The method of clamping mold bases with flanges from 29/32" down to 1/2" can be seen on the Adjustable Mold Clamp Installation Options page. The 3-5/8" long hold down bolt (B8) allows ample thread holding power. Where the mold clamping flange is 29/32" or more (up to 2") use a longer bolt (B10 or B11) 4-3/16". For mold flanges thicker than 2", special bolts are required to avoid stripping platen hole threads. Ask for prices.

About Model FO5 and FO7 Mold Clamps
Open Toe Mold Clamps are designed for use on injection molds where clamps are slipped off the bolts during mold changes. Closed toe clamps on the other hand, allow the clamp to hang safely on the bolt during mold changes. Specify Closed Toe (Model FC5 and FC7) where set-up men follow this practice.

IMS Model FO5 and FO7 mold clamps are designed for use with full strength hold down bolts with 5/8"-11 or 3/4"-10 threads and preferably with IMS Forged No-Turn Washers.

Bolts B7 and B8, 3-5/8" long and B10 or B11, 4-3/16" long are expressly made to cover these clamps when used with any mold flange 1/2" to 2" thick.

DO

1. Use Model FO5 and FO7 clamps without the adjusting bolt, heel down on all 29/32" standard flanges.
2. Use the anti-spread, forged, no-turn washer, as the is grips the clamp toes and prevents any possibility of deforming the clamp as happens with cheaper, open toe, machine types which should NOT be used on injection molds.
3. Select the right bolt length to avoid stripping platen hole threads. (See Mold Clamps 101).
4. Use a torque wrench to avoid spoiling platen hole threads.
5. Set the adjusting screw height properly. The clamp should be exactly parallel to the platen and the adjusting screw head should be flat on the platen to avoid marring the die plate surface.
6. use some type of lubricant on platen bolt holes such as IMS copper Flake.

DO NOT

1. Do NOT allow mold set-up men to use soft steel, round washers on open toe clamps of any type.
2. Do NOT clamp flanges thicker than 2" without using the proper length bolts. you can order special-length hold down bolts from IMS when necessary.
3. Do NOT fail to check thread engagement length on all adjustable mold clamps.