Laser Alignment - Basic shaft and geometric concepts

www.worldtrendsinmaintenance-eng.com

Laser Alignment – not just Shaft Alignment!

Christo van der Walt, CEO, Engineering Dynamics, “Laser Alignment – not just Shaft Alignment”


Facts About Lasers


Diode laser400nm 700nm

10nm100nm 1m 10m 100m 1mm

Visible light

Infrared lightUltraviolet

Typical laser wave length is at 690 nm

Older HeNe style tube for Laser beam generation


Facts About Lasers cont.


CCD

The Position Sensing Device PSD is used to determine the position of the laser beam for further calculations


Divergence


All laser beams diverge. Optics are used to control the divergence for the required distance and detector size.


Laser Beam Centering


Laser beams are not perfectly round, but the PSD senses the true center and use that for calculations


Environmental Effects


Like any optical system, lasers will also be influenced by environmental effects and can play havoc with results


Thermal Growth


Be aware of different setup requirements for when machines are “hot” and “cold”. OEM values can be inserted into our systems to achieve correct alignment.


Straightness


Straightedge and dial indicator

Straightedge and thickness gauge

Spirit level

Optical system and target

Laser and detector

Different straightness measurement methods. Changing the reference or zero points can change the results. Visit our geometry systems.


Straightness Results


A Typical straightness plot using a dual-axis detector to show horizontal and vertical values.


Flatness


Here we add another “dimension” to a straightness measurement. The 3-D display helps in understanding the situation for machine bases and flanges. Learn more here.


Squareness


Values from one plane is compared to another using the pentaprism and switching the beam by 90 degrees. Learn more about Machine tool systems here.


Spindle Direction


Spindle direction or pointing direction is useful after a “crash” or damage to the lathe. The results are for horizontal and vertical directions.


Line Bore (straightness)


Bearing pockets or propeller shaft bearings are typical applications in 2 directions of line bore measurements. Visit line bore systems here.


Pulley/V-Belt Alignment


V-belts, chains etc. can be aligned by laser. Tolerances can be used. See our range here.



Please visit our website at www.edprevent.com or call us at +27 12 9913168 for more information.

Technology

Laser Alignment - Basic shaft and geometric concepts