Laser axis alignment is a very effective way to maintain industrial rotating machinery. Misalignment occurs when the rotation center lines of two or more mechanical shafts are not aligned with each other. Laser axis alignment is a natural complement to vibration analysis.
Correctly aligning the shaft can eliminate one of the main causes of vibration in rotating machinery, and can greatly extend the life of the bearing. Using the most advanced laser measuring system, the technician will measure and align the coupling, universal joint and belt. The U.S. Department of Energy's Industrial Technology Program (ITP) aims to improve energy efficiency and recommends annual inspections of shaft alignment in production critical equipment.
It has been observed that performing coupling alignment as planned will result in longer machine life and higher execution efficiency Large motors can be directly, rigidly coupled or flexibly coupled. Rigid couplings cannot compensate for any misalignment of the motor to the drive equipment, while flexible couplings can withstand a small amount of misalignment. ITP recommends that the parallel offset alignment tolerance should not exceed 2 mils Drive Axle at 1200 rpm and 0.75 mils at 3600 rpm. Due to excessive centering, even flexible couplings can cause premature failure of bearings, seals or couplings.
Other effects include loosening the anchor bolts and connecting bolts. Qualified technicians can detect this "soft foot" condition. When the motor drive shaft and the driven device are at a certain angle, the laser shaft alignment can prevent angular misalignment. It can also prevent parallel misalignment when the two axes are offset vertically or horizontally, moved to the left or right or positioned at different heights.
