Article Categories

Using Customization within Laser Alignment Tools

Custom Alignment Solutions

Accurate machine alignment is critical in many industries.  In machine tooling, precision machinery alignment produces accurate parts and extends machinery life. In paper mills, proper positioning of rollers, idlers, accumulators, feed and take-up rolls avoids paper defects such as uneven thickness or tears.  

Laser Alignment Tools

Laser alignment systems are the best tool for measuring misalignment.  They are more accurate than manual devices and can measure straightness, squareness, flatness, parallelism, roll, runout, bore and shaft alignment.  These systems work by sending a laser beam from a transmitter to a receiver that analyzes it and sends the data for display or download into a computer. Real-time measurement data indicates if industrial equipment and production machinery are aligned or need adjustment. 

Custom Solutions

Many requirements can be met with a standard laser alignment system that adapts to a variety of measurement and alignment requirements. However, some applications require a custom alignment laser solution to address their specifications. Customization may include adding accessories, customizing laser light sources, receivers or developing software.

Below are examples of how laser systems were customized to address alignment challenges.

Gun Barrell Alignment

Long gun barrel assemblies, fabricated to deliver ultra-high precision projectiles for long-range military defense, required proper alignment of the bore tubes.  The alignment challenge was ensuring the barrel is straight.  Due to critical alignment and measurement requirements, a standard laser transmitter was used in combination with a custom small-form-factor two-axis disc receiver configured with a DCU computer interface.

During the alignment process, the laser transmitter projected a reference beam through the end of the gun barrel, while the receiver conducted barrel measurements as it moved down the barrel length. X/Y readings from inside the gun barrel were displayed for real-time adjustment and barrel straightening.

Heavy Gantry Alignment

The guide rails of a gantry system supporting a large moving cross bridge need to be measured for straightness and flatness to within 0.0005”.  Many bolt adjustments along the rail, however, create an issue as one bolt adjustment can affect another on the opposing side. 

To simplify the alignment process, the transmitter of the laser system was mounted on a tripod, enabling the transmission of a reference laser beam down the length of the rail while the receiver was secured to a slide that enabled its movement down the rail. The receiver displayed results for real-time rail adjustments and readings on alignment efforts.

Helicopter Gearbox Alignments

A laser alignment system was customized to provide more precise quantitative information on the alignment of gearboxes and hanger bearings without removing the tail boom assembly.  A wire system using a trial-and-error approach was inaccurate while a gage bar and dial micrometer required a high level of expertise.  A customized laser alignment solution provides both a precise graphics and digital readout to guide the alignment.  It produces real-time quantitative feedback on alignment and offers greater precision.

If an alignment challenge cannot be addressed with an off-the-shelf system, an experienced manufacturer whose core business is laser alignment products and accessories can create a customized solution that meets particular applications and needs.

Related Posts

Do You Have Questions?

var _ctct_m = "fb423409b5bdd31dc4b84c35eb505349";
/* */