
Total Machinery Alignment: 4-Step, Reverse Dial, and Laser
Mechanical
Course Number: TMA-303

Course Description:
Covering all aspects related to the critical job of alignment of machinery shafts to reduce vibration and extend bearing life. Three types of alignment will be covered: bearing alignment, coupling alignment, and sheave alignment. Beginning with the use of taper gauge & calipers for rough alignment followed by dial indication (both rim and face as well as reverse dial) and finally precision laser alignment. You may bring your own laser we have three different types of lasers for you to use. The class also introduces iPhone™ alignment, a technique that allows use of an iPhone™ coupled with inexpensive dial indicators to allow accurate alignment at 1/10 the cost of a laser. The attendee should be able to perform successful alignment on small to medium industrial equipment after completing the course. This is the most comprehensive alignment course taught in the country. A lot of our “fly-in” students come particularly to learn the most modern aspects of alignment.
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Each student will receive class books, work activity sheets, self-test progress evaluations, as well as questions from the instructor to make sure they understand the material presented. It is expected that an attendee will leave the class with the basic knowledge of the subject and possess new found skills to better equip them when they return to their job. A certificate suitable for framing will be issued to each attendee who successfully completes the course.
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Hands-on activities:
75% hands-on activities
Lasers Available for Students
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Free Materials included:
0-1” Vernier Micrometer ($54 value)
6” Taper Gauge ($145 value)
6” Bearing ID Scale ($12 value)
Audel Mini-Ref ($30 value)
Sheave Gauge ($24 value)
V-Belt Tension Tester ($45 value)
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3-day course: $1395 per person
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Course Syllabus
ALIGNMENT THEORY & PRACTICES OVERVIEW
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Speed governs alignment
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Eli Whitney and interchangeable parts—the history of alignment
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Bearing failures caused by misalignment
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Early alignment methods—Straight edge, feeler gauge and calipers
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Dial indication methods– face and hub, reverse dial
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Laser alignment-wired and wireless
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Alignment tolerances
PRECISION MEASUREMENT
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Using a scale
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Using a vernier caliper
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Using a vernier micrometer
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Using telescope gages
BEARING LIFE & BEARING IDENTIFICATION
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Series numbers
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Calculating the ID from the number
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Identification of bearings
BEARING ALIGNMENT INSIDE OF THE MACHINE
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Shaft shoulders and unmounted bearings
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Testing using feeler gauges
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Alignment of pillow block bearings
COUPLING ALIGNMENT (SHAFT ALIGNMENT)
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Use of precision shims and micrometer
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Testing for soft foot and piping strain
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Use of side alignment tools
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Checking for indicator sag
RIM & FACE ALIGNMENT
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The 4–step method—using dial indicators on the face and hub
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Practicing face and hub on a pump and motor
REVERSE DIAL INDICATION
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Using dial indicators and indicator brackets
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Calculation of reverse dial indication on graph paper
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Practicing reverse dial on pump and motor
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iPhone Alignment—revolutionary new technique that competes with a laser at 1/10 the price
LASER ALIGNMENT
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Using a wired laser to achieve an alignment
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Geometric centering and use of the wireless (Bluetooth) laser
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Checking for soft foot and correcting for coupling backlash
V-BELT & CHAIN ALIGNMENT
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Conventional belting
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Narrow V belting
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Using the straight edge and string methods
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V-belt tensioning using the force deflection method and the percent elongation method
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V-belt groove to groove alignment using a laser alignment tool
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Sprocket and chain alignment— building a chain checking tool
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Timing belt alignment using a laser
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Chain lubrication requirements
Course Pictures
Now We Need to Torque Down the Bolts:

Typical Indicator Set Up:

Using a Wired Laser:

Laser to Laser Measurement:
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Let’s Try it Again:

How Much Did It Move:

The Shim Step:

Using an Iphone for Alignment – Only at MTI:
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