Shaft Alignment

Shaft alignment is must-do maintenance; and easier to do with some methods than with others.

Shaft Alignment Applications

If there is one thing most manufacturing processes have in common today, it is the presence of rotating machines at critical stages of production. Drivers can be electric, internal combustion, or gas, steam, or hydro ››turbines. Power transmission can be by belt, cardan shaft, or coupled shafts. Driven devices can be gearboxes, generators, fans, pumps, rollers - any component that has a job to do and requires kinetic energy of another rotating shaft to turn its own. Such machines depend on correct alignment for optimal operation.

From the problem of shaft misalignment comes many more

A misaligned machine generates harmful forces across the point of power transmission. Higher than normal vibration is the result - and it can bring about all of the following.

• Extreme radial and axial vibrations
• Leaking shaft seals
• Hot couplings
• Loosened coupling bolts
• High casing temperature at or near bearings
• Oil leakage at bearing seals
• High oil temperature
• Premature bearing failure
• Loose or broken foundation bolts
• Cracked shafts
• Broken shafts

With the benefit of shaft alignment comes many others

Shaft alignment puts two coupled shafts on the same centerline, giving them a common rotational axis. Shafts in alignment do not transmit unnecessary force across the ››coupling - alignment or misalignment is measured at the coupling - and thus do not vibrate excessively as they would if misaligned. Given the huge costs in repair and production loss due to misalignment, a ››preventive maintenance program built around regular alignments goes a long way to preventing stoppages due to breakdowns.

• Greatly reduced vibration levels
• Increased meantime between failures
• Reduced maintenance and parts inventory costs
• Reduced energy consumption
• Increased production quantity
• Increased production quality

Determining the need for alignment involves multiple factors

Alignment tolerances specify how near shaft centerlines ought to be to operate with collinearity. Tolerances are offset and angular. Accuracy to 0.0005 inch is considered precision alignment. The degree of precision required depends to some extent on operating speed. Coupling type is an important factor, too. Non-segmented elastomer boot couplings vibrate slightly less than gear or jaw couplings in states of misalignment - but no coupling can prevent damage from misalignment vibration left uncorrected. In the end, operating speed, thermal movement, spacing and coupling type must be considered together in evaluating alignment needs when using any precision alignment method.

Shaft alignment equipment can be complex and time-consuming to operate
Or not.....

If all proven shaft alignment methods get the job done, the question becomes one of a given method's shortcomings versus its advantages. The conventional methods of straight edge and feeler gauges can achieve adequate alignments for applications with looser tolerances where precision alignment, in its truest sense, is not required. Dial gauges can achieve precision alignment in the hands of an experienced user but, as mechanical devices with inherently lower resolution, can be difficult to manipulate in cramped, poorly lit areas. Today's modern shaft alignment systems are laser-based and unfailingly accurate. All complete measurements and alignment in a fraction of the time conventional methods require. And some are also extremely easy to learn and use.

Laser technology and shaft alignment software deliver huge advantages

Today's modern ››laser alignment system performs alignment faster and with greater accuracy than ever before. Their software includes extensive tools for pre-alignment checks, such as softfoot conditions, to ensure the best possible alignment conditions. During measurements and alignment, these systems prevent math errors and other common mistakes. Displays give instant feedback in animated graphics that are unmistakably clear in showing the direction for any correcting moves.

Fixturlaser services from VibrAlign in the USA include the following:

As ››Fixturlaser's North American distributor for the USA, VibrAlign provides the full range of Fixturlaser systems for vertical, horizontal, offset and machine train alignments and measuring dynamic movements - all known the world over for being easy and quick to learn and use. VibrAlign provides:

• Quotations for Fixturlaser Laser Alignment systems
• Spare replacements for existing Fixturlaser systems
• Repair and calibration handling for Fixturlaser systems
• Training services for all Fixturlaser systems
• Product demonstrations of the XA and GO system
• Technical Support for all Fixturlaser systems

VibrAlign engineers and measurement technicians are carefully selected and certified by Fixturlaser's training institute.

For further information on Fixturlaser systems from VibrAlign

VibrAlign can assist your company in all its shaft alignment needs. For further information, product brochures, or to arrange onsite alignment of plant machinery, please ››contact VibrAlign at 800-394-3279 or info@vibralign.com.