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:
Just because a laser shaft alignment tool has a 30mm or larger detector does not mean you don’t have to rough in. Fixturlaser would suggest that if two shafts are over an inch out of alignment, you couldn’t assemble the coupling in the first place. To assemble the coupling, you would have to get it fairly close.
But getting it close enough to assemble the coupling may not be close enough either. There are many variables that must be considered, such as:
Granted, if you are aligning two shafts, and the coupling has not been assembled, none of this would play a part. But not all coupling types can be assembled after the alignment is completed, or if they are, the coupling hubs must be slid back on the shafts. Very few aligners would try to align an interference fit coupling, and then heat it up to position it. And even 'slip fit' couplings don’t always 'slip' easily.
So, regardless of the measuring tool, roughing in before performing a precision shaft alignment is always a good idea. It doesn’t have to be perfect, however it will be beneficial to get it close, within 15-20mils. And that can be done quickly with a straightedge.
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