At ROTATEK, our industrial laser shaft alignment services are engineered to eliminate the root causes of excessive vibration, premature bearing failure, coupling damage, and energy inefficiency. These alignment-related issues are common across rotating machinery in power generation, manufacturing, marine, and heavy industrial environments.
Using advanced laser alignment technology, our engineers deliver precise, repeatable shaft alignment to OEM tolerances. We don’t just fix the symptoms—we address the underlying causes. By accounting for thermal growth, dynamic loading, and real-world operating conditions, we ensure your equipment remains aligned under all phases of operation.
Whether you’re installing new systems, performing preventative maintenance, or resolving performance problems, ROTATEK’s shaft alignment services help restore system integrity, extend equipment life, and reduce costly unplanned downtime.
When precision matters, ROTATEK delivers.
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Ensure peak machine performance with precision laser shaft alignment services from ROTATEK. Our laser shaft alignment solutions eliminate misalignment, reduce vibration, extend bearing life, and prevent costly downtime.
Shaft alignment is the process of precisely aligning the rotational centers of two or more connected machines—typically a driver (like a motor) and a driven component (like a pump or gearbox)—so that they are colinear during operation. When shafts are properly aligned, they rotate smoothly without introducing undue stress, vibration, or wear.
In rotating equipment like pumps, motors, turbines, and compressors, even minor shaft misalignment can cause major problems. Misalignment increases vibration, causes premature bearing and seal failures, and leads to energy losses and unplanned downtime. Precise laser shaft alignment ensures optimal operation, minimizes mechanical wear, and supports long-term equipment reliability.
Misalignment leads to uneven load distribution across rotating elements. Over time, this results in accelerated bearing degradation, shaft fatigue, and elevated operational temperatures. Our precision laser shaft alignment services ensures shafts are co-linear during rotation, reducing radial and angular misalignment to within OEM recommended tolerances.
Misalignment occurs when the rotational centers of two connected shafts are not perfectly co-linear. Even small deviations can have significant mechanical consequences, including vibration, premature wear, and energy inefficiency. Below are the primary types of shaft misalignment we identify and correct using precision laser alignment equipment.
Using advanced laser shaft alignment systems, we can detect and quantify each type of misalignment with high precision—down to thousandths of an inch. Our alignment engineers then calculate precise mechanical adjustments (shimming, moving, leveling) to correct the alignment, followed by verification measurements and documentation.
Our shaft alignment service follows a proven, methodical process to ensure your rotating equipment performs with maximum reliability and efficiency. Here’s our general approach and how we deliver fast, accurate, and documented results:
Step 1: Pre-Alignment Inspection & Preparation
Job-site safety analysis and lockout/tagout procedures.
Visually inspect machines, couplings, mounts, baseplates, and surrounding equipment.
Check for soft foot using dial indicators or laser tools.
Assess any foundation issues or structural concerns.
Verify machine cleanliness and accessibility for measurement tools.
Why it matters: Misalignment correction is only effective when root causes—like base distortion or pipe strain—are addressed first.
Step 2: Precision measurement with laser alignment systems
Collect baseline measurements of both horizontal and vertical misalignment.
Identify parallel (offset) and angular errors.
Apply thermal growth targets if applicable.
Why it matters: Laser alignment ensures high-resolution data—far more accurate than traditional dial indicator methods.
Step 3: mechanical alignment corrections
Adjust machine foot positions by adding or removing precision shims.
Use jacking bolts or fine-tuning adjustments to move equipment horizontally and vertically.
Monitor each adjustment in real time to track progress toward tolerance targets.
Why it matters: Laser alignment ensures high-resolution data—far more accurate than traditional dial indicator methods.
Step 4: verification and final alignment check
Perform a complete re-measurement to verify corrections.
Ensure alignment falls within manufacturer or industry-standard tolerances.
Confirm that soft foot has not returned during the adjustment process.
Conduct a rotational sweep to detect coupling or shaft anomalies.
Why it matters: Verifying the alignment ensures sustainable results and catches any last-minute issues before equipment is placed in-service.
Step 5: documentation and reporting
Provide a full alignment report with before-and-after results.
Include tolerance levels, correction data, and technician notes.
Optional thermal growth charts or vibration readings if collected.
Why it matters: Clear documentation supports quality control, audits, and future maintenance planning.
optional: THERMAL GROWTH / DYNAMIC MOVEMENT ANALYSIS
For critical equipment, we offer thermal growth / dynamic movement analysis, cold-hot alignment monitoring, and live-tracking during operation.
Identify movement caused by load, speed, or temperature changes.
Why it matters: Real-world conditions often reveal misalignments that static alignments can’t detect. We address both.
Proper shaft alignment is essential for maximizing equipment reliability and performance. By ensuring that rotating shafts are precisely aligned, you reduce mechanical wear, minimize vibration, lower energy consumption, and extend machine life. This results in fewer unexpected breakdowns, improved workplace safety, and increased operational efficiency—saving time and money across your facility.
1. REDUCED EQUIPMENT WEAR AND TEAR
Misalignment causes undue stress on bearings, seals, shafts, and couplings. Proper alignment minimizes mechanical strain, extending the life of components
2. LOWER ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Misaligned shafts cause machines to work harder, increasing power draw. Precision alignment reduces friction and resistance, improving energy efficiency.
3. mINIMIZED VIBRATION AND NOISE
Proper alignment significantly reduces vibration and noise, which are indicators of stress and potential failure in rotating machinery.
4. FEWER UNPLANNED DOWNTIME
Misalignment often leads to unexpected failures. Accurate alignment helps prevent breakdowns, improving equipment reliability and uptime.
5. EXTENDED MACHINE LIFE
By preventing premature failure of components, precision alignment maximizes the return on investment in machinery.
6. IMPROVED SAFETY
Well-aligned equipment operates more smoothly and reliably, reducing the risk of accidents caused by mechanical failures.
7. INCREASED PRODUCTIVITY
Efficient, trouble-free machines lead to fewer interruptions, enabling consistent and higher output levels.
8. COMPLIANCE WITH OEM STANDARDS
Most manufacturers require alignment within specified tolerances to validate warranties and ensure optimal performance.
9. OPTIMIZED MAINTENANCE SCHEDULING
Precision alignment allows for more predictable and planned maintenance intervals, avoiding reactive or emergency repairs.
Alignment Standards We Follow
Certified Quality. Proven Precision.
At ROTATEK, we perform all alignment services under a certified quality management system, backed by our AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications. These credentials reflect our commitment to delivering high-precision shaft alignment solutions that meet the strictest industry and customer requirements.
Our alignment services follow recognized best practices and industry standards. Where applicable, we align to the following:
ANSI/ASA S2.75-2017 Parts 1 & 3
Defines alignment tolerances and procedures for horizontally and vertically oriented rotating machinery.API 686 (2nd Edition) – Recommended Practice for Machinery Installation and Installation Design
Provides alignment specifications for critical rotating equipment used in oil, gas, and energy facilities.- OEM-Specific Tolerances
We follow manufacturer-specified alignment guidelines to maintain warranty compliance and maximize system reliability.
ISO 1940-1 / ISO 10816
Offers standards for vibration severity and rotor balance—used in conjunction with alignment to ensure long-term performance
By combining certified processes with recognized alignment standards, ROTATEK ensures your machinery operates at peak performance—safely, reliably, and efficiently.`
Rent Industry-Leading Laser Alignment Tools from ROTATEK
In addition to expert field alignment services, ROTATEK offers professional-grade tool rentals for teams who prefer to perform alignment in-house. Whether you’re aligning shafts, machine trains, or large structural components, our rental options include the same advanced equipment our technicians use in the field.
• Rotalign Touch & Rotalign Ultra iS – For precision shaft alignment of single and multi-coupling machines
At ROTATEK, precision isn’t just a promise—it’s our certified standard. As an AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 certified company, we back our commitment to quality with globally recognized benchmarks for excellence. With decades of field-proven expertise in precision measurement, laser alignment and 3D metrology, we deliver unmatched accuracy and reliability across aerospace, defense, power generation, marine, and general industry.
Our expert technicians adapt to the most demanding environments, offering tailored solutions with fast nationwide response times, 24/7 availability, and a proven quality management system built for mission-critical performance. We utilize cutting-edge equipment and industry-leading software to ensure your critical components meet the tightest tolerances—every time.
Get LASER Aligned with Rotatek
Contact us today to schedule laser alignment service or inquire about tool rentals. Whether you need urgent field support or scheduled maintenance, Rotatek delivers certified precision—every time.