Machine alignment equipment is used to align rotating or moving parts and machine components. Machine alignment equipment aligns all the equipment within the tolerance range and incorporates target specifications.

Types of Machine Alignment Equipment

There are many types of machine alignment equipment.

Examples include:

• wheel alignment machines
• front-end alignment machines
• truck alignment machines
• CNC machine tool alignment and test equipment
• flight parameters alignment

Specifications

A wheel alignment machine employs diagnostic systems that are used to measure the toe, camber, caster, and ride height. A front-end alignment machine is used to align the directions of the wheel so that the vehicle points in a straight line. A truck alignment machine aligns the truck by adding or removing the shims behind the upper mounting bracket of both the front and rear wheels. CNC machine tool alignment and test equipment are used to improve a machine’s accuracy and performance where tight tolerances are required to be maintained. Flight parameter alignment is used to control flight parameters such as yaw, pitch, and roll. Other machine alignment equipment is also commonly available. 

There are several ways in which machine alignment equipment functions. During the alignment process, minimum movement is made but still the alignment is obtained. A wheel alignment machine is very robust and is available with two measuring heads, non-contacting lasers, or the contacting rollers on the tires that are used to view the sidewalls of the tire. A wheel alignment machine requires less maintenance and is highly reliable and accurate. A machine tool alignment is done for machine calibration and to increase the performance of the tool. The alignment of yaw, pitch, and roll parameters helps a pilot to control their aircraft. Machine alignment equipment is designed and manufactured to meet most industry specifications.

Applications

Machine alignment equipment is used in many applications.

Examples include:

• automotive transfer lines
• steam and gas turbine bore alignment
• aerospace and process mill roll alignment

Standards

Machine alignment equipment should adhere to International Standards Organization (ISO) standards.

Related Information

CR4 Community—Main Bearing Bore Alignment Check

CR4 Community—Alignment of Turbine to Generator

Engineering360—Balancing Machines and Systems Information

Engineering360—Alignment Lasers Information

Image credit:

Hasan Ünsal / CC BY-SA 3.0