Why SKF?

Accurate shaft alignment really matters

The possible consequences of shaft misalignment are serious to any companys bottom line and include:
Increased friction and thereby energy consumption Premature bearing and seal failure Premature shaft and coupling failure Excessive seal lubricant leakage Failure of coupling and foundation bolts Increased vibration and noise

Reduce machinery breakdowns by up to 50% and increase your uptime

Its a fact. Shaft misalignment is responsible for up to 50% of all costs related to rotating machinery breakdowns. Accurately aligning shafts can prevent a large number of machinery breakdowns and reduce unplanned downtime that results in a loss of production. In todays challenging environment of reducing costs and optimizing assets, the necessity of accurate shaft alignment is now greater than ever.
Bearing life

Degree of misalignment

Reducing misalignment increases bearing life

What is shaft misalignment?

Extra energy consumption

Machines need to be aligned in both horizontal and vertical plane. The misalignment can be due to parallel or angular misalignment and in fact is a combination of both.

Parallel misalignment (or offset)

Degree of misalignment

Reducing misalignment saves energy

Correct alignment

Angular misalignment

What methods can be used to align shafts?

Method Straight edge Dial indicators Laser shaft alignment

Characteristics Accuracy Speed Ease of use

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In summary, it's clear that laser alignment systems are quicker and easier to use than dial indicators, have better accuracy and dont require special skills to get accurate results virtually every time. Which type of laser alignment system should be considered? Before considering purchasing a system, identify the applications where it is to be used and make a list of requirements. Buying an expensive system that can accommodate virtually every need can be a costly mistake, as the technicians need to be skilled in using it. The majority of alignment tasks consist of such things as a horizontally placed electric motor with a pump or fan with a single coupling. For such tasks, the technician needs a system that is quick and easy to use and doesnt need a long set up time.

SKF have developed, after extensive consultation with users, a range of affordable, easy to use shaft alignment tools that are suitable for a majority of alignment tasks.

SKF Shaft Alignment Tool TKSA 20 Probably the most affordable laser alignment tool available Quick and easy to use Live alignment status; see corrections as they are made

SKF Shaft Alignment Tool TKSA 40 Affordable laser alignment tool with intuitive graphical user interface Live alignment status; see corrections as they are made Tolerance check function as standard Stores measurements and results, which can be downloaded to a PC

For more details on SKFs range of alignment products and how they can help save you time, money and energy, contact your local SKF authorized distributor or visit www.mapro.skf.com

To complete the alignment task, the motor often has to be moved, both sideways and in height. For this operation, shims must be used. SKF offers a comprehensive range of precision machinery shims to suit most applications, available in single packs or in cased sets.

An SKF Documented Solution specialist can show you the approximate return on investment (ROI) you can expect to receive by using this product in your application. Ask your SKF Authorized Distributor or SKF representative for more details.
Documented Solutions Proven

SKF is a registered trademark of the SKF Group. SKF Group 2010 The contents of this publication are the copyright of the publisher and may not be reproduced (even extracts) unless prior written permission is granted. Every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication but no liability can be accepted for any loss or damage whether direct, indirect or consequential arising out of the use of the information contained herein. MP/WHY TKSA EN March 2010