With laser alignment, you can measure and align machinery over great distances and resolve very small motion and alignment errors. Readings are shown in simple numbers taking the guesswork out of the process and leading to better machinery alignment, less downtime, and improved profits. With lasers contributing to more efficient manufacturing and industrial processes; lost time, wasted materials, and manufacturing inefficiencies are reduced. This all contributes to healthier profits and fewer environmental impacts as U.S. industries thrive.
For example, precision alignment of roll and web based production equipment, is a key factor in producing high-quality volume products such as paper, thin films, plastics, and even metal foil products. Proper alignment extends the life of machinery, allows for higher production speeds, larger product runs, and greatly improves product quality. Alignment often allows for reduced power consumption and operating losses, as well as reduced waste and downtime.
For alignment of roll and web based equipment, a small laser transmitter is typically placed along the edge of the machine to produce a precise laser reference line that extends up the length of the machine. A versatile laser alignment attachment, with an internal optical device called a penta prism, is placed into the laser beam path and redirects the laser at a precise 90° path so that this laser is parallel to the face of rollers and web handling systems. By making comparison measurements with a digital receiver each roll, or part of the web system, can be compared and alignment errors identified. Not only is a laser alignment system helpful in detecting and measuring alignment errors but it can also be used during the realignment process to help guide the rollers and machine systems back into their optimal alignment. The information provided by a laser alignment system is quantitative, precise, and can be easily uploaded into a laptop or PC for easy analysis and a step-by-step procedure for realignment.
Equipment alignment addresses a wide variety of production problems on web handling and continuous process lines. Some examples would be: poor finished material tracking, wrinkling, web breaks, stretched material, baggy edges on take-up reels, uneven thickness or caliper, and static electricity.
When your equipment is accurately aligned, production material should fly through the line and experience few if any problems on lines with converting and web handling systems, nip rolls, accumulators, coating sections, heat treating, slitting, and take-up reels. This all contributes to higher production efficiency, reduced costs and scrap, and overall greater profitability.
