What is Reverse Alignment?

Reverse Alignment is the measurement of the axis, or the centerline of one shaft to the
relative position of the axis of an opposing shaft centerline. This measurement can be projected
the full length of both shafts for proper positioning if you need to allow for thermal movement.
The measurement also shows the position of the shaft centerlines at the coupling flex planes, for
the purpose of selecting an allowable tolerance. The centerline measurements are taken in both
horizontal and vertical planes.

Learning How to Graph Plot

Graphical alignment is a technique that shows the relative position of the

two shaft centerlines on a piece of square grid graph paper.

First we must view the equipment to be aligned in the same manner that
appears on the graph plot. In this example we view the equipment with
the "FIXED" on the left and the "MOVEABLE" on the right. This will remain the
same view both vertically and horizontally.

Scale: Each Square  = 1.0"

Scale: Each Square � = .001"

Measure:
A. Distance between indicators = 10"
B. Distance between indicator and front foot = 5"
C. Distance between feet =11"

To eliminate confusion the plus and minus signs

should be marked on the graph.
Graph paper layout