Patent ID: 7729788

Claim:
A method for positioning an element of a machine, comprising: generating a setpoint position variable by a reference variable generation unit such that an element is slowed down with a predetermined deceleration; reducing the setpoint position variable based upon a limit variable, wherein a modified setpoint position variable is formed, wherein the limit variable is a force-limiting variable or a pressure-limiting variable, wherein a limit controller limits a force or pressure value; forwarding the modified setpoint position as a setpoint variable to a controller for positioning the element, wherein the element is a part of a plastic machine or a press; determining an expected setpoint position variable based upon the modified setpoint position variable using an extrapolation; determining a braking distance of the element based upon the expected setpoint position variable; and initiating a braking process of the element, when the braking distance corresponds to a target location reduced by the expected setpoint position variable, wherein the element stops at the required target location.