The two major types of misalignment corrected by shaft alignment are what?

Shaft alignment is a crucial maintenance practice that ensures machinery operates efficiently and reliably. When we discuss the major types of misalignment, we identify angular misalignment and parallel misalignment as the two primary categories.

Angular misalignment occurs when the shafts are not aligned along the same angle, which can lead to increased wear, vibration, and energy loss. This type of misalignment can cause components to experience uneven loads and stresses, resulting in premature failure.

On the other hand, parallel misalignment refers to a condition where the shafts may be aligned at the same angle, but their centers are not in line with each other horizontally or vertically. This misalignment can also lead to similar issues of increased vibration, heat generation, and ultimately, mechanical failure if not corrected.

By understanding these two major types of misalignment, maintenance personnel can implement corrective measures effectively, ensuring optimized performance and longevity of the machinery. Recognizing the importance of angular and parallel misalignment helps in the proper alignment processes and choosing the right tools for assessment and correction, ensuring reduced downtime and enhanced operational efficiency.