Laser alignment systems are a tool and as such show the user what is occurring “mechanically” during the alignment process, including if components are moving during said shaft alignment process. “If it moves, the laser will see it”.
It is both possible, and desirable, to minimize the negative effects of soft foot. While it may be difficult to completely get rid of soft foot, it can typically be reduced to a few mils, if the following techniques are used.
Fixturlaser SMC-EX: Automatic diagnostic capabilities, EXtended…
The Fixturlaser SMC-EX is a Smart Machinery Checker designed for use in explosive atmosphere ATEX Zone 2 (EX II 3 G, Ex ic IIC T4 Gc).
It has all the advantages that Fixturlaser SMC has, therefore automatically checks the health of rotating machines in minutes, and benefits of a superior design fitting to the need of the expl
Most industrial maintenance mechanics who are involved with precision shaft alignment are familiar with the phenomenon of soft foot. Alignment standpoint, soft foot causes: Changes in alignment values, between when the hold down bolts are loose, and when they are tight. Non-repeatability in alignment measurements, especially if the bolts are not tightened in the same order and manner each time.
Soft foot is a common issue when aligning rotating equipment. It is a major cause of repeatability problems in shaft alignment measurements. In addition to alignment quality and repeatability problems, it can be a cause of machinery vibration, reduce life in electric motors, and cause internal clearance problems in gearboxes and pumps.
Most laser alignment tools include a soft foot function. However, in truth these tools haven’t measured ACTUAL soft foot, instead they have measured the EFFECT of soft foot at the shaft or coupling as that is where the laser heads or sensors are mounted. While the EFFECT of soft foot is important, correcting the ACTUAL soft foot will also correct the EFFECT of soft foot.
Shaft alignment of rotating equipment is an essential part of machinery maintenance. This machine shaft alignment video presents the concepts of OFFSET and ANGULARITY.
It’s no joke that many machines operate with high levels of vibration due to soft foot. These same machines often have a decreased life span due to this condition.
There are many things that can affect the precision shaft alignment process, which needs to be checked and eliminated during the Pre-Alignment Steps, such as pipe strain, disintegrating bases, bearing or coupling wear, One of the main issues concerning shaft alignment of rotating equipment is the challenge of soft foot and its detrimental effect on the alignment process.
Everything must have perspective, a point of view, to be communicated. To communicate the three spatial dimensions, we use the X,Y, Z coordinates.
Fixturlaser SMC you can achieve a second level diagnosis on any machine without help from a professional vibration analyst. It just took a tool that empowers mechanics to more quickly troubleshoot a machine at the touch of a button.
“Fix the easy things first” is an old adage, and a familiar term to some maintenance technicians. In many cases, the “easy to fix” things are where the problems are.
When we say, “Your laser displays in mils”, we’re asked, “What’s a mil?”
Like no other, the Fixturlaser SMC is a portable, machinery diagnostic tool that allows mechanics and maintenance technicians to check the health of any rotating machine, as needed, in a matter of minutes. It requires no special training or certification and generates straightforward, simple machine diagnostic reports with both confidence and severity levels.
So, what is misalignment costing you? In this case, alignments were taking up to 12 hours. 12 hours of frustration and often unsuccessful.
Coupled with the NXA Professional, it’s a run out probe. A dial indicator. A micrometer. A documenter. And a great diagnostic troubleshooting tool!
This is an obvious statement and most of us know what happens when we do “ASSUME” with most things in life. However, we (The VibrAlign Trainers) see assumptions being made quite often during a precision shaft alignment.
Several years ago, I read a book titled “A Millwright’s Guide to Motor/Pump Alignment” by Tommy “T-Hammer” Harlon (available through Industrial Press). Tommy’s book deals with a
While at facilities across the country I noticed a lack of understanding regarding the need for precision alignment of offset shaft driven rotating equipment. I myself have seen electricians and mechanics alike becoming frustrated trying to determine the cause of speed fluctuations and vibration in offset shaft driven equipment.
Have you ever struggled with a precision shaft alignment, even though you did everything right? (Preformed the pre-alignment steps, controlled backlash, etc., etc.) So, what was different? Maybe it was pipe strain.
The Fixturlaser Runout Probe, an accessory for the Fixturlaser NXA Pro and Fixturlaser NXA Ultimate, is an electronic tool designed to detect and measure shaft runout and pipe strain. Runout and pipe strain are often overlooked, but when present they can confound the measurement and correction of shaft alignment.
