Machines whose operation depends on rotating shafts often have problems with vibration and premature wear due to the incorrect position of these shafts. Proper alignment will prevent vibration. Among other things, the inappropriate rotation of the shafts and their vibratory effect on rotating machines produce unwanted effects such as excessive noise, deterioration of associated parts and as a consequence low production due to the usual suspension for maintenance. Over time there have been various methods for shaft alignment. The laser system offers the benefits of accuracy and speed.
Shaft Alignment
The alignment It consists of the correct positioning of the centers of rotation of two or more axes that are arranged in series or in parallel. That is to say that the centered movement of each one depends on the one or the others, for the proper functioning of the machine. The correction must be made on two characteristics of the probable misalignment: the parallel difference, which is verified when the axes, despite following the same direction, are not on the same line or are displaced from the corresponding relative position, and the angular difference, which assumes that the axes are not even parallel, but that their lines form an angle. There are several methods that specialists use to perform the shaft alignment.
Common Shaft Alignment Methods
Although the laser method of shaft alignmentOlder methods have existed and are still in use.
Rule or Beam System: is perhaps the oldest method of alignment. It involves the use of a rigid and smooth element, such as a metal ruler, which is located on the axes that must be perfectly aligned horizontally. With a level tool, the correctness of the position is verified. It is a fast system, by means of which it is difficult to achieve accuracy, since it depends on the experience of the person applying the method and on a visual review.
Comparator System: This method consists of the use of two tools called dial gauges. Dial gauges are measuring devices that, fixed in a given position, determine displacements. With the use of two clocks, and by means of a rather complex procedure, it is possible to achieve a good result in the shaft alignment. However, its use is not easy and the procedure must be carried out by operators with great experience in this task.
Laser Shaft Aligner
The ultimate solution for shaft alignment represent it laser aligners, which achieve great precision, speed and automation, despite which the operator must have the necessary expertise to handle it. These aligners They have a digital display that offers the measurement figures. Through a laser beam emitter, a prism that receives the beam and a digital detector, the operator obtains the correct information for the shaft alignment. The electronic detector allows the entry of the measurements of the axes and detects their inclination. On the screen you can see the parallel and angular difference of the axes as well as the offset values that must be applied to achieve the correct alignment. With a computer, this device has a negligible margin of error and achieves less than perfect results.
Shaft alignment
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