LASER SHAFT ALIGNMENT TOOLS

Modern maintenance teams are up against complex alignment problems. So, beyond any one particular shaft alignment tool, teams need a laser alignment system that can cope with virtually any alignment problem. And with expertise shortages, these laser alignment systems need to work regardless of an operator’s experience and skill. 

That’s where an adaptive laser shaft alignment system comes in. Thanks to modern software and other features, laser shaft alignment systems need to adapt to any situation and user experience level. A laser shaft alignment system also must maximize productivity as well as return on investment. 

Traditional shaft alignment tools let users either diagnose or correct misalignment, but not both. A modern laser shaft alignment system identifies misalignment and can also calculate precise measurements to achieve alignment. 

Single-laser Alignment System. A single-laser system eliminates the many frustrations and risks of inaccuracies that occur when working with two lasers firing in opposite directions. Single-laser alignment systems are faster than dual-laser ones, enable rapid completion of alignment tasks, and improve precision. 

Laser shaft alignment which is sometimes referred to as coupling alignment is the process of aligning two or more shafts within defined and tolerated margin. This process can be simplified by using laser shaft alignment tools from PRUFTECHNIK which can complete shaft alignment by analyzing the following:

• Horizontal Alignment

• Vertical Alignment

• Machine Train Alignment

• Soft Foot

• Thermal Growth

• Short Flex & Spacer Coupling

• Cardan Shaft Alignment

• Vibration Check

• Flatness

• Straightness

Laser shaft alignment tools address correcting the misalignment of rotating machinery. Alignment tools can perform complicated alignment measurements which reduces the amount downtime, repair time, and money spent to replace machines or assets due to improper alignment.

Shaft alignment improves the efficiency in which machines and assets operate. If shafts are not properly aligned, it could reduce the life span of the machine, increase in parts costs, machine downtime, labor, and energy. Once proper shaft alignment is achieved motors run more efficiently, uptime is increased, and overall operating costs decrease. If misaligned shafts aren’t addressed it could lead to vibration, increased temperature or overheating, bearing failure, coupling failure, or shaft failure.

There are two types of shaft alignment which are angular and parallel, and both can be further divided into horizontal and vertical. Misaligned shafts could be caused by angular or parallel alignment issues.

When shafts are improperly aligned it can lead to the following issues:

• Broken bearings

• Vibration

• Broken seals

• Foundation bolt failure

• Coupling bolt failure

• Shafts break or crack

• Excess generation of heat