Is it Time for YOUR Machine Alignment Check Up?

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Is it Time for YOUR Machine Alignment Check Up?

by Joel Farnum on July 20, 2017 in Alignment Solutions

If you follow the OASIS Industry Blog, you have no doubt read an article or two about how precision machine
alignment can improve operating efficiency, lower scrap rates, increase machine speeds and production
rates, and reduce downtime – as well as, in some cases, even improve employee morale.

However, even though improving machine performance is a goal for most manufacturers, it can be difficult
to know where to begin. An alignment audit (check-up) is a great way to get started.

Machine Alignment Audits 

Whether you currently have a successful preventive maintenance program in place or are just interested in
seeking ways to get more out of your equipment, a machine alignment “check-up” is a quick and
inexpensive way to gather beneficial data that will provide you with an overview of the alignment “health”
of your machine or process line.

Alignment audits benefit all manufacturing lines and based on industry and machine configuration, can be
completed in as little as 8 hours.

Top Reasons for a Machine Alignment Audit

1 – Generates baseline of current machine alignment condition

• Documenting the existing alignment

condition of your machine is
extremely valuable when changes to
the line occur due to mechanical
failure, building settlement,
component rebuilds, roll changes and
capital improvements 

2 – Helps to identify the possible causes of

• High scrap rates

• Premature bearing failures
• Excessive fabric/wire wear

3 – Assists with outage planning

• If the alignment audit reveals an issue

that requires a corrective action, this
can be planned for in advance

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Real Life Alignment Audit Success

Many OASIS customers have seen impressive outcomes after an alignment audit was performed at their
facility. Below are just two examples.

A tissue converter was convinced that the embosser unit of one of their paper towel lines was causing
tracking issues leading to severe wrinkles and baggy edges. The mill team was so convinced, that they
submitted a capital expenditure request to replace the embosser unit in order to improve overall machine
speed and solve the wrinkling and baggy edge issues. OASIS was hired to provide and alignment audit in
order to document the current alignment condition of the machine prior to the install of the new unit. After
performing the audit, it was discovered that the issues were not with the embosser unit at all, but were as
a result of misalignment of the idler rolls. OASIS was then asked to perform the corrective adjustments to
the rolls. By performing the alignment audit, the tissue converter was able to not only eliminate the
wrinkles and baggy edges and improve machine speed; they were able to cancel the capital improvement
request of a new embosser unit!

A large paper mill was struggling with poor product quality, constant unplanned downtime and regular web
breaks on two of their paper machines. The mill had attempted to make improvements over many months
to no avail and was losing customers due to the poor product quality. When one of their top customers gave
them a deadline to resolve the issue or they were going to pull their business as well, the mill turned to
OASIS for help. OASIS performed an alignment audit, provided recommendations for improvement, and then
performed the corrective alignment adjustments. Following the corrective alignment actions, this facility
was not only able to exceed the product quality demands of their top customer – and keep their business,
but they regained the business of previously lost customers.

So, “Is it Time for YOUR Machine Alignment Check-up”?

Please contact us for more information or to schedule a machine alignment audit at your facility. To receive
educational and informative updates containing industry news, reviews of measurement tools and
technologies, case studies, and more, please subscribe to the OASIS Industry Blog. 

About Joel Farnum

Joel Farnum, OASIS West Regional Manager, has provided service to the pulp
and paper industry and other industrial manufacturers for over 30 years. He
specializes in Field Service Solutions including outage planning, equipment
and process line troubleshooting and Root Cause Failure Analysis.
View all posts by Joel Farnum →

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Related Posts:
• OASIS Alignment Services, LTD. Expands to Greater Toronto Area
• The Importance of Corrugator Alignment – Part 2

http://www.oasisalignment.com/blog/time-for-your-alignment-check-up/ 03/01/2019
Is it Time for YOUR Machine Alignment Check Up? Page 3 of 5

• Tire Manufacturers Increase Efficiency with Precision Machine Alignment

• Importance of Machine Alignment: Corrugators – Part 1
• Podcast: 3-Dimensional Metrology’s Impact on Manufacturing and the Energy Sector

FREE WEBINAR – How Machine Alignment Drives Increased Operating Efficiency and Profitability Gains
Understanding the Machine Alignment Cycle – Stage One: The Alignment Inspection

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