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Mechanical Maintenance

Precision Shaft Alignment

Laser Systems

Course Overview

This course focuses on the fundamental concepts and skills required to perform precision alignment with today’s laser alignment systems. Proper machine inspections and preparation are essential to identify underlying machinery and foundation issues that may impact machinery operation and reliability. These pre-alignment steps ultimately ensure that the final alignment can be conducted efficiently and effectively – optimum precision in a timely fashion. Solutions are provided for alignment challenges such as base-bound and bolt-bound and thermal growth. An overview of various alignment methods is provided with an emphasis on laser systems.

This course is ideal if want to know what shaft alignment is all about, then this one-to-two-day course is ideal. With a walk through alignment benefits and methods, combined with hands-on exercises, your understanding and appreciation of shaft alignment will skyrocket.

Course Outlines

Introduction to Shaft Alignment

  • Why is misalignment so important?
  • Bearing damage
  • Seal damage
  • Coupling damage
  • Vibration
  • Energy consumption
  • Product quality
  • Downtime and production capacity
  • Detecting misalignment

What is misalignment?

  • What is misalignment?
  • A closer look at misalignment
  • Shaft fatigue
  • Even bent shafts have rotational centerlines
  • Offset and angular misalignment
  • Alignment conventions
  • Specifying misalignment
  • Using feet corrections to specify misalignment
  • Using Total Indicator Readings to specify the misalignment
  • Using offset and angularity to specify alignment targets
  • Angularity targets
  • Visualizing tolerance
  • Tolerances and speed
  • Spacer couplings (jack shafts) conventions and tolerances
  • Published tolerances
  • Dynamic movement

Pre-Alignment checks and soft foot

  • Pre-alignment tasks Determining the alignment state

Determining the alignment state

  • Using a straightedge or feeler gauge
  • Using dial indicators
  • The Rim and Face method
  • The Reverse Dial method
  • Reverse dial method
  • Dial indicator limitations

Laser alignment systems

  • Laser alignment systems
  • Moving the machine
  • Moving the machine vertically – shimming
  • Moving the machine laterally
  • Summary
  • In addition to viewing the 3D animations and using the alignment simulator software, time will be spent hands-on performing shaft alignment jobs.

Learning Competencies

  • Machines that have been precision aligned run longer, and cost less to run.
  • Misalignment greatly reduces the life of bearings, seals, shafts and couplings.
  • This course will provide an overview of the benefits of alignment, soft foot correction, dial-indicator and laser alignment methods, and how to move the machine.
  • The course objective is to teach trainees how to align two coupled rotating machinery shafts to specified tolerances using a laser alignment system, including proper planning, rough and precision alignment processes per approved procedures.
  • Using 3D animations and software simulators that completely demystify and demonstrate the alignment process – you need to see them to believe them!
  • You will completely understand the readings and the three-dimensional alignment process.
  • If you have previously performed shaft alignment, you will find that all of those steps and instructions will suddenly make a whole lot of sense – you will find yourself saying ‘Ah, now I understand” (and “I wish I took this course years ago”).

Who Should Enroll?

  • Maintenance, engineering, technical support and management personnel whose job functions involve alignment of rotating machinery.
  • Appropriate for those who align machines and those who detect, investigate and resolve premature machinery failure due to misalignment.
  • Those who direct activities relative to alignment and machine reliability.
  • If you have to align machines, and you already have some experience with shaft alignment, then this course will prove to be an excellent refresher.
  • On the other hand, if you want to know more about shaft alignment, its benefits, and the dial indicator and laser alignment procedures, then this course will give you a very good introduction.

Take the Next Step

Finally, Industry experts and faculty with firsthand experience guarantee you a dynamic learning experience at an affordable price. Discuss challenges, get answers, share ideas and return to your job a more knowledgeable and valuable professional. Certificate recipients report promotions and increased job opportunities.

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