold part can be arranged in proximity to the first mold part and have a locating hole in a second surface. The mold parts can be moved toward one another until the guard contacts the second surface or enters the locating hole. The mold parts can be repositioned relative to one another until the guard and the perimeter surface align with the locating hole and then can be moved further toward one another until the locating ring seats in the locating hole and the first and second surfaces engage one another.

A mold safety strap and method of use for securing two mold halves together. The safety strap includes an elongated strap body including two side walls extending between a first end and a second end, and an elongated central opening disposed between the two side walls. The first end is connectable to a first of the mold halves and the second end is connectable to a second of the mold halves. An intended break point is formed in a least one of the two side walls. The break point is frangible at a predetermined breaking strain value. The safety strap is sacrificial and intended to break if left on the mold during use, and at a straining force less than required to shear off the attachment bolts.