Do you understand the fundamentals of dial indicators? It is essential to understand the following 3 dial indicator concepts: 1. Total Indicator Reading, or TIR, 2. The Validity Rule, and 3. True Position Sensing. Total Indicator Reading I’ll zero my dial indicator at 12, and then roll it 180 degrees to 6:00. It reads 30…
Read More
Back around 1982, when I made my first forays from machinist into mechanical maintenance, I remember hearing about coupling alignment while working at a now-defunct rope factory in North Carolina. I considered myself a decent machinist, although I had little experience beyond technical school. I remember a welder showing me how to align shafts. “Straight…
Read More
Sometimes we get wrapped up in our work. So much so that we forget to take a step back and get the big picture. Whether using dial indicators or a laser alignment tool for shaft alignment, backing up a few feet and taking in the whole system might give you some insight into how to…
Read More
This past week I had the pleasure of teaching a couple hybrid shaft alignment training classes–part of each class was using the rim and face dial indicator method and the other part was using a laser alignment tool. I love these classes because I learn a lot so what nuggets of wisdom was I able…
Read MoreHow do you convert dial indicator specifications to laser alignment specifications? We often ask customers “what is your alignment specification or tolerance that you are trying to achieve?” What we hear most of the time is “zero” or “two thou” or “five thou”…. What we know first is they are using dial indicator values as…
Read More
If you’re working to maintain machines, Acoem USA wants to help.
We’re committed to providing tools, training, and services that will transform your approach to maintenance and reliability.
