Molding machine and system for accomodating a plurality of such machines

An injection molding machine including means for injecting thermoplastic material into a mold cavity defined by at least two mold components, which components are capable of being placed in preloaded, clamped abutting relationship means for producing relative movement and preloading of said mold components, said means comprising a first stationary platen for accomodating one of a pair of mold components, and a second, relatively movable platen for accomodating the other of a pair of mold components, said second relatively movable platen comprising, a forward plate member and rearward plate member, means for fixing the position of the rearward plate member, resilient diaphragm means interposed intermediate said forward and said rearward plate member, said resilient diaphragm means providing a diaphragm chamber and means for pressurizing said diaphragm chamber with a fluid medium to expand said resilient diaphragm means, and to force said forward plate member away from said fixed rearward plate member and toward said stationary platen, such that the abutting mold components carried by said first and second platens will be brought into clamped, preloaded relation preparatory to the injection of thermoplastic material as a step in the molding process the resiliency of said diaphragm means serving to aid in the expelling of the fluid medium from said diaphragm chamber.