While it is now the norm to see technicians using laser tools to perform shaft alignment on rotating machinery at a plant or facility, it was not too long ago that sheaves and sprockets were still aligned with a string or straightedge. Although it is still common to see technicians break out the straightedge when aligning sheaves or sprockets, lasers for belt alignment are finally starting to be utilized more at facilities—even though that system may be a visual-type laser and target system. Download our 5-Step Sprocket Alignment Procedure – a simple and effective procedure for sprocket alignment of chain-driven equipment.

Those systems are easy to use and have the benefit of a steady and weightless laser line reference to help get your sheaves aligned versus the old straightedge or string technique.

As good as those systems are, however, there is still more to be desired…

A modern belt alignment system utilizes a position sensing detector or PSD that allows for repeatable measurements and real-time adjustments to be made. Additionally, the software that these systems can run on is easy to interpret and has the advantage of being able to generate reports. Which, in this reliability-centered world is a big plus.

Here are some advantages of modern laser belt alignment systems over the older visual systems:

• More accurate
• Simplicity in measurement and interpretation
• Repeatable
• Can produce reports
• Can justify their cost in energy savings alone

So, save time and money by using or upgrading to a modern laser belt alignment system!

Related Blog: The Importance of Belt Alignment