FAG Top-Laser EQUILIGN optimises shaft alignment to achieve better cost-effectiveness of assets

Schaeffler Australia has introduced an advanced handheld laser optical alignment device designed to save on resources, reduce wear and energy costs, and increase the lifetime of plant machinery.

A precision alignment tool, Schaeffler’s FAG Top-Laser EQUILIGN enables faster, easier alignment of shafts in rotating equipment such as fans, motors, pumps, gearboxes, ventilators and compressors. Featuring standalone operation, PRUFTECHNIK architecture, and on-board report generation, the technology reduces alignments to half the time typically taken by outdated or obsolete shaft laser types.

Coupled and uncoupled shafts need to be correctly aligned in order to achieve high efficiency and reliability in rotating equipment used extensively by industries such as food and beverage manufacturing, processing, materials handling, mining, pulp, paper, primary production, oil and gas, power generation, steel, metal fabrication, workshop maintenance, water, wastewater and infrastructure sites.

The compact, extremely rugged, and easy-to-use EQUILIGN laser optical alignment device guides users through the measurement process until the correct shaft alignment of coupled, uncoupled, non-rotatable and even large diameter shafts with couplings installed, is achieved. The laser beam can transmit over a distance of five metres.

The intuitive auto-flow function and the graphical operating instructions ensure ease of use for all maintenance technicians, regardless of their skill levels or experience. Results are easily interpreted and no additional software is required for reporting.

Observing that approximately 20 per cent of rotating equipment throughout industry is incorrectly aligned, Mark Ciechanowicz, Industrial Services Manager at Schaeffler Australia explains that a correctly aligned shaft reduces friction and vibration generated by the drive system, which means less wear on belts, pulleys, bearings and seals. Correct shaft alignment also helps increase the running time and reliability of rotating machinery, minimising energy costs and improving overall plant efficiency.

Key features of Schaeffler’s FAG Top-Laser EQUILIGN laser optical alignment device include waterproof and contamination-resistant (IP67) design allowing use in harsh industrial environments; battery-powered operation keeping the device ready for use at all times; sunlight-readable screen addressing conditions on resources and infrastructure sites; integral light meter automatically adapting the brightness of the display in poor light conditions to suit the environment; and TFT transmissive LCD display providing excellent viewing indoors.

Compact and easy to carry at just 800g in weight, the device also features an ergonomic design that allows the user to operate it using both thumbs.

Some of the advantages of FAG Top-Laser EQUILIGN include a reliable real time display indicating any horizontal or vertical movements during alignment; storage capacity to support up to 50 measurement files directly on the device with data transferable to a computer via USB drive; and ability to continue measurement process even if operation is interrupted with measurement data automatically secured.

The device is supplied in a practical carry case along with a range of accessories including mounting brackets, reflector, chains, posts and batteries. Additionally, a set of 360 shims (20 shims in three sizes and six thicknesses) and a withdrawal tool are available for eliminating vertical misalignment and ‘soft foot’. An Accessory Kit is also available for larger shaft diameters or coupling heights, which includes various sizes of posts and chains, as well as magnetic holders.