Most machines contain rotating parts which require alignment in order to work properly and extend the life of the machine as much as possible. Because precision alignment requires both specialized machinery and highly trained technicians, large factory equipment that is crucial to production is more often kept in alignment through scheduled maintenance. But smaller machines are often ignored until they break down. This represents a cost in production and in human resources. Predictive maintenance specialists recommend giving attention to small machines as well as large ones and using a laser tool for precision alignment. Laser Alignment in Dallas can be a relatively small investment with a big pay off.
When a business invests a large amount of money in a piece of factory equipment, that machinery is usually well maintained. Severe misalignment in a process-critical machine is rare. However, a production system depends on many smaller machines as well, and frequent small breakdowns can add up over time. Imagine a food processing plant with hundreds of small pumps in the production line. Because these pumps are not given predictive maintenance, they break down at the rate of two or three a day. Checking and correcting the alignment of those pumps could reduce the number of repairs to two or three a month, representing a significant savings to the company in the long run.
Laser alignment is used to identify misalignment between connected shafts in a machine. Misalignment causes friction and wear that will eventually result in a breakdown. Laser alignment uses laser sensors that are attached to rotating shafts. As the shafts turn, the sensors measure their degree of alignment, which is adjusted accordingly. Two types of misalignment are parallel, when two shafts are parallel but offset, and angular, when one shaft is at an angle to the other. Traditionally, vertical and horizontal alignment have been done separately, but a more efficient process is to correct both at once based on a single set of data, and then re-take the data for final adjustments.
Laser alignment is an important part of a machine maintenance program. With quality equipment, a few key trained staff members, and an investment of time, a business can keep all parts of its production system working smoothly. Click here to learn more about Laser Alignment in Dallas.
