Wind turbines operate in some of the harshest conditions on Earth. Keeping them in optimal running condition is a challenge for any team — but drive train alignment presents unique hurdles and is one of the toughest…
Misalignment in wind turbine gearboxes can lead to costly repairs, with expenses exceeding $200,000. Regular alignment using laser tools like Prüftechnik’s RotAlign and OptAlign can prevent failures, reduce downtime, and maximize turbine efficiency. The world is increasingly…
Dynamic Unbalance: What it Is, What Causes it, and How to Fix It Dynamic unbalance, also called dynamic imbalance, occurs when rotating machinery is out of balance at its center of gravity and the principal inertia axis…
Backlash is unintended movement between two coupled shafts that can cause mechanical problems and impede the alignment process. It is a common problem during pump and motor alignments and can occur between any two mated components. Backlash…
Diagnosing and correcting shaft runout can extend the lifespan of your assets and reduce your overall maintenance costs. But all too often, maintenance teams overlook this issue. Fortunately, using the right tools makes it easy to check…
What started as a routine check for new equipment alignment turned into an unexpected challenge when the ParAlign team uncovered hidden issues with the flooring and frame. Background On the factory floor of a global manufacturer of…
Soft foot is a commonly used industry term describing machine frame distortion. It often leads to critical asset faults and is the root cause of most misalignment issues. Soft foot can shorten the lives of electric motors,…
Blown film manufacturing is plagued by costly issues such as product defects, downtime, and wasted film. All of these issues point to a single solution: precision alignment. Production is fast-paced in the highly competitive blown film industry,…
The ParAlign team aligned over 100 rolls across two print lines, overcoming the unique challenges of working with legacy equipment at one of Tetra Pak’s older facilities. Summary Faced with the challenge of working on both a…
Technology and advanced tools are enabling maintenance teams to address shaft misalignment faster and easier. Shaft misalignment happens when two rotating shafts are not parallel to one another, or are parallel but offset in different planes. This…