How to Perform a Precision Alignment When Nearby Machines Are Vibrating.

By Stan Riddle on August 6, 2014

Equipment rooms can sometimes have numerous machines running all at once-side by side. Often,
technicians are required to perform a precision alignment next to a machine which is running. The technicians
are right to be concerned about vibration from nearby machines, but the concern can be greatly reduced if
certain procedures are followed.

The first is to conduct a repeatability test. Here are a couple of methods to do this:

• take several sets of alignment readings, and see how much (or little) the numbers change. If the coupling
values change by less than one-half of your alignment tolerance, it is safe to assume the machine can be
aligned successfully even though the adjacent machine is vibrating.

• use the Repeatability Test function of your laser alignment tool, if it has it. The Fixturlaser NXA has a
Repeatability Test, which takes five consecutive measurements of the laser transmitter/detectors, and
compares the relative positional changes in both target movement and angular position. Again, if the
measured movement is less than one-half of your alignment tolerance, alignment can be completed
successfully. Pay attention to the angular movement of your laser tool as well. Excessive angular changes
could mean the transmitter/detectors are moving, or that coupling backlash is playing a role in the
changes.

Even though you may detect vibration, it could be that the two machine components being aligned are moving
in phase-that is, moving up and down at the same time, and by similar amounts. Think of it like performing
alignment in a moving vehicle. The vehicle may be moving, but the machine components are not moving
relative to each other.

If you perform a repeatability test, and the movement is greater than your tolerance:

1. Inspect for how the vibration is being transmitted to the machine:

• Are pipe hangers and vibration isolators working properly?

• Is bolting tight, including both machines, and their bases and support structures?

2. Can the vibrating machine be shut down while the other machine is aligned? This eliminates the concern
about vibration from nearly machines, but may often not be possible. However, with modern laser alignment
tools, the measurements can be taken quickly. It may be that the offending machine could be shut down for a
couple of minutes without interrupting operations.
3. Can it be done during a changeover, an off-shift, or during a break?

4. Can it be scheduled during a down day?

Lastly, if you have a nearby machine that vibrating so much you can’t perform an alignment, you might want
to investigate why THAT machine is vibrating so much!

About the Author

Stan Riddle

Stan Riddle joined VibrAlign in 2008. He has 30 years experience in aligning industrial machinery. Stan
received his AAS Degree in Machinist Technology from Surry Community College in Dobson, NC, and also
holds a diploma in Industrial Systems Technology from Forsyth Technical Community College in Winston-
Salem, NC, where he was also an instructor in the program.

Stan began his maintenance career working as a machinist and millwright for companies such as
Weyerhaeuser, R.J. Reynolds, and Tyco Electronics. He also has over 25 years experience in Predictive
Technologies, such as vibration analysis, thermography, oil analysis, and ultrasonic inspection. He is a
certified Level III Vibration Analyst with the Vibration Institute, and is a Past Chairman and Board Member
of the Piedmont Chapter.

Stan and his wife live in Yadkinville, NC.

1. Silvio Balieiro

February 10, 2016 at 4:27 pm

Congratulations for the article.