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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 […]

How many times have you replaced a motor and made sure you put the same shims back to ensure the new motor goes back in the same place as the old one? But doing so may end up bringing the issues that caused the old motor to fail to the new one. There is a […]

In Are Harmonics Real? Part 1, I noted that a sine wave, perhaps created by a mass on a spring bouncing up and down, results in a single peak in the spectrum. If the spring gets more rigid as it gets compressed, the mass will move less in one direction than the other. We can […]

The following lubrication issues can lead to pump fires. Here’s how to prevent them. Lack of lubrication, over-lubrication, wrong lubricant and lubricant contamination A lack of lubrication, an incorrect lubricant type, lubricant contamination and over-lubrication can all lead to increased friction and therefore heat. Insufficient lubrication results in increased friction between moving parts, especially bearings, […]

When performing a Dynamic Balance procedure a few things should be considered: 1.  Inspect the structure/mounts and ensure there are no cracks or loose bolts. 2.  If driven via a belt drive make sure that the belt is in good condition and properly tensioned. • Remember that the second harmonic of a belt frequency can […]

Lubrication is one of the primary tools of machine maintenance, it is used to mitigate the effects of friction. Friction is the resistance created when two surfaces slide or rub together. Any piece of equipment, machine, tool, or other mechanism with rotating or moving parts experiences friction. Friction causes heat and wear and must be […]

Are harmonics real or just an artifact or result of processing the waveform through the FFT? This is a question that comes up a lot among vibration analysts, or anyone working with signals and signal processing. What Are Harmonics? A sine wave has a single amplitude and frequency. Let’s say our sine wave has a […]

From the first two installments in this series, What’s Dirt got to do with it? – Part 1: What is Contamination? and What’s Dirt got to do with it? – Part 2: How can we identify & prevent contamination?, we found out more about what contaminants are, how to identify them and how to prevent them […]

  Companies throughout America and the world use the Easy-Laser alignment systems as well as other laser systems for precision alignment. Ludeca has made it “easy and reliable” to perform precision alignment with a simple 5-Step Shaft Alignment Procedure that is easy to follow and accessible on Ludeca’s website in the Knowledge Center. Being a […]