Laser alignment tools aid industry sustainability

Manufacturers across Europe are experiencing the economic pain of rising energy bills. To help companies to reduce their running costs, NSK offers energy-efficient bearing solutions along with laser alignment tools to ensure machines are correctly aligned.

Optimal alignment between a machine and an electric motor, for instance, promotes more energy-efficient operation. Estimates suggest that over 50% of machines and industrial equipment run out of alignment in reference to ISO standards. But what is the cause of misalignment? Well, problems usually begin when coupled shafts are positioned so that their gaps or offsets are beyond acceptable limits. Shafts subsequently run off-centre, leading to higher loading, excessive heat generation and greater energy consumption.

Indications of misalignment include increased temperature, high vibration, loose coupling bolts and excessive lubricant leakage at bearing seals. Any machines or systems showing these signs will almost certainly have a negative effect on bottom-line profitability through higher power usage.

NSK offers advanced laser alignment tools for shafts (LAS-Set) and belts (LAB-Set) that help to ensure quick and perfect alignment every time. LAS-Set uses dual line lasers for easy set-up, even at larger distances, along with high-resolution digital sensors for precise results. LAB-Set houses two line laser transmitters, making alignment far more accurate than single laser head solutions.

Adopting these tools not only contributes to energy efficiency, but also reduces wear on critical machine parts such as couplings and seals, subsequently minimising machine downtime and maximising productivity. Plants leveraging the benefits of NSK laser alignment tools have recorded energy savings of up to 17%, leading to a rapid return on investment (ROI).