Does anyone know of a program to calculate moves on a machine train with multiple components after taking readings at each coupling?

Some laser alignment tools do, I believe. I've also had good success graphing it out on graph paper. But I don't know of a stand alone program.

We offer Alignment Quest Plus software which includes multiple machine train capability. Initially, the software permits the user to map the machine train to determine the most appropriate alignment movements. Once a particular approach has been selected, the software guides the user through all of the necessary steps to put the entire train into alignment. Machine definition, measurement
data, and alignment steps with time/date for all equipment in the plant can be archived and retrieved as needed.

Also, all of the major laser alignment systems have this capability. If you have a laser alignment system, perhaps you can upgrade the unit to include this progrom. Our Easy-Laser Alignment systems have this capability.

You can also manually graph it out as depicted in white paper from Acquip Inc:
http://www.acquip.com/whitepapers/machine_train_alignment.pdf

Jim,

Several years ago I aligned a 60+ foot long machine train with 2500 hp motor, 3 gearboxes, 4 blowers, and 7 couplings. I used an early model Optalign to measure each coupling. I plotted the data on a scale drawing and then made a MS Excel SS to calculate accurate values and plot shaft centerlines for vertical and horizontal planes. I evaluated several "best-fit" straight lines and moved the center component (motor) to the calculated H/V foot values. I then aligned each coupling going from the center to each end. I think this was more accurate than starting on the first coupling at one end and working down the line to the 7th coupling. I have not seen a software product that does this. There are very expensive laser systems that offer Train alignment calculations.

Walt

Pruftechnik alignment systems (call your local Ludeca rep or service provider) such as Turbalign,Rotalign Pro, Rotalign Ultra all perform machine train alignment with ease.

Thanks for the info. I know you can plot the train but thought there might be a spreadsheet or program out there where the values could be input that would give a quick solution. Another area of the plant is looking at upgrading to a different system just to have this capability. It is a lot of money to upgrade and there are very few times it will be needed.