Total Machinery Alignment: 4-Step, Reverse Dial, and Laser

Teacher

Tom

Course Number: TMA-303

Course Description

Covering all aspects related to the critical job of alignment of machinery shafts to reduce vibration and extend bearing life. Three types of alignment will be covered: bearing alignment, coupling alignment, and sheave alignment. Beginning with the use of taper gauge & calipers for rough alignment followed by dial indication (both rim and face as well as reverse dial) and finally precision laser alignment. You may bring your own laser we have three different types of lasers for you to use. The class also introduces iPhone™ alignment, a technique that allows use of an iPhone™ coupled with inexpensive dial indicators to allow accurate alignment at 1/10 the cost of a laser. The attendee should be able to perform successful alignment on small to medium industrial equipment after completing the course. This is the most comprehensive alignment course taught in the country. A lot of our “fly-in” students come particularly to learn the most modern aspects of alignment.

Course formats:
MTI Training Center or Onsite

Additional Course Details

Each student will receive class books, work activity sheets, self-test progress evaluations, as well as questions from the instructor to make sure they understand the material presented. It is expected that an attendee will leave the class with the basic knowledge of the subject and possess new found skills to better equip them when they return to their job. A certificate suitable for framing will be issued to each attendee who successfully completes the course.

Hands-on activities:
75% hands-on activities, (3) Lasers Available for Students

Free Materials included:
0-1” Vernier Micrometer ($54 value), 6” Taper Gauge ($145 value), 6” Bearing ID Scale ($12 value), Audel Mini-Ref ($30 value), Sheave Gauge ($24 value), V-Belt Tension Tester ($45 value)

Course Syllabus

Alignment Theory & Practices Overview

Speed governs alignment
Eli Whitney and interchangeable parts—the history of alignment
Bearing failures caused by misalignment
Early alignment methods—Straight edge, feeler gauge and calipers
Dial indication methods– face and hub, reverse dial
Laser alignment-wired and wireless
Alignment tolerances

Precision Measurement

Using a scale
Using a vernier caliper
Using a vernier micrometer
Using telescope gages

Bearing Life & Bearing Identification

Series numbers
Calculating the ID from the number
Identification of bearings

Bearing Alignment Inside of the Machine

Shaft shoulders and unmounted bearings
Testing using feeler gauges
Alignment of pillow block bearings

Coupling Alignment (Shaft Alignment)

Use of precision shims and micrometer
Testing for soft foot and piping strain
Use of side alignment tools
Checking for indicator sag

Rim & Face Alignment

The 4–step method—using dial indicators on the face and hub
Practicing face and hub on a pump and motor

Reverse Dial Indication

Using dial indicators and indicator brackets
Calculation of reverse dial indication on graph paper
Practicing reverse dial on pump and motor
iPhone Alignment—revolutionary new technique that competes with a laser at 1/10 the price

Laser Alignment

Using a wired laser to achieve an alignment
Geometric centering and use of the wireless (BlueTooth) laser
Checking for soft foot and correcting for coupling backlash

V-Belt & Chain Alignment

Conventional belting
Narrow V belting
Using the straight edge and string methods
V-belt tensioning using the force deflection method and the percent elongation method
V-belt groove to groove alignment using a laser alignment tool
Sprocket and chain alignment— building a chain checking tool
Timing belt alignment using a laser
Chain lubrication requirements