Monition Ltd

Drive Shaft Alignment

What is Drive Shaft Alignment
Drive Shaft Alignment in an industrial context refers to the correct positioning of rotating equipment to ensure that the rotating drive shaft and driven shaft (for example: a motor and pump assembly) are perfectly aligned across a rotational centreline for efficient running and operation.

Where shafts are misaligned, due to angular or offset misalignment due to one unit (such as the motor) being positioned fractionally out of line with the opposing unit, then the shafts, couplings and units themselves will be subjected to increased vibrations and stresses.

Shaft misalignment, and the increased wear on components resulting from the vibration and forces of shaft misalignment, accounts for over 50% of plant failures and breakdowns.

Measuring and Correcting Drive Shaft Alignment
Laser Shaft Alignment Systems, such as the XA and GO systems produced by Fixturlaser and distributed by Monition Ltd in the UK, are used to quickly and easily measure the alignment of rotating drive shafts.

Drive shaft alignment can usually be corrected by repositioning of just one of the units, in a two-unit assembly. Typically, it is the motor or drive unit which has adjustment capabilities, whilst the other unit, such as a pump or gearbox, is most often static.

Vertical offset and angular misalignment can be corrected by introducing Shims or varying thicknesses beneath the feet of the Motor. Horizontal offset and angular misalignment can be corrected by slackening the base bolts of the motor, and carefully correcting the seating position of the unit.

Although drive shaft alignment may sound to be a complex process, the use of modern Laser Shaft Alignment technology makes the process very simple to accomplish in the field.

The Fixturlaser XA laser shaft alignment system can measure drive shaft alignment in literally 5 minutes. The results are clearly shown using 3D Animation to explain what corrections are required in both the vertical and horizontal planes. The XA system advises which thickness of shims are required to correct vertical alignment, or what degree of re-positioning is required to correct horizontal alignment.

The ‘Live Screen’ displays any changes made to the movement of the shafts and units instantly, so users know precise what effect they are having on the alignment of the shaft.

Drive Shaft Alignment Products
Fixturlaser offer two laser shaft alignment systems for the fast and easy measurement and correction of drive shaft alignment:

Fixturlaser GO
Mid-priced laser shaft alignment tool for horizontally and vertically mounted shaft alignment. The GO system features the latest Digital Laser technology for ease of use in the field and for conducting highly accurate shaft alignment measurements.

Fixturlaser XA
The Fixturlaser XA provides users with a suite of sophisticated shaft alignment tools, guided by colour touchscreen technology and animated 3D displays. The system uses Bluetooth connectivity between the laser detectors to eliminate the need for cables.

The XA system is supplied as standard with the software and fixtures to conduct express field alignment of horizontal drive shafts and vertically mounted drive shafts. The XA has an application for detecting and measuring Softfoot conditions, and also for inputting Target Values from unit manufacturers.

The XA system is a professional tool for conducting drive shaft alignment, and can be upgraded with a range of software applications and fixtures to provide drive shaft alignment tools for a range of applications:

• Alignment of Spacer Shafts and Membrane Couplings
• Alignment of Machine Trains
• Alignment of Offset Drives and Cardan Shafts
• Alignment of machines affected by Thermal growth and Dynamic Movements

Drive Shaft Alignment Services
Monition Engineers provide laser alignment measuring and correction services for drive shaft alignment in the field.

Further Information regarding Drive Shaft Alignment
Monition can provide assistance in all your Laser Alignment applications. For further information on Drive Shaft Alignment, to request a brochure or arrange onsite alignment of plant machinery, please telephone Monition on 01909 722000. Alternatively you can email us at sales@monition.com or complete our enquiry form and one of our sales team will contact you to discuss your requirements.