Patent ID: 9579835
Date: 2017-02-28
CPC Classifications: B29C,F16B,Y10T

Claim:
1. A method of aligning parts of a molding machine, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a locating ring having a metal body and a guard formed of a material softer than the metal of the body, the metal body having a ring shape, a perimeter surface facing radially outward, a center axis, a mounting face, and a locating face opposite the mounting face, the guard connected to the body radially within the perimeter surface and projecting axially beyond the locating face; mounting the locating ring to a first side of a first mold part, the first mold part having a first surface on the first side; arranging a second mold part and the first mold part in proximity to one another, the second mold part having a second surface with a locating hole therein; moving the first and second surfaces of the first and second mold parts toward one another until the guard contacts the second surface or enters the locating hole; repositioning the first and second mold parts relative to one another as needed until the guard and the perimeter wall align with the locating hole; and further moving the first and second mold parts toward one another until the locating ring seats in the locating hole and the first and second surfaces engage one another.