Belt alignment tools

Because belts are relatively inexpensive, belt or sheave alignment isn't typically considered a major issue; however, misalignment in sheaves can cause other problems in addition to reduced belt life. These problems include:.

Belt or sheave alignment tools help detect three types of misalignment: radial runout of the shaft, radial runout of the sheave and axial runout of the sheave. Radial shaft runout usually means the shaft is bent. If it is bent out of tolerance, the shaft should be replaced. Once you've confirmed there is no radial runout of the shaft, check for radial sheave runout.

If runout is noticed, it's usually due to an abnormally bored sheave or bushing. You should replace the sheave before aligning if this is the case. Axial sheave runout typically means you should check the taper-lock bushing to ensure it is mounted correctly and tightened. It could also mean the shaft is undersized or that the sheave or bushing is bored abnormally.

Belt or sheave alignment tools vary depending on the brand and type, but generally work by attaching two magnetic V-sensors into the grooves of the sheave. Unlike shaft alignment tools, with these tools you only have two components: a laser-emitting sensor and a receiver unit. Performing accurate alignment starts before you even set up your laser alignment tool. These pre-alignment steps and checks are suggested by VibrAlign to ensure your laser alignment tools work properly and accurate alignment is achieved.

Proper coupling alignment can save you from a variety of problems, such as excessive wear and energy consumption, accelerated shaft and coupling failure, and increased vibration. Maintaining alignment requires regular monitoring. Modern laser alignment tools and their accompanying software have made it quite simple to accomplish this. So, how much do the tools cost? Price depends on the type of alignment tool shaft or belt alignment , what's included in the alignment kit and how advanced the tool's features are.

For example, a more versatile laser alignment tool with ultra-compact measuring units for very narrow spaces might cost a little more than a standard model. By checking a few major distributor's websites, you can find current pricing for shaft and belt laser alignment tools, such as the following guidelines:. Properly aligned machines offer improved uptime and a reduction in maintenance costs. Checking for and correcting misalignment is a fairly straightforward process with the help of modern laser alignment tools.

We encourage you to read our updated Privacy Policy Hide. Toggle navigation Toggle search. Subscribe Today Reliable Plant Newsletters. Other effects of misalignment are: Lost production More frequent repair orders Increase in spare parts purchases Low-quality products Modern laser alignment tools check for three types of misalignment: parallel offset , angular and a combination of the two.

Parallel offset misalignment occurs when the centerlines of the two shafts are parallel but not in the same line. Shafts may be offset horizontally, meaning they're offset to the left or right; or offset vertically, meaning they're positioned at different heights.

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. Parallel misalignment D.

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United States Login. Back to top. Belt alignment tools. SKF offers a range of belt alignment tools to enable accurate alignment for almost all applications. Laser belt alignment methods Using a laser belt alignment tool is quicker and more accurate than traditional methods.

Accurate pulley and belt alignment can help you: Increase bearing life Increase machinery uptime, efficiency and productivity Reduce wear on pulleys and belts Reduce friction and thereby energy consumption Reduce noise and vibration Reduce costs of replacing components and machinery downtime. Related products. Proper alignment of rotating machinery is critical to machine reliability. Misalignment creates excessive vibration and high loads on bearings, couplings, rotating and non-rotating parts.

See information about Cookies. United States Login. Back to top. Belt alignment tool TKBA Powerful magnets allow fast and easy attachment Three-dimensional target area simplifies the alignment process Facilitates simultaneous adjustment of tension and alignment V-guides facilitate the alignment of a wide range of V-belt pulleys.

Aligns grooves of a V-belt pulley rather than its face, allowing optimum alignment of pulleys of unequal width or with dissimilar faces A maximum operating distance of 6 m 20 ft accommodates many applications Special side adaptor allowing alignment of multi-ribbed and timing belt pulleys as well as sprockets is available as accessory.

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