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In industrial settings, rotating equipment such as pumps and motors demands exact alignment to operate efficiently around the clock. A frequent installation flaw—soft foot—occurs when machine feet fail to contact a flat foundation uniformly, or pipe strain exists, causing machine frame distortion that misaligns critical components such as bearing bores. This twisting or bending of […]

Threaded fasteners are the most used type of fastener. Many threaded fasteners are assembled with nuts and washers. Thread Standards: There are many different types of threads used for fasteners in industry, designed to be used for different jobs. Threads used on fasteners are manufactured to industry-established standards for uniformity. The most common thread standard […]

In today’s market, many shops are advertising vertical turbine pump repair—but very few actually have the capabilities to do it correctly. The unfortunate reality is that many of these shops are just parts changers. They’ll press out worn bushings, push in bushings, cut new wear ring fits, replace shafts, and call it a “repair.” The […]

Misaligned pulleys are one of the most common, and costly, causes of belt-driven machinery problems. Yet pulley alignment is often overlooked in regular maintenance routines. What is pulley alignment? Pulley alignment is the process of ensuring that pulleys (sometimes also referred to as sheaves) in a belt-driven system are positioned correctly relative to each other. […]

If you’ve spent time working with vibration spectra, you’ve probably come across this familiar scenario: a peak shows up close to a known bearing fault frequency but not quite on it. It’s tempting to write it off or over-interpret it, but the truth is, this kind of near-match is both common and worth digging into. […]

Why Ultrasound Works Best for Low‑Speed Bearings Utilizing standard vibration analysis techniques when analyzing data on slow speed (<50 rpm) machinery can be especially challenging.  The reason for this is that rolling element defect amplitudes are extremely small and are usually hidden in the accelerometer’s noise floor and can’t be seen using conventional techniques. Ultrasound […]

A shaft centerline diagram is a plot used in the vibration analysis of journal bearings. It is also called a shaft average centerline diagram. The purpose of this graph is to display the average position of the rotor in the bearing. In short, for different bearing types, there is an expected or “normal” position of the […]

As wireless sensors are starting to become mainstream in the condition monitoring world, there are now many more choices to consider when selecting a system to fit your needs.  This tip aims to look at the key features that will impact your decision.  When purchasing your next wireless system, quiz your supplier using the information […]

Some coupling manufacturers will sell couplings claiming that the coupling can take a large amount of shaft misalignment. While this is true for most good quality flexible couplings, this capability can be easily misinterpreted. Flexible couplings are designed to withstand, without damage, some shaft misalignment. Sometimes it is perceived that, since the coupling can take […]

Installing industrial electric motors is a critical step in ensuring the reliable and efficient operation of industrial machinery. However, the process of installing an electric motor can be complex and mistakes can easily be made, which can result in reduced performance, increased downtime, and ultimately, costly repairs. To help prevent these mistakes, this article will […]

When you’re choosing precision tools such as laser shaft alignment systems, the warranty matters. A good warranty is a sign of quality and reliability.  Ludeca’s laser premier laser shaft alignment product line, Easy-Laser, carries a warranty that reflects our service excellence commitment to our customers, rooted in our long history of helping our customer achieve […]

Saving short-term money at the cost of long-term loss could never be a good idea. Soft foot is one of the most prevalent problems in rotating machinery, and the improper use of shims is one of the bad guys. This is way too common and is the cause of countless machinery problems worldwide. But let’s […]

In Are Harmonics Real? Part 3, I offered some examples of resonance where the natural frequencies of a system are also harmonics. This is not the norm for most objects, but it is was worth mentioning to avoid confusion. What Does LinkedIn Think? I asked the LinkedIn community what they think about this question, both before […]

Before precision alignment is to be performed on rotating equipment, best practice dictates that there are a few things that should be checked, even before doing rough alignment. One of those things is checking coupling and/or shaft runout. Runout is a condition where the centerline of the coupling or shaft has deviated from its true […]

When choosing an acoustic imaging camera, consider these five key factors to ensure optimal performance and reliability: Microphone Array & Sensitivity A large number of microphones improves sound localization accuracy. Select a camera with no less than 200 microphones. A wide frequency range allows the detection of various issues, from air, steam, and gas leaks […]

As a Technical Trainer for Ludeca, I teach the importance of following our 5-Step Shaft Alignment Procedure. As Millwright, I have completed many precision shaft alignments over the last 28 years of my career. In this time I have witnessed many other Millwrights and Technicians forget to do a thorough visual inspection of the foundation, […]

How do you read this? Well, that depends on who you are and what your position is in your organization. If you are an area owner and this is one of your critical machines, then you’ll probably be really happy. Readings are being taken and everything looks good. The actual alert and alarm limits, enveloped […]

In Are Harmonics Real? Part 2, I suggested that a single hit or impulse can be thought of the same way. If a tuning fork has a natural frequency of 60 Hz, it will not make a sound unless it is excited at 60 Hz. It does however make a sound when you strike it […]

After more than 20 years in the industry, Peter Edström knows exactly what it takes to keep a sawmill running optimally. And with laser alignment, he’s making a real difference. Peter Edström has been working with Swedish sawmills since 2000 and knows what’s required to create an efficient production line. Over the years, he has […]

Maintenance and reliability improvements don’t always require expensive or complicated efforts or Continuous Improvement (CI) projects. Start with the “basics”: Do Precision Laser Alignment Do Precision Balancing Eliminate looseness by checking machine fasteners for proper tightness Use Precision Lubrication (correct lubricant type and quantity) Perform routine Machine Inspections Incorporate Condition Monitoring technologies such as vibration […]