[Mark Roberts]

Hello, I am in need of a means to align two mold halves. Each mold consists of two half of an aluminum box, and a cast in place rubber component that forms the part itself; confused? Once the rubber is cast into the box it is supposed to stay with the assembly to form a set. Each 1/2 box and rubber component is held to another box and rubber assembly via four draw latches. Together, they complete the mold. More confused? Although the rubber itself has locating features to align the halves, there is a desire to align the boxes better than they are currently; as mentioned, the only means for alignment are the draw latches. The thought was to install locator pins and bushings on the mating faces of the aluminum boxes, and then pour the rubber; with that everything should be in alignment. Due to the fact that these molds are thermally cycled (-25 c to 85 F), I don't think that the press fit pins/bushings would hold up, hense the thought of threaded units. I have found one source for threaded units, but they are a little on the large side; they are 3/8"-24 male thread, and the wall of my boxes are 1/2"; close.
Any help would be appreciated.

[RomanLini]

Throw away the draw latches and hold the boxes together and in alignment with countersunk screws.

[Chip Soles]

First, start with the assumption that the outside walls on both halves are in alignment, as a mold base should be. Then bolt plates to the "pin" half, which
extend past the mold face/part line. They would have a beveled lead in to pass the opposite mold half. Guide pins can be mounted to blocks, bolted and
doweled to the 1/2" retainer walls. It would be better if they were backed up
by the platten. When heat is involved, clearances are critical, along with adequate high-temp lubrication.
Have fun!