Precision alignment that extends bearing life 2–3x.
Laser shaft alignment for motor-compressor and compressor-gearbox couplings — with thermal growth compensation, documented before/after readings, and tolerances tighter than API 686 requirements.
Problems you might be facing
Premature bearing failures every 12–18 months
Misaligned shafts impose radial and axial loads on bearings that weren't designed for them — cutting bearing life by 50% or more.
Coupling failures and vibration complaints
High vibration at 1x and 2x running speed, coupling element wear, and elevated motor current — all symptoms of misalignment.
No thermal growth data for your machine
Cold alignment values don't account for thermal growth — your machine runs misaligned every hour it's operating.
Capabilities
Laser alignment
Dual-laser systems with live angular and offset readings — accurate to 0.001mm resolution.
Soft foot correction
Comprehensive soft foot check and correction before alignment begins — the most overlooked step.
Thermal growth compensation
We calculate thermal growth offsets based on operating temperatures and set cold alignment targets accordingly.
Dial indicator verification
Backup dial indicator readings on critical machines for independent verification of laser results.
Shim management
Pre-cut stainless steel shims — no stacked shims, no shim corrosion, no re-alignment in 6 months.
Alignment reports
Full report with before/after readings, thermal growth calculations, shim records, and coupling gap measurements.
Why customers choose us
- API 686 compliant alignment tolerances — often tighter.
- Alignment of both horizontal and vertical machines.
- Multi-element train alignment (motor-gearbox-compressor).
- Available during shutdowns, turnarounds, and new installations.
Process
Measure
Initial laser and soft foot measurements — document as-found alignment condition.
Calculate
Determine thermal growth offsets and target cold alignment values.
Adjust
Precision shimming and lateral moves to achieve target alignment.
Verify
Final laser reading, bolt torque, and coupling gap verification. Issue report.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a shaft alignment take?+
A single motor-compressor coupling: 2–4 hours including setup, measurement, correction, and documentation. Multi-element trains take longer.
Do you align during new installations?+
Yes — and we strongly recommend it. Factory-set alignments rarely survive shipping and installation. Post-grouting alignment is essential.
Can you measure thermal growth on our machine?+
Yes. We can measure thermal growth using proximity probes during startup, or calculate it from design data and thermal imaging. Both methods give reliable offset targets.
What equipment do you use?+
Prüftechnik / Easy-Laser dual-laser systems with wireless connectivity and automatic measurement. Results are exported digitally — no handwritten notes.
Ready to get started?
Get a no-obligation technical assessment within 48 hours.