An apparatus for aligning an outlet of an injection unit with an inlet of a mold mounted between platens of a molding machine includes a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine. The positioning assembly includes a first translation assembly configured to engender a first movement of the injection unit outlet along a translation plane, and a second translation assembly configured to engender a second movement of the injection unit outlet along the translation plane. The positioning assembly further includes a brake assembly extending between the first translation assembly and the second translation assembly. The brake assembly is configured to selectively create a compressive force between the first and second translation assemblies to maintain the position of the injection unit outlet.