Misalignment is a common culprit behind the damage to rotating machinery, accounting for at least half of such issues. Yet, rather than addressing the root problem, many maintenance teams tend to treat the symptoms of misalignment, such as replacing bearings, couplings, and seals, because they perceive the alignment process as time-consuming.
Fluke, represented in the UK by COMTEST, a global technology leader in the production of compact, professional electronic test and measurement tools, has introduced the Fluke 831 Laser Shaft Alignment Tool. This innovative tool streamlines shaft alignment, making it accessible for a broader range of machines within a facility, saving significant costs related to downtime and energy wastage.
Fluke's 831 Laser Shaft Alignment Tool comes equipped with an intuitive guided user interface, simplifying and expediting the process of shaft alignment. This tool eliminates the need for advanced training or intricate software, making precision shaft alignment more manageable.
Despite its user-friendly design, the Fluke 831 offers robust capabilities for skilled technicians, allowing them to address a wide array of machines on the plant floor. It covers everything from thermal growth calculations to user-defined tolerances, making it a versatile asset for maintenance and reliability teams.
Key features of the Fluke 831 Laser Shaft Alignment Tool include:
- High Performance and Precision Results: The tool leverages advanced features, such as an extend mode for handling significant misalignment and an integrated thermal growth calculator that automatically factors in dynamic machine changes, ensuring accurate results.
- Quick Setup and Intuitive User Interface: The Fluke 831 offers a swift setup process and a guided user interface that resembles a tablet, making it more user-friendly compared to traditional measurement methods. Shaft alignment is achieved through a series of quick and simple steps.
- Adaptive Alignment: This feature enables maintenance and reliability teams to tackle various alignment challenges, including horizontal, angular, and vertical alignment.
- Cloud Data Sharing: The Fluke 831 integrates WiFi cloud functionality, allowing seamless data transfer from the laser alignment tool to the ARC 4.0 PC software.
By incorporating the Fluke 831 into their maintenance routines, organisations can reap multiple benefits. These include reduced energy consumption by eliminating reaction forces inside rotating machinery, increased reliability, cost reduction through decreased spare parts usage and extended part life, and longer machine life leading to extended maintenance intervals. The Fluke 831 Laser Shaft Alignment Tool is a game-changer in simplifying precision shaft alignment, making it a cost-effective and efficient solution for maintenance professionals.
