Why is shaft alignment so important?
Virtually everything you see or touch made by man at some point in its life
has to be processed and transported. Every manufacturing process requires
that power be transmitted to a machine, pump, roller, axle or thousands of
other examples as a fundamental part of the process of taking a raw material
and turning it into a product. In almost all cases, this power is transmitted
by a motor or force which is converted in to the rotation of a shaft and
then transmitted to another shaft. Bearings are fitted around the shaft to
ensure that it rotates as freely as possible. Both the shafts must be joined
to transfer the power through a coupling of some sort. Any coupling’s
main purpose is to drive another shaft as efficiently as possible to reduce
the energy loss. Various types of couplings have been used from animal skin,
rope, rubber belts through to ingenious bands, gear couplings, steel and
alloy membranes.
In every situation, the most efficient energy transfer
will occur if the two connected shafts are collinear;
the shafts behave as if they were one structure.
When shafts are misaligned, forces are generated in the coupling. Any deviation
in offset or angle will inevitably mean that the shaft will try to find a
common
axis of rotation. Energy will be lost in the coupling and increased loads
will be placed on any mechanical components which
provide for rotation, seals, bearing
housing, etc Why precision alignment is necessary?
Misaligned machines result in vibrations and premature wear of bearings, seals
and couplings. Machines with rotating shafts are designed to run under optimal
conditions. Misalignment will lead to harmful forces, deteriorating the machines'
performance.
How is misalignment recognized?
- Premature bearing, seal, coupling failure
and belt/pulley worn-out.
- Excessive radial and axial vibrations
- High casing temperature at the bearings or nearby them or high oil temperature.
- High coupling temperature.
- Oil leakage at the bearing seals
- Loose or broken foundation bolts and/or coupling bolts
- Similar equipment has less vibration or has longer operation lifetime.
Benefits of precision alignment
- Reduced vibration levels
- Increased meantime between failures
- Reduced maintenance cost
- Reduced energy consumption
- Increased production quantity and quality
Misaligned machines contribute to huge costs in repair
and production loss every year. By introducing preventive
maintenance, including regular alignment control, you
minimize the number of unplanned stops due to machine
breakdowns.
Pulley Alignment
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information, please use our Contact
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Laser Shaft Alignment with Dynamic Movement (Alignment based on actual thermal growth)
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