Believe me, I have done most of these at some time in my life, so I can relate.
Machinery and equipment with moving parts rely on mechanical alignment between these moving parts to run smoothly and efficiently. Often, machinery alignment is checked, deemed OK for manufacturing, and then forgotten — at least until some event catches the attention of plant engineers. These events might be a slight decrease in production output, an unfamiliar noise or squeak, or some dramatic event such as black smoke pouring from a motor housing or grinding gears.
Before laser alignment, mechanical systems were typically aligned using optical transits or piano wire pulled between two ends of a machine.
Plant personnel know the frustration of trying to make precise alignments with a ruler and a piece of sagging wire swinging in the breeze. In the past, the tools available for accurate alignment have been limited and technically challenging to use.
Laser alignment provides a highly precise and efficient means of checking machinery.
These products are easy and simple to use by plant or production personnel on the factory floor.
Much of the guesswork and subjectivity of traditional alignment techniques is eliminated because the laser now delivers precise, quantitative data, and in some instances, complete instructions on how to correct machinery flaws. Consequently, lasers are finding their way into many industrial plants.
Do you get frustrated when aligning machinery?
Have you developed your own “shortcuts” that sometimes work, and sometimes don’t?
Do share with us your frustrations and we will be happy to align with you
