Injection unit positioning apparatus

An apparatus for aligning an outlet of an injection unit with an inlet of a mold mounted between platens of a molding machine, the apparatus comprising:

• a positioning assembly interconnecting the injection unit to the molding machine, the positioning assembly including;
• a first translation assembly configured to engender a first movement of the injection unit outlet along a translation plane, the first translation assembly including a first plate and a projection that extends upward from the first plate, and
• a second translation assembly configured to engender a second movement of the injection unit outlet along the translation plane, the second translation assembly including a second plate having a central opening configured to receive the projection such that the second translation assembly is rotatable around the projection;
• a brake assembly extending between the first translation assembly and the second translation assembly, the brake assembly configured to selectively create a compressive force between the first and second translation assemblies to maintain the position of the injection unit outlet;
• and
• a plurality of biasing members configured to provide an upward force against the second plate from the first plate.