Laser coupling alignment tools

Angular misalignment occurs when the motor is offset at an angle in relation to the driven equipment. For example, if you were to draw an imaginary line from the centerline of the motor shaft and the centerline of the driven equipment shaft, the two lines would eventually cross rather than run along a common centerline. Angular misalignment can be horizontally or vertically misaligned. This type of misalignment can cause measurable damage to both the motor and driven equipment shafts over time.

Combination misalignment is a combination of misalignment types that occurs when the motor shaft incurs both angular and parallel misalignment. How Laser Alignment Tools Work The goal of a laser alignment tool is to ensure the two coupled shafts are aligned; that is, their center lines have a common axis coaxial.

Laser alignment sensors: The sensors should be mounted on the shaft, coupling hub, flywheel or brake disc. You'll attach the stationary sensor normally labeled "S" to the stationary machine and the movable sensor normally labeled "M" to the movable machine.

Brackets: The brackets mount the sensors to the machine. They come in multiple designs and various mounting options like magnetic and non-magnetic V-brackets, offset brackets and V-brackets with sliding wheels for non-rotating shafts.

Extension chains: Extension chains help secure the sensors to the shaft and can be adjusted as needed for shafts that are larger in diameter. Extension rods: Extension rods are used to align shafts with large couplings, so laser paths remain unobstructed. Sensors slide directly onto the rods. Display unit: The display unit shows alignment data in real time as the laser alignment tool takes readings.

Most display units have built-in software, LCD screens, rechargeable batteries, memory storage, wireless connectivity and more. Many laser alignment tools come with mobile apps that connect to the tool using Bluetooth and display data in real time on mobile devices. Measurement methods include the Express method, the Tripoint method and the Clock method. Modern laser alignment tools come with inclinometers built into the sensors, making the first two methods the best options.

In the Express method , alignment is calculated by recording three points while rotating the shafts at least 60 degrees. Once you record the first point, the other two points are automatically recorded when the shaft is rotated to a new position and is held there for more than two seconds.

Mounting distance is highly adjustable, ranging from the sensors nearly touching to around 35 feet 10 meters apart. Angular relationship refers to the ability of taking multiple measurements around the shaft.

Most modern laser alignment tools have inclinometers built into the sensors. Inclinometers measure the radial position of the sensors. Inclinometer values are used in the calculation of misalignment. This lets you take measurements at any position around the shaft.

Inclinometer values are shown on your display. Setting up a Laser Alignment Tool When you purchase a laser alignment tool, it generally comes in a case with all the components you'll need, such as the display, extension rods, chains, sensors, brackets and user guide. Use the chains to secure the brackets to the shaft, adjusting for the diameter. Next, place your sensors on the brackets. Make sure the correct sensor is mounted on the correct side.

Sensors will have some way of denoting the appropriate side. For example, an "M" sensor should go on the motor side, while the "S" sensor should be mounted on the stationary side. Once on the correct side, tighten the sensors onto the rods.

Once you've mounted the sensors, you can turn on each one and verify that they are aligned. Modern laser alignment tools are very user friendly and perform nearly all the work for you with built-in software.

When setting a new alignment, the software walks you through what to do, starting with getting a few measurements. You'll need to measure from the "S" unit bracket to the center of the coupling, from the center of the coupling to the center of the "M" unit bracket, the horizontal distance from the center of the "M" unit bracket to the first bolt on the motor, and the horizontal distance from the front bolt on the motor to the back bolt.

For Pulley. Table-Mount Aligning Lasers. Optional Mount. Automatic Leveling Dot Lasers. Red Laser with Laser Detector. Green Laser with Magnetic Target. Adjustable Dot-to-Line Leveling Lasers. Multiple Dot Leveling Lasers. Leveling Plate. Long-Distance Leveling Laser Kits. Long-Distance Leveling Lasers. Laser Directing Components. Dot-to-Line Converter.

Fixed Holder for Mirror and Beam Converters. Magnetic Mount. Adjustable-Angle Mount. Component Max. Tilt Angle Max. Each 1" 4" 6" 12" Aligning-Laser Targets. Color Ht. Proximity-Sensor Shaft Alignment Kits.

Laser Squares. Digital Angle Indicators with Laser. Male-Female Pillar Posts. Thread A. Female Pillar Posts. Fully Threaded. Partially Threaded. Thread Size Threading Thread Lg. Thread Lg. Through Hole Dia. Each Stainless Steel. Adjustable-Height Positioning Stands. Load Capacity, lbs. Head Dia. Material Mount Type No. Sheave Alignment Lasers. The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dog. Pedestal 35" Ht.

Cross- Hair Line. Class II. Class IIIa. Class I. Threaded Hole. RoHS Compliant. Mid-range to high end Laser Shaft Alignment tools like the XT shaft alignment tool and XT shaft alignment tool will also give different measurement methods such as Continuous Sweep which is one continuous measurement — great for eliminating backlash in a coupling.

Another one is Uncoupled Sweep method which is especially useful when only one or none of the shafts can be rotated manually and there is no coupling connected.

Or why not Multipoint for more critical machinery like turbines. Our top end system, the Easy-Laser XT Shaft Alignment Tool can access advanced measurement functions like cardan shaft alignment universal joints , Machine Train multiple couplings alignment, and EasyTrend for offline to running machinery movement, an excellent program to determine the thermal growth of a machine!

They can even assess the quality of the measurements you have taken! For more info on the five different measurement methods available, click here. Follow Us. This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Cookies information SKF uses cookies on our web site to align the information shown as closely as possible to the visitors' preferences and to tailor our web site user experience in general. See information about Cookies. United States Login.

Back to top. Shaft alignment tool TKSA Shaft alignment tool TKSA 41 The laser shaft alignment system with enhanced measuring and reporting The TKSA 41 is an advanced laser alignment solution for achieving accurate shaft alignments.

Wireless communication improves instrument handling and allows alignment of difficult to reach applications from a safe position. Automatic measurement enables hands-free measurements by detecting the head position and taking a measurement when the heads are rotated into the right position. Automatic reports are generated after each alignment. The reports can be customised with notes and pictures from the built-in camera for the most comprehensive overview.

All reports can be exported as pdf files. Live view supports intuitive measurements and facilitates horizontal and vertical alignments. Machine library gives an overview of all machines and alignment reports.