recently our 8210 laser heads died and we are looking for a replacement. we are interested to hear any comments good or bad about the skf range of shaft aligners, accuracy, robustness reliabilty

I do believe that the SKF laser system is manufactured by Fixturelaser out of Sweden (or was). It is a very good system, highly rated by a large precentage of people. So, I would think that Fixture laser products would interface. You may want to contact Fixturelaser then search for ????????? or got deep pockets?

I use Fixturelaser,have for the past 10yrs. I used to use Ludeca products. I find Fixturelaser easier, faster, holds up better. The rotolign was ok, but optilign with the mirror, bad.

The SKF units are made by Fixturlaser. The TMEA 2 and TMEA 1PEX (Intrinsically Safe) are very good basic Horizontal shaft alignment systems. If you required vertical alignment or geometric capabilities, these models will not be usefull.
Here is a link to additional information on these units and more sophisticated alignment systems:
http://www.reliabilitydirectstore.com/Machine-Alignment-s/20.htm

Dave G. just wondering why these wont work vertically? excuse my ignorance, but do they have a pendulum or something that only allows them to work horizontally?

The program for vertical alignment is not provided in these particular low cost entry level systems. From a marketing standpoint, manufacturers differentiate capablities to provide different price structures for certain applications. On our site, you would need to look at the D505 or 525 systems if you desire vertical as well as horizontal measurement programs.

As Dave G points out the basic horz shaft system is under $5,000 or was and does it well but not all inclusive to all jobs. Remember, people do alignments; invest in people with training. No one method is good for all jobs so be well versed in Indicator Reverse, Long Spacer Coupling, and Rim & Face methods and all the setups available to accomplish those methods. If you're using a laser and have transported it to a job, please check calibration prior to doing a job. When you see someone pull it out of the case and hook it up without checking calibration - doubt their work - they are not professional!

Sam,

In the interest of becoming more professional, how do YOU check calibration of a laser setup. The old piece of pipe like I would check sag on dials?
Rotaline Pro specifically.

Dave

You got it! Never assume anything. The last guy may have kicked it or dropped it or??? damaged in flight. Yeap; simply set it up on a piece of pipe or shafting and check every 90 degrees. This also gives you a 'quick view' of your bracket integrity and it only takes a few extra minutes plus gives you more confidence in what you're reading and seeing.

In reality; to be sure - check it prior to using it regardless of what it is - using a vial level, check calibration, etc and of course etc...

Doubly true for optics. Optical telescopes must be calibrated with each move (set it up work an hour and move it - re-calibrate it) all real professionals do it that way. When someone is looking over your shoulder, you better do it correctly and right the first time. They may forgive themselves or internal people but the outside guy better get every jot and tittle right.

Dave, call anytime 304 273 6508 or c304 444 5255 Ravenswood.

Sam, could you explain further how clamping the laser to a piece of pipe and taking readings every 90 degrees actually "calibrates" it? What do you look for exactly? I've never heard of doing this with a laser.

Rusty,

You're really not calibrating it as much as checking to ensure that it reads "0" for the revolution. You could check to ensure that the inclinometer is reading correctly also (90,180, 270, etc.). If you have the laser and receiver (again, talking of Rotalign Pro) on a straight piece of pipe or bar, and turn it 360, it better give you a perfect alignment. If it doesn't, then you may have a problem with the electronics or brackets.
I've done it a couple of times to see what it would do, and it gives a perfect alignment. Haven't done it for a while. Losing my professionalism I suppose

Dave

I have used this "pipe" method, actually a 50mm solid shaft in a lathe and turned by hand of course, one of the heads came back with a flat sine curve and missing points, with the message "unfit data". this is when i contacted CSi and they told me they no longer support this equipment....I have no doubt this is repairable. so now i look for alternative brand name and after sale support. any feedback on other brands is appreciated, the skf gear mentioned earlier falls down in one area that its max distance is only 850mm some of my jobs require approx 1.2 mtr. I'm an in house operater so a no frills unit will do.

Rusty; Dave is spot-on. You're just checking to ensure it is reading correctly or checking calibration. And, you can check at 1' and 3' for grins and sometimes interesting.

I think we all are guilty sometimes: pick-up a micrometer and take a measurement --- calibration must be checked. The machist using it solely and exclusively by himself only and dailey only need check it every so often. But mostly our types should always confirm calibration regardless of what it is. I carry Starrett 98 levels and always check calibration every use and allow them the stablize thermally. I went into a chemical plant and we were to take some journal measurements in a union shop - could not find one mic in calibration and they were not going to check them.

If something was OK last time you used it, chances are it's still OK but we can't affort to assume it's OK. The little check is of necessity.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Sam Pickens,

Davel, I have not use SKF or the "Easy" products. I have always used the Ludeca units. First the old Optalign with the invisible laser, then the Optalign (visible), the Rotalign Pro, and now the Optalign Plus. I never liked the Rotalign Pro... more complicated than needed and presents too much information (and expensive). I am a consultant and I bought the Optalign Plus about a year ago. At around $8K, there are certainly cheaper units, but the Optalign uses a "sweep" mode which I find to be very useful, especially on machines that don't allow you to easily start-stop your rotation. I have found this unit to be very durable and simple to use. Extra fixtures (thin brackets, mag brackets, rods, etc) can be picked up fairly cheaply if you know where to look for them (all the Optalign / Rotalign brackets and rods are interchangeable). Just my 2 cents.

Ludeca Optalign Plus

This message has been edited. Last edited by: rustythevibeguy,

Thanks Rusty, the other guys seem to have gone off in a tangent from the original topic

Sorry

Rotalign and Optalign is all I have ever used other than dials.

Dave

The older Optalign units (not the Plus with the "sweep" mode) often sell on Ebay for around $2500. I bought one a couple of years ago that I keep as a spare. The units are usually very complete. That's a heck of a deal but I wouldn't recommend you buy one that way if you are new to Ebay.

davel, you might want to take a look at this post over at the For Sale forum...

http://maintenanceforums.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/6721004131/m/2131086792