Machine alignment is an important part of maintenance, and it keeps equipment running smoothly. When machine parts are out of alignment, they create friction that leads to wear and tear that can shorten the life of the machine. Misalignment can also cause a machine to work too hard and use too much energy. The following are some tips for performing proper machine alignment in Dallas.
Check For Both Types Of Misalignment
Shafts can be misaligned in two different ways, so it’s important to check for both. With parallel misalignment the two shafts are parallel but slightly offset, such that one shaft is positioned slightly above, left of, right of, or below its partner. With angular misalignment, one shaft is at an angle to the other.
Check Machine Foot Positions
Misalignment can sometimes be caused by one foot of the machine sitting lower than another. Foot position can be easily adjusted with a shim, just like a short table leg, and this fix will often bring all the parts of the machine into alignment.
Use Eyes And Ears
Sometimes misalignment can be detected visually by a well-trained eye. It takes sharp visual acuity and a lot of experience to see slight differences in alignment between two shafts. Misalignment can also be detected by sound because misaligned parts will cause the machine to vibrate in a distinct way. However, eyes and ears are not as precise as laser alignment tools.
Use A Laser-Guided Alignment Tool
Laser-guided alignment uses highly focused beams of light to detect misalignment and guide the rotating shaft back into place. These tools are extremely accurate compared with other types of machine alignment, and they are easy to control. To learn more about laser alignment, read about Laser Precision.
Implement An Alignment Maintenance Program
Including alignment in regular equipment maintenance will make it easier to minimize any damage that moving machine parts might suffer due to misalignment. It is helpful to document alignment positions each time maintenance is performed in order to track the rate of change over time.
Laser-based alignment tools provide a high degree of accuracy in performing Machine Alignment in Dallas. Implementing laser alignment on a regular basis will prevent downtime and save money in the long run.