Jacking bolts provide a smoother, easier way of moving machinery than using pry bars and hammers. Their use will almost always speed up the shaft alignment process, prevent excessive minor moves back and forth, and generally make the task of shaft alignment much more pleasant. So why aren’t they used more often?
Read MoreThe OJT portion of a recent XA alignment training class led us to a two-cell cooling tower that had a run of bad luck–motor bearing failures, internal supports broken, visibly shook when it ran, etc.
Read MoreAn interesting situation arises when the base of the equipment you are aligning is purposely out of level. Which way is up? This picture shows a setup we used during a recent training class to illustrate the technique (no photos could be taken in the field). Most normal methods of alignment calculate angles assuming the…
Read MoreOne of our trainers recently taught an XA Pro class at a large chemical company in Western Kentucky. Normally, our training classes consist of one day of classroom training, and ½ day of field alignments done by the students. During the field alignment part of the class, the students aligned four overhung pumps, rated between…
Read MoreIn a recent email to VibrAlign, Mike wrote: “In using your shims what is the most shims you can place under each foot? I have always been taught to use no more than 5 shims under each foot. Is this true?“ Mike, good question! VibrAlign’s official stance is no more than 4, if possible. However,…
Read MoreLast week we officially announced the launch of the new Fixturlaser Go Pro. So far we have recieved some good feedback, thanks to IMPO for this piece. In this announcement we talked about a new process in the alignment industry called the Verti-Zontal compund move. What makes this move so special? Well it is a…
Read MoreWell the cat is out of the bag…… we have a new product! Meet the new Go Pro Attached here is the official press release from VibrAlign. Go Pro is a wireless and color screen shaft alignment laser that also features the new Verti-Zontal compound move. Check back here in the next few days for…
Read MoreIn the past, maintenance mechanics learned alignment through apprenticeship programs or by working with other experienced maintenance mechanics. Some were taught in-house through training programs or through local community colleges. Many of these eventually moved up into manager or supervisor positions and brought with them a good understanding of aligning machinery. In today’s environment, this…
Read MoreLooking at how the alignment process works we wanted to point out two features of laser alignment tools that will help the aligner during his/her alignment process. The first aspect to a better alignment is a color screen. Some of the benefits to a color screen are:
Read MoreThese observations were compiled in an article a few years back. Do they still ring true? Most of the attention to precision alignment has centered on large, process-critical machines. Most maintenance departments have been downsized and spend much of their human capital addressing unscheduled maintenance.
Read MoreA basic alignment class consists of one and a half days of work. Yes, there is real work involved. The first day is in class working on alignment demonstrators and covering topics like pre-alignment, colinear shafts, base-bound/bolt-bound solutions, etc. It’s a controlled environment to learn the concepts and ask questions. Less of the ‘buttonology’ (learning how to…
Read MorePre-Alignment and why it’s important Hey folks, check out this great powerpoint from our trainer Stand Riddle on Pre-Alignment and why its so important. Feel free to post questions or comments in the comments section and Stan and our other trainers will answer your questions. Enjoy the powerpoint.
Read MoreIn 2010 VibrAlign Inc. launched a new laser from Fixturlaser called the upadXA. This laser was considered the brother product of the Fixturlaser XA. The upadXA has all the functionality of the larger hand-held display unit, but with a smaller, 3.5 inch screen. The screen, with VGA resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, is backlit and…
Read MoreOne of the most important factors in successful shaft alignment is utilizing a proper sequence of moves. Understanding and utilizing this methodology will drastically decrease the time required to align shafts, and improve the effectiveness of your efforts.
Read MoreSoft foot is a common issue when aligning rotating equipment. It is a major cause of repeatability problems in shaft alignment measurements. In addition to alignment quality and repeatability problems, it can be a cause of machinery vibration, reduce life in electric motors, and cause internal clearance problems in gearboxes and pumps. But if the…
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.
