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The most common method is to use a set of inside micrometers to measure the distance between the platens. Before you do this, you should first remove the mold, clean the platens, and use a straight edge to determine corresponding areas on the stationary and movable platen which are flat. Next, install a mold which covers at least 2/3 of the distance of the tie bars. Lastly, measure the parallelism of the platens (at each corner) when the mold is opened, closed, and under full tonnage. This will provide you with a great detail of information regarding the parallelism of the platens, the linearity of platen movement, and possible tie bar stretch.

The best method of measuring the parallelism is to use a laser system. These systems use a laser mounted perpendicular to the movable platen and a detector on the stationary platen. These systems are connected to a computer which will collect data and analyse the parallelism and linearity of movement during mold closing, and clamping. This data will give you great specific information regarding parallelism, angles, twist, and movement.

-Andy

The most common method is to place a level on the tie bars as well as across the tie bars to level each side of the machine using the adjustable feet. Many molders neglect to check both the top an bottom tie bars as well as the levelness across the tie bars. When doing this, it is worth while to purchase or rent a laser level specifically for tie bar leveling.  

The most effectiveness methods is to use a rotating laser positioned and leveled on the floor. In this method, two sensors are placed on each of the two bottom tie bars to measure the levelness of each corner. In this case, the whole clamp area can be leveled with a high degree of accuracy. After the bottom tie bars are leveled, the top tie bars should be checked in the same manner. Since these systems tend to be expensive, many molders will rent the levels or hire an expert to come in for a couple days to help level the molding machines properly.

Since the machines are unlikely to be properly leveled, it is important to measure this once every three months for the first year to ensure the machines can maintain levelness and are not ‘walking’.

For a related post, please feel free to read: Remedy For A Walking Machine

-Andy