Fixturlaser AB

Vibration analysis is a useful way to monitor machine health. Many plants have implemented regular vibration analysis plans to ensure the condition of their machines is being checked at regular intervals and so, if an issue comes to light after spectral analysis, a solution can be pursued.

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. Soft foot is a condition that should be eliminated during the precision shaft alignment process, if you’re performing proper alignments at all. Piece written by Tim Sorensen.

When a customer expressed their frustration to Fixturlaser because they were unable to get a good alignment, they shared: “I’ve spent two hours trying to align this stupid pump!” He began to blame the laser, the ‘cheap’ pump his company had, the bad base, his bad trainer (Fixturlaser), and anything else that came to mind. Stan Riddle explains how to really cure alignment frustration. 

  The reason for roughing in precision laser shaft alignment has little to do with how accurately the lasers/sensors measure. It has nothing to do with how big the laser detector is, or how sensitive the detectors are, or how fast they are. Roughing in isn’t simply to 'get it close'. It is to minimise errors due to the following:

  Within industry couplings utilise an elastomeric insert or element. There can be some advantages among this type of coupling.

It is common sense that ensuring your rotating equipment is clean and free of debris and dirt will prolong the operational life allowing for maximum efficiency and performance. Bearings, seals and other components will last longer and perform better plus repairs and alignments will be faster and easier. Motors, pumps and machinery with excessive dirt build-up will fail more often as they will run hotter and will not perform as expected.

Recently, a Fixturlaser NXA Pro training class performed an alignment check of a winch driven by an 80HP, 1800RPM, DC electric motor with a gear style coupling. The initial results revealed a misaligned machine, with a vertical angularity over 13 times the tolerance of 0.7mils/1” (1.0mil=0.001”), vertical offset six times tolerance of 4.0 mils. The horizontal angularity was almost four times the tolerance; the horizontal offset was close ‘but not quite.’

Each and every tool in a toolbox has a purpose, a specific function and certain parameters of use to achieve a desired outcome. When you pull out a claw hammer, your intent is to drive or pull a nail. Pull out a ball peen hammer, it is still a hammer, however the use and outcome is different. You may be flattening a piece of metal or straightening a bracket that got damaged.

The combination of modern technology and graphical user interface makes Fixturlaser XA Geometry one of this year's most innovative news in the market for geometric measurement tools. The user interface guides the user during the entire measurement and adjustment process by using color-coded measurement values, icons, and arrows showing the direction in which the measurement object needs to be adjusted.

The laser-based and wireless shaft alignment tool, Fixturlaser UPADXA, is the first tool of its kind that is truly portable. The wireless display unit is worn on the arm; the user therefore has his hands free and can work in complete freedom.