A mold clamping system for clamping a first mold component to a second mold component in a continuous casting machine includes a tensioning rod that is connected to the first mold component, a support frame that is connected to the second mold component and a load cell member that has an inner portion, an outer portion and a force measuring mechanism for measuring the amount of axial force that is transmitted between the inner and outer portions. The inner portion is secured to the tensioning rod, and the outer portion is acted upon by a compression spring that is interposed between the support frame and the outer portion of the load cell member. In order to permit adjustment of the clamping force, the system also includes anti-biasing structure that is positioned to apply force to the outer portion of the load cell member for countervailing the biasing of the compression spring. This system permits an accurate measurement of the tensioning force that is applied to the mold part through the tensioning rod regardless of the amount of anti-biasing force that is being used.
