Ensuring maximum machine performance and product quality are top priorities in industrial production processes. Proper alignment of rotating machinery plays a critical role in optimizing operations. Precision machinery alignment of rotating machinery helps minimize tool wear, prolong machinery life and reduce power consumption, resulting in the production of high-quality parts
Improper alignment can significantly impact machine and motor operations, leading to damaged parts and products on the production line. Studies indicate that 50% of machine failures are caused by misalignment. For instance, misalignment of machine shafts can lead to issues such as vibration, excessive heat generation and noise that can result in machine failures like broken bearings, seal failures and damaged couplings.
Bore alignment is also essential to establish the centerline of the crankshaft and its alignment with the cylinders and the camshaft. Misaligned shaft centerlines can result in shaft wobbling and vibration, potentially damaging seals, bearings and couplings, leading to maintenance problems and shortened machine life.
Properly aligning lathes is also crucial for creating workpieces with the correct shape. The alignment of the lathe’s check and tailstock is vital to ensure parts are cut at the right angle. Realigning spindles will lead to improved outcomes and increased manufacturing efficiency.
Laser Alignment Systems
Addressing misalignments in machinery early using laser alignment can extend the lifespan of components, reduce the risk of equipment overheating, prevent machine failure and optimize equipment usage. Laser alignment offers better measuring accuracy than conventional devices or methods, ensuring precise horizontal and vertical straightness. They outperform straightedges and dial gauges in performance, providing:
• Faster and more precise results. A laser can measure down to 0.0001mm, unlike a dial gauge.
• Easy set up and use compared to older technology that requires calculations.
• Error-free output based on non-contacting technology. Dial gauges are prone to manual errors.
• Ability to measure small shaft rotations.
• Shaft alignment in different conditions
The Pinpoint Difference
Various laser alignment products are available on the market, each utilizing different techniques to identify misalignment. Pinpoint Laser Systems offers advanced alignment tools with its line of Laser Microgage products. Unlike other alignment systems, Pinpoint systems are designed for multi-tasking capabilities including:
• Straightness & Linear Measurement
• Squareness & Perpendicularity Measurement
• Parallelism Measurement
• Flatness & Planar Measurement
• Machine Leveling
• Runout Measurement
• Spindle Alignment
• Bore Alignment
• Shaft Alignment
• Roll to Roll
• Precision Angular
Pinpoint Solutions for Aligning Rotational Machinery
Pinpoint provides a choice of alignment solutions for a precise alignment of critical manufacturing equipment.
Microgage Pro Plus
This next-generation laser measuring and alignment tool simplifies the inspection and alignment process with smart technology that outlines instructions and provides easy-to-understand data to solve alignment problems. It offers a precision of 0.0001” over distances of up to 165 feet in multiple alignments including:
• Centerline (concentricity) measurement, ideal for aligning spindles, checking lathes and checking gearbox and drive shaft alignment and bore alignment.
• Bore (axial alignment) measurement, recommended for aligning crankshaft journals and measuring bend and concentricity of bore tubes.
Microgage Cylindrical Laser Transmitter
The Cylindrical Laser Transmitter provides a precise straight laser reference line for machine alignment. The reference beam is detected by a laser receiver that measures in both horizontal and vertical axial directions. With a laser beam path of a few inches up to 120 feet, the transmitter provides accurate readings as small as 0.0001 inch.
The MicroGage Cylindrical Laser Transmitter is ideal for aligning lathes, turning centers and boring equipment. It also can be used to position and adjust opposing spindles and monitor and adjust machine tools.
Miccrogage Two-Axis Receiver
This dual-axis receiver works with Laser Microgage systems to receive incoming laser reference beams in providing a precise X-Y measurement of its position. The Microgage displays a numerical and graphic reading of the laser beam position relative to the receiver housing. Among its many alignment and measurement capabilities, the dual-axis receiver is ideal for spindle and bore alignment.
Maintaining alignment of critical rotating machinery and other components is critical to the performance of your operations. Now is the time to update your tools with a laser alignment system. Contact one of our engineers to discuss your challenges and find an alignment solution for your application.
