To the casual observer, precision shaft alignment of large machinery may look like “grunt work” a task that only requires a strong back. But those of us who perform shaft alignment know it is moving big heavy machines to within very small tolerances. As such, small movements can often make big differences in alignment quality.…
Read More
In a previous blog article by Patrick Lawrence “Was Softfoot the Problem” before and after vibration spectrums were taken and the results post precision shaft alignment were remarkable! Apart from contributing to higher vibration levels, misalignment has another adverse effect, increased motor loads! I wanted to find a cause and effect case study that would…
Read More
Anyone involved in precision shaft alignment knows that unintentional movement is the biggest contributor to non-repeatable alignment results. Movement can come from several sources: Soft foot, loose bolts, flexible bases, excessive bearing clearances, improperly mounted or loose sensor mounting hardware, etc. One of the more elusive and least considered sources of movement is cupped washers…
Read More
While on the road for VibrAlign ReAligning America, we trainers encounter similar issues at every facility where we conduct our Shaft Alignment Best Practices Training. During our training classes we ask the students what are some of the “pains” that they have regarding the precision shaft alignments that they have attempted in the past. The…
Read More
Another video in VibrAlign’s “Concepts of Shaft Alignment” video series is titled “Bearing Clearances” The video illustrates radial and axial bearing clearances which can affect the precision shaft alignment process. The video was based on ideas for visualizing alignment created by David Zdrojewski, CEO of VibrAlign. According to Zdrojewski, “One of my passions is…
Read More
OL2R is the acronym for OffLine 2 Running. OL2R is an optional program and special precision bracket set that is available for the Fixturlaser NXA Pro & Ultimate (also XA Pro & Ultimate). This option allows the shaft aligner to accurately measure vertical AND horizontal changes of machines from a static (OffLine) position to a…
Read More
VibrAlign, Inc., U.S. distributor of Fixturlaser shaft alignment products, is proud to announce that Plant Engineering has nominated both the Fixturlaser Dial Indicator Kit and the Fixturlaser EVO as finalists for the 2014 Product of the Year Award. The new Fixturlaser EVO laser alignment tool is highly compact, durable, and lightweight, making the unit easier…
Read More
VibrAlign, Inc., American distributor of Fixturlaser Alignment tools, is proud to announce the expansion of their offerings as a shaft alignment training provider. VibrAlign now employs six full-time, professional trainers. Stan Riddle, David Zdrojewski, Tom Shelton, Brad Case, James Pekarek, and Mac MacCormack will be leading training classes at VibrAlign’s Richmond office, their Houston, TX…
Read More
Fixturlaser has developed a new dial indicator kit specifically designed to perform reverse dial alignments using the Verti-Zontal Compound Moves™ method. The Verti-Zontal method was developed by VibrAlign to make shaft alignments quicker and easier. It achieves this by reducing both the amount of bolt loosening and tightening as well as the number of moves…
Read More
For precision shaft alignment, nothing beats a good laser alignment tool. But the best of tools can have errors, or not even work at all, if the Sensors (detectors) can’t “see” the laser beams! We received a customer support call, and the aligner stated that his laser alignment tool wasn’t repeating. This is a rare…
Read MorePrecision shaft alignment of rotating equipment is an essential part of any solid preventative maintenance program. To accommodate aligning any type of machinery you must be able to move one of the elements of the machine to achieve a precision shaft alignment. There are many limiting influences that could cause you to not be able…
Read More
OL2R Measurements (Offline To Running) are used to collect very accurate (and actual) Thermal Growth Values and Targets for critical rotating machinery. Offset Measurements (Cardan Shaft) are critical for offset drives to ensure there is no angular misalignment causing lead/lag issues with the drive shafts resulting in production related quality problems. Both the OL2R and…
Read More
The night before the OJT portion of a recent Fixturlaser GO Pro Training class, at a Combined Cycle Power Plant, the shim packs of the disc type coupling between a 3300 HP electric motor and fluid drive began to fail. The machine was shut down before any damage could occur and was waiting for our…
Read More
A coupling alignment tolerance and a shaft alignment tolerance are different things – VERY different things! A Coupling Alignment Tolerance is often (but not always) the maximum amount of misalignment the coupling will operate at before premature failure. A Shaft Alignment Tolerance is the maximum amount of misalignment the shafts can tolerate before they begin…
Read MoreMany of our classroom discussion topics relate to problems in the field when attempting a precision shaft alignment of rotating equipment. One such topic is how to move a piece of equipment horizontally that does not have jack bolts already mounted on the base. The obvious answer is to mount a set of jack bolts…
Read More
If you’re working to maintain machines, Acoem USA wants to help.
We’re committed to providing tools, training, and services that will transform your approach to maintenance and reliability.
