Horizontal shaft alignment
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Chapter 5: Horizontal machine alignment
5.1 Preparing for the alignment procedure
Before using the system, prepare the machine for alignment as described below.
Make sure machines are locked out and tagged out and cannot be started
accidentally or deliberately while you are working on them!
5.1.1 Solid, flat foundation
A solid, rigid foundation is required to obtain correct, lasting shaft alignment that
allows long-term uninterrupted machine service.
5.1.2 Machine mobility
If the machine to be moved stands directly on the foundations, it cannot be lowered
for alignment correction. It is therefore advisable to start with about 2 mm (50 mils)
of shims beneath the feet of both machines. Hydraulic or screw-type positioning aids
are recommended for horizontal movement.
5.1.3 Rigid couplings
Rigid couplings must be loosened before measurement so that they do not distort the
alignment condition.
5.1.4 Shaft play and coupling backlash
Axial shaft play of up to 3 mm (1/8”) has no adverse effect on alignment results (but
not necessarily for machine operation!).
Because of the measuring principle, the system can distinguish between coupling
backlash and misalignment. During shaft rotation, the laser beam must however,
strike the sensor detector during some portion of the rotation.
5.1.5 Soft foot
Soft foot causes the machine frame distortion every time the anchor bolts are
tightened, making proper alignment difficult or impossible. (Refer to sections 5.16
– 5.17 for details.)
5.1.6 Thermal growth, alignment targets, tolerances
These values can be obtained from the individual machine specifications, and then
entered into the program. (Refer to sections 5.7.2, 5.7.4 and 5.7.5 respectively for
details.)
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