5/13/2018 How to Align Machines - OASIS Alignment Services

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How to Align Machines – Shaft Alignment

by Hubert Meagher on April 17, 2013 in Industry Knowledge

This is the first in our “How to Align Machines” series. This post deals with shaft alignment.

In industry, the requirements for alignment are numerous. From shaft alignment to satellite antenna alignment to roll alignment, engineers and technicians benefit from
a wide range of technologies and methods to accomplish their measurement and alignment needs.

Shaft Alignment
One very common application in industry is coupling or shaft alignment. For maintenance and economical
purposes, it would be very impractical for a pump and motor to be constructed using a common shaft.
Motors (or the driving side of a propulsion system) are usually self-contained and easily replaceable.
However, that leaves a joint in the drivetrain.

If the alignment between the components was perfect to begin with and remained perfect during the life of
the components, then there would be no issue. However, when misalignment exists, a rigid coupling is
extremely susceptible to fatigue failure due to the high number of cycles of bending imparted on the shafts.
For this reason, flexible couplings are normally used between machine components.

Couplings are mechanical devices with moving parts that are activated with every cycle. Depending on the
type of coupling (usually determined by the speed and loading requirements), tolerances can vary
dramatically. Some couplings are more forgiving in the radial direction while others can take more angular
misalignment. Generally speaking, the greater the misalignment, the greater the movements of the parts
within the coupling will be and hence the greater the wear will be. Types of shaft alignment.

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Coupling alignment results using Fixturlaser XA laser

shaft alignment system.

So it stands to reason that the better the alignment, the longer the coupling life. Although couplings exist to reduce the need for perfect alignment, for the most part it
is critical for the driver and the driven within machine drives to be aligned to ensure coupling life. Coupling alignment can be achieved in many ways using several
different techniques, including mechanical, optical, and laser. Mechanical methods, using dial indicators, parallel bars, and feeler gauges are battle tested and proven.

Coupling alignment by mechanical methods.

However, they rely 100% on human interpretation of the data and can be time-consuming. Optical methods are often used when components are separated by guards
and/or large distances, or large offsets are involved (as with universal joint type shafts). Optical methods require a certain expertise and depend 100% on humans to
interpret the data and calculate the alignments. Today, laser shaft alignment systems are most often used to align different types of industrial shaft and drive systems.
Operators only need to enter geometric parameters and typically partially rotate the components to allow the computer to calculate the alignment and corrective
parameters.

Check back for more posts in this “How to Align Machines” series.

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Want to learn more?

This post is an excerpt from our Machine Alignment Handbook. Download the entire handbook!

About Hubert Meagher

Hubert Meagher, B. Eng, spent many years in the field as an Alignment Engineer specializing in precision measurement prior to his role
as Director of Metrology Services at OASIS Alignment Services (OASIS). He is an expert in using both optical tooling and portable
metrology tools in manufacturing facilities. Mr. Meagher was instrumental in researching and developing the 3-Dimensional Metrology
Services segment of OASIS and has been heavily involved with testing the use of laser trackers, coordinate measuring arms and laser
scanners in industrial environments.
View all posts by Hubert Meagher →

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One Response to How to Align Machines – Shaft Alignment

Huseyin Demirel January 4, 2017 at 3:03 am #

Dear Sir,
I read your very informative article for alignment. I have a question please.

What is your recommendation for piping connection and correction of pipe strain?

Is elimination of pipe strain precondition of alignment or can be done after the final alignment?

I will appreciate your feedback please.

B.Regards

REPLY

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