Practical Approach to Precision Alignment Methods

This four-day class goes from the basics through more difficult alignment challenges using several methods.  Instead of just teaching how to align machines the way things should happen, we will examine the hazards and difficulties that so often make the job frustrating and time consuming.  The course covers how to recognize the problems, how to work pass them, and then, how to prevent them from happening in the first place.  The aim is a thorough understanding of the principles, rather than just button pressing, so the participants will be prepared to troubleshoot and adapt to any alignment challenge. Extensive hands-on practice will be applied four each step using our practice machines.  The machines are run, and vibration measurements are taken before and after alignment so that the impact of precision alignment of these machines can be measured. These units have real world problems built in that must be corrected before precision alignment can be achieved.

Topics include:

  • Why precision alignment is so important
  • Prealignment checks and procedures
  • Eliminating soft foot
  • Basic vibration analysis to determine if the machine is misaligned
  • Comparison of alignment methods and required precautions to achieve precision
    • Reverse indicator
    • Rim and face
    • Coupling to spool
    • Laser systems
  • Calculating corrections with graph paper and with software
  • Moving the machine
  • Determining the optimum alternate moves when bolt bound or base bound
  • Calculating and measuring thermal growth
  • Compensating for thermal growth in calculating corrections
  • Alignment tolerances and reporting
  • The effects of combinations of small errors on total alignment
  • Aligning vertical pumps, longer machine trains, jack shafts and other machines

Please contact us for more details.