The Mechanical Advantage explains how the large clamping force is generated, but maintaining that force throughout the injection cycle is accomplished by the tie rods that connect the side plates (shown at right). When the carriage cylinder forces the mold in the clamping shoes, it forces the shoes apart slightly (WHITE vector forces). This stretches the tie rods, creating a tension much like a spring, which presses back against the mold (RED vector forces). After the injection cycle is finished, the carriage (or plunger) retracts and pulls the ejector rods up, fully ejecting the mold from the “V” slot.