Sliding Feet

The sliding feet mechanism for the moving platen is an auxiliary device used to support the moving platen and ensure that the four tie bars do not bend. If this device is adjusted too tightly, it will increase the load during mold adjustment, making mold adjustment difficult. If it is too loose, it will fail to protect the tie bars from bending. Therefore, this device has been adjusted to the optimal level before the machine leaves the factory. New machines do not require adjustment, but after a period of operation, it is necessary to check whether it has become loose. If loosening is detected, adjustment is required.

Sliding Feet for Small Machines

Adjustment of the Mechanical Sliding Feet for the Moving Platen on Small Machines

Adjustable wedge-type sliding feet are installed under the moving platen. Before adjustment, first level the track of the clamping section, then remove the mold. Press the mold-closing action key to straighten the linkage mechanism, loosen the two hex socket screws on the sliding feet, and symmetrically adjust the hex socket screws on each sliding foot to ensure equal movement of the lower wedges on each sliding foot. Measure each point and calibrate the actual value using an external micrometer (0.02-grade vernier caliper) to ensure equal values at all points. Then press the mold adjustment key to observe the system pressure during mold thickness adjustment and whether the moving platen operates smoothly. Once adjusted appropriately, reinstall the mold and test until satisfactory results are achieved. Finally, tighten the hex socket screws.

Steel gaskets are installed under the lower wedges of the sliding feet. After approximately three years, the copper gaskets may wear out and should be replaced promptly.

Sliding Feet for Large Machines

Adjustment of the Hydraulic Support Sliding Feet System for the Moving Platen on Large and Medium Machines

Large and medium machines use a hydraulic support sliding feet system for the moving platen, employing two sets of sliding feet (four plunger cylinders for medium machines and six plunger cylinders for large machines) to support the platen under equal pressure. This minimizes the bending moment on the tie bars, ensuring they remain horizontal. Adjusting the optimal support pressure and maintaining a certain inflation pressure helps improve the performance of the clamping unit.

Support pressure adjustment involves adjusting the pressure of the pressure relay, typically within a range of 2–6 MPa. Adjust within this range based on the mold weight until the tie bars are horizontal. The pressure relay and overflow valve are installed on the side of the moving platen on the operation side, accompanied by a pressure gauge. To adjust, rotate the pressure relay adjustment knob clockwise to increase the pressure. Once the required pressure is reached, release the adjustment knob. If the pressure is too high, rotate the adjustment knob counterclockwise while loosening the overflow valve adjustment handle on the accumulator to reduce the pressure below the required level. Then tighten the overflow valve adjustment handle on the accumulator and rotate the pressure relay adjustment knob clockwise again to increase the pressure to the required level. Finally, release the adjustment knob.

To increase the support pressure, the machine should be in manual operation mode, and the system pressure should be higher than the required pressure. This pressure has been adjusted to the optimal level at the factory. Unless under special circumstances, avoid arbitrary adjustments.