 Machine Alignment
Machine alignment is about machine efficiency.
Machine Alignment in Industry
In industry after industry, critical machines in the production process require precise alignment to perform to specs. Machines drive pumps, fans, gearboxes, blenders, transportation systems and more - and in every installation are among the most critical of components.
Nearly 50% of all breakdowns in rotating machines occur due to misalignment. During these breakdowns, 100% of production is lost. So an investment in machine alignment - whether in ››laser alignment tools or machine alignment services from a reliable provider - can be qualified in uptime minutes. And make payback time short.
Laser Alignment of horizontally mounted machines
The most common kind of shaft alignment occurs in horizontally mounted machines. With a precision laser alignment tool, such as the ››Fixturlaser XA™ Laser Alignment System from VibrAlign, this alignment can be done quickly and easily and with great precision.
Every precision alignment begins with important pre-alignment tasks to ensure the best possible alignment conditions. To perform these, Fixturlaser alignment systems include a complete set of built-in software tools that take the user through every measurement required to perform an accurate alignment.
The softfoot program, for example, helps ensure a repeatable machine base from one alignment to the next. Softfoot, which is when machine feet do not rest firmly on base plates, can occur in different forms. The program guides the user through detecting any kind of softfoot problem, which can then be corrected by adding shims, a metal wedge, or by changing the angle of the foot itself.
With pre-alignment tasks complete, alignment can be performed. The tri-point method provides three readings to determine the machine position quickly and easily. With all three readings registered, the result displays instantly.
The result-screen shows the motor's current foot positions, angular error and parallel offset - and thus advises the necessary adjustments required for alignment.
Machine Laser Alignment of vertically mounted machines
Calculating the correction values of ››vertical machines, typically mounted with bolts on a flange (as opposed to feet), is a different process. The number of bolts on a circular flange can differ from one vertical machine to the next. The Fixturlaser XA system displays results for the position of each bolt, which can then be corrected by adjustments or shimming as individually necessary.
Laser Alignment of offset-mounted machines
That cardan-shaft machines - two machines connected by an angled coupling because they are not in line - do not require alignment is false. They do. A misaligned cardan-shaft rotates with an uneven angular speed over the full circumference of each turn, thereby generating harmful vibrations throughout the drive chain. Misaligned cardan shafts pose risks similar to other misaligned machines, including the real potential of breakage.
The Fixturlaser XA system combined with its Cardan-shaft Extension FixtureXA and OffsetXA Software make alignment of offset-mounted machines easy, quick and error-free - and a smart investment compared to the costs of replacing a broken cardan shaft.
Benefits of cardan-shaft Alignment
- Minimized risk for cardan-shaft breakdown
- Reduced wear on gearboxes, bearings and cardan joints
- Complete documentation of measurement results
Machine Tool Alignment
It's a fallacy that accurate linear positioning alone ensures the production of quality parts. Other measurements must come first - surface flatness, straightness, squareness and parallelism - before checking linear positioning and calibrating machine tools. Without the measurements, consistency and production rates of parts pay the price.
Performing all of these ››alignment measurements used to take inordinate time and meant lost production. No longer. Whether a machine tool mills, bores, lathes or grinds, the Fixturlaser XA system can align it in a fraction of the time conventional methods would require. What's more, it's alignment so precise that tools cut better parts, waste less material, and produce more. The Fixturlaser XA system turns regular alignment from a thing to be avoided into the smart thing to do.
Machine Train Alignment made quicker and easier
A machine train, with its multiple drive units, is among the most critical parts of any production process. It's more costly to production when it goes down and more expensive to get back up. Its three or more units with rotating shafts connected to one another make determining the reference machine for alignment problematic, especially when one or more are affected by thermal growth.
Fixturlaser Machine TrainXA application software on a Fixturlaser XA system shows the way with its express start up and measurement, its compensation for thermal offset, and its express result with total overview, both horizontally and vertically.
Extra benefits of Fixturlaser XA with Machine TrainXA software:
- Same alignment procedure used on standard ››motors and ››pumps
- Complete documentation of all measurement results
Laser alignment devices and Machine Alignment services to meet every need
Fixturlaser laser alignment systems and services provide a company with multiple ways to ensure precision alignment in all of its production processes. A variety of system choices, all with accuracy to within thousandths of an inch, all upgradable and expandable, all featuring icon-based touch-screens that walk the user through the steps of measurement and alignment, make Fixturlaser the easy and smart choice to meet every alignment need. Contact VibrAlign to learn more about the many ways Fixturlaser devices and systems can make a difference in your operation's maintenance and efficiency.
For further information on Machine Alignment systems from VibrAlign
VibrAlign can assist your company in all its machine 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.
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