Misalignment

How it is used

Used in the installation and maintenance of rotating machines. Misalignment causes vibration, heat and early bearing and coupling failure. Technicians measure and correct it with dial indicators or laser alignment tools, adding shims under the motor feet.

Example sentences

1. The vibration spectrum points to misalignment between the motor and the gearbox.

2. After laser alignment, the misalignment was below 0.05 mm.

Common collocations

• shaft misalignment
• angular misalignment
• parallel misalignment
• laser alignment
• correct the misalignment

Related terms

• couplingA device that connects two shafts, for example a motor and a pump, so that torque is transmitted between them. Flexible types also allow a small amount of misalignment.
• vibrationA fast back-and-forth movement of a machine or structure. Too much of it can be a sign of a problem such as imbalance, misalignment or a damaged bearing.
• shaftA long, round rotating part that carries gears, pulleys or wheels and transmits power and torque from one component to another.
• bearingA machine element that supports a rotating or sliding part, such as a shaft, and reduces friction between the moving surfaces. Ball and roller bearings are the most common types.
• condition monitoringRegularly measuring signs of a machine's health, such as vibration, temperature or oil quality, to spot problems early and plan repairs before a breakdown.

More terms: Maintenance and Reliability

• preventive maintenance
• failure
• lubrication
• downtime
• troubleshoot
• corrosion
• MTBF
• wear
• break down
• overhaul
• spare part