Meaning
Mechanical locking devices secure the moving plates and core slides of injection molds during shipping, handling, and storage. The installation of a transport latch prevents the tool from opening accidentally and damaging the polished cavity surfaces. This protective hardware is bolted across the parting line before the mold is lifted from the press.
It remains in place until the tool is installed in another machine.
Mold Protection
Severe shock loads occur when heavy steel tools are moved by forklift or overhead crane. With the transport latch secured, the mold halves cannot shift or slide against each other. This stability protects fragile cores, ejector pins, and guide pins from alignment damage.
The tool remains aligned throughout transit.
Process Safety
Rigid clamp structures prevent accidents when technicians set up heavy machinery. Removing the transport latch is the final step before initiating mold movements on the injection press. Leaving it attached during setup can cause severe damage to the machine’s mold height adjusters.
Operators must follow strict checklist procedures to avoid this error.
Hardware Requirements
High-strength steel fasteners must be used to secure these locking plates to the mold base. The design of the transport latch must withstand the weight of the moving side of the tool. This hardware is painted in high-visibility colors to ensure it is noticed.
