a method and an apparatus are disclosed for controlling a motional sequence of a first movable component of a plastic material injection molding machine having a first trajectory spatially overlapping at least partially a second trajectory of a second movable component of the plastic material injection molding machine . motion of the first movable component is initiated depending on an enabling signal indicative for a motional state of the second movable component . the method comprises the steps of : a ) determining a first period of time between a first moment in time when the enabling signal is generated and a second moment in time when the first movable component enters the second trajectory ; b ) determining a second period of time between the first moment in time and a third moment in time when the second movable component leaves the first trajectory ; c ) comparing the first period of time with the second period of time and generating a difference signal therebetween ; and d ) controlling motion of the first movable component as a function of this comparison of the first period of time with the second period of time such that the difference signal is smaller than a predetermined minimum tolerance value .