Injection molding machine having a platen for uniform distribution of clamping forces

A mold support platen adapted to be slidably carried on at least one rail of an injection molding machine, said platen comprising:

• a substantially rectangular front face specifically adapted to carry a mold half;
• a back face parallel to and spaced from said front face specifically adapted to interface with at least one clamp, said clamp configured to produce a clamping force substantially in the center of said back face and applying a force substantially perpendicular to said front face;
• a wall having a predetermined thickness and height protruding rearward from the periphery of said front face;
• a plurality of spaced apart ribs extending in a predetermined pattern between and interconnecting each of said back face, said wall and said front face, wherein said force from said clamp is substantially uniformly transmitted from said back face to said front face thereby creating a uniform sealing pressure distribution during clamp-up.