The alignment of the machine is an integral part of installing new equipment, maintaining your existing assets, and incorporating new parts. The need of today’s equipment is precise alignment to reach optimal performance, and you can’t always achieve that using tools like straight edges or dial indicators. The laser alignment tools can make a huge difference, pinpointing even the smallest misalignments so that engineers can correct them right away and help in the smooth operation of your machine.
Over time, misalignment can cause problems such as fuel leaks, wear and tear on machine parts or even machine failure, which eventually can lead to costly downtime that is too unplanned. Even minor misalignment, which is difficult to find & see using conventional tools, can eventually cause breakdowns in your equipment. In fact, misalignment is one of the top reasons why machine failure occurs.
Laser alignment is the most accurate and precise way to inspect the alignment of two or more rotating shafts, pulleys, belts, or other machine components. The important thing is it’s very easy to apply laser alignment techniques without any specialized training. The right choice of laser alignment system will boost productivity while saving time and costs associated with unexpected downtime and maintenance
How does the process of Alignment Work?
Laser alignment tools fire a laser across the machine part such as a rotating shaft, to precisely pinpoint misalignment. The alignment tool performs complicated alignment calculations for the user, ensuring a prompt process and eliminating the risk of an error and miscalculation. This tool will eventually help to identify error & quickly align the machine and get your plant running smoothly.
Laser alignment tools have three main components, a laser emitter, a receiver, and software to show alignment levels. To start the process, just simply mount the laser emitter to one side and the receiver to the other side of the machine part, you are aligning. The laser emitter will send a laser beam to the receiver to test whether the two parts share the same line of rotation.
The inbuilt sensors then send that information to a dashboard, which you can access through a tablet. In most cases, the display uses colours or symbols to show the exact degree of alignment. From this data, you can assess & then begin adjusting the component vertically and horizontally, checking the display for immediate and dynamic feedback as you go. The user needs to simply keep making adjustments until the components are as well aligned as possible.
Benefits for using Laser Alignment tools
Approximately half of the breakdowns in rotating machinery are caused by faulty alignment. The laser alignment technique can fix those issues. The biggest advantage of working with laser alignment tools is they reduce downtime by saving wear and tear on your parts caused by high vibration and friction.
The precise alignment can reduce maintenance expenses, improve machinery performance, increase the lifespan of your equipment, and even avoid costly unplanned downtime due to machine failure. It can also help create a safer work environment by protecting employees from hazards caused by faulty alignment, including fuel leaks and high noise levels.
Also read: Why is Condition Monitoring important to improve the effectiveness of your machinery?
Types of Laser Alignment Tools
There are 3 main types of Laser Alignment Tools for getting fast, accurate measurements. It’s important to choose the right tool that will deliver the precision, flexibility, and reliability you need to effectively maintain your equipment..
- Laser shaft alignment uses adaptive single-laser technology to measure shaft alignment on virtually any rotating asset. The tool can be used on simple motor pumps or complex pieces of equipment like machine trains and gearboxes. The best laser shaft alignment tools are designed to be user-friendly so that even inexperienced employees can successfully use them. Cloud-based collaboration tools are built in to make the user experience even smoother.
- Laser Belt Alignment– a laser belt alignment tool is ideal to achieve a higher level of accuracy. Accurately and precisely aligned belts help prevent excess energy use, improve the performance of your machine, and reduce wear and tear on your parts.
- The laser pully alignment system provides fast, accurate readings so that users can correct any misalignments, then & there. This tool is precise and easier to use than the old-fashioned manual tools, like wire and string. Laser pulley alignment can easily pinpoint the issues, which can be corrected by even untrained staff. Fixing pulley alignment issues cuts down on wear and tear and reduces the need for frequent repairs. It also reduces fuel consumption and unplanned downtime.
Laser alignment tools are fast, accurate, and easy to use. They are time-saving and help to keep your assets operating at peak levels of performance but choosing a laser shaft alignment tool is a big task & important one too.
Aimil Ltd, an instrumentation specialist, 1932 partnered with Pruftechnik Condition Monitoring Gmbh, Germany, a maintenance technology company, that pioneered laser shaft alignment and offers products and services in alignment, condition monitoring, and NDT.
Aimil Ltd has a joint venture with Pruftechnik namely Pruftechnik Aimil Condition Monitoring Private Limited which offers products and services in laser alignment based on your needs, for the Indian market.
For more information, please visit our website www.aimil.com