Geometric Alignment: Straightness

For Roll and Shaft Pre-Alignment

Summary
Straightness measurements are usually used in correlation with the pre-alignment stage, especially in the shaft alignment process to check different parts and surfaces. It is often performed before installing the machinery on its foundations to eliminate the risk of soft foot conditions. In roll alignment it is used for checking the datum marks in floor references. This article provides a short overview of the methods.

Fixturlaser _31 4 pages September 2003 SKF Reliability Systems @ptitudeXchange 5271 Viewridge Court San Diego, CA 92123 United States tel. +1 858 496 3554 fax +1 858 496 3555 email: info@aptitudexchange.com Internet: www.aptitudexchange.com

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Geometric Alignment: Straightness

Introduction
Straightness measurements are usually used in correlation with the pre-alignment stage, especially in the shaft alignment process to check different parts and surfaces. It is often performed before installing the machinery on its foundations to eliminate the risk of soft foot conditions. In roll alignment it is used for checking the datum marks in floor references. The traditional methods are to use piano wires or a string, where the main problem is that the sag and movements in the wire/string will effect the measurement. A number of methods can be used to reduce the influence of these factors such as counterweights in buckets of oil, different devices to obtain correct tension in the wire, or the use of compensation factors for sag when calculating and plotting the measurement results. By using the light from a laser, the problems related to sag are eliminated. With the laser beam as a reference, straightness measurements can be performed even at long distances. The use of a detector makes the recording procedure easier and will minimize the risk of faulty readings. Additionally, electronically registration and calculations of the result makes the presentation and documentation of the measurement a lot quicker and reduces the risk of manually entering wrong measurement values. The straightness function of alignment systems is used for checking foundations, base plates, machine frames, roll profiles, etc.

can be performed differently. The main difference in the procedures is related to how the reference is established by using the laser beam. The first thing to determine in the process is which type of straightness measurement we are going to make. There are normally two types of straightness measurements where the Fixturlaser alignment system is used. Straightness with two measurement points as a reference. Straightness with an axis of rotation as a reference.

The second item in the process is to determine the purpose of the straightness measurement. Is it a check to determine the condition of the object? Is it a task that involves actions to make adjustments?

Two Points as Reference This type of application is common where one has to do a straightness measurement on an individual object. The straightness profile is measured relative to a reference, determined by two measurement points. Axis of Rotation as Reference Measurements where the axis of rotation is the reference are common where a separate object or a different part of the same object has to be straight to the reference. This application is not very common in roll alignment and will not be described further.

The Measurement Process

Depending on the purpose of the task and type of application, the straightness measurement

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Geometric Alignment: Straightness

Figure 1. Straightness with two points as reference.

Figure 2. Rotational center as reference.

The Straightness Check The main objective of the straightness check is to determine the condition of the machinery to see if any corrections have to be made. When performing a straightness check, the straightness profile of the object is determined. The straightness check consists of the following steps: Measurement, laser beam roughly buckedin with the object Documentation Interpretations of the result

calculation and presentation of the measuring results. Straightness and Adjustments When the process also includes adjustments, the steps to perform the procedure are increased. Measurement, laser beam exactly buckedin with the object Documentation, as found profile Alignment Re-measurement Documentation of aligned readings

When doing the straightness check there is no definite need to position the laser beam exactly in line with the reference. By using the capacity in the display box, it is possible to compensate for the deviation of the laser beam from the reference line. This is done after the registration of all the measuring points, during

When adjustments are included in the alignment task it is normally better to put the laser beam exactly in line with the reference, as the adjustments are easier to perform. Using live readings, it is easier to make correction against a zero value. 3

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Geometric Alignment: Straightness

Further Reading
Consult www.aptitudexchange.com for detailed articles, covering related topics such as roll and shaft alignment.

SKF Maintenance Products - Delivers

various tools for shaft and belt alignment. SKF Maintenance Products Kelvinbaan 16 NL-3439 MT Nieuwegein, The Netherlands Internet: http://mapro.skf.com

Additional Resources
Fixturlaser AB - Fixturlaser AB develops,
manufactures, and markets laser based alignment systems globally in a 70+ countries. Fixturlaser was founded in 1980 and the first laser alignment system developed in 1984. Since then the technology has been accepted in mostly every industry. Their mission is to become the leading provider of easy solutions, including equipment and application knowledge for measurement and alignment of machinery in any industry. Fixturlaser AB stergrdsgatan 9 SE-431 21 Mlndal, Sweden Internet: http://www.fixturlaser.se

Machine Support BV - The comprehensive

capabilities of Machine Support include the highest proficiency in the installation support of diesel engines, turbines, and the alignment to generators, pumps, compressors, and shaft lines. Machine Support also specializes in geometric alignments such as measuring the line bore of diesel engines and measuring the straightness of stern tubes onboard marine vessels. Machine Support BV Kaartenmakerstraat 7 NL-2984 CB Ridderkerk, The Netherlands Internet: http://www.machinesupport.com

2004 SKF Reliability Systems All Rights Reserved