Explain alignment tolerance, offset and angularity concepts as applied to coupled rotating machinery.
Engineering & Maintenance
Laser Shaft Alignment and Dynamic Balancing of Rotating Machinery
Learn to align rotating shafts with laser systems and correct unbalance using single and two-plane dynamic balancing, reducing vibration, seal and bearing failures on rotating machinery.
🗓️Duration5 training days
📚Content4 modules · 8 sessions
🎓On completionAccredited attendance certificate
About the programme
Course Overview
Misalignment and unbalance are behind a large share of the bearing, seal and coupling failures blamed on other causes, because their vibration signature is easy to misdiagnose and their correction is often skipped as too time-consuming to justify. This course teaches precision shaft alignment and dynamic balancing as practical, repeatable field skills rather than theory alone. Participants learn alignment tolerance concepts, offset and angularity, and how to detect and correct soft foot before it invalidates an otherwise accurate alignment. Sessions cover laser alignment system set-up and measurement, thermal growth compensation for hot-running machines, and the coupling types that influence alignment method choice. The course then moves to dynamic balancing, covering single-plane and two-plane balancing theory, the influence coefficient method, and balance grade selection under ISO 21940-11. Hands-on sessions use portable alignment and balancing equipment on real rotating machinery, including in-situ trim balancing, so participants leave able to align and balance a machine to a defined tolerance and verify the result with a post-correction vibration check rather than by assumption.
Expected Learning Outcomes
Detect and correct soft foot conditions before proceeding with a shaft alignment.
Set up and operate a laser alignment system, including thermal growth compensation for hot-running machines.
Select an alignment method appropriate to the coupling type and machine configuration.
Apply single-plane and two-plane balancing theory, including the influence coefficient method.
Choose an appropriate balance grade under ISO 21940-11 for a given machine and speed.
Perform in-situ trim balancing with portable equipment and verify the result with a post-correction vibration check.
Who Should Attend
Maintenance technicians and millwrights performing shaft alignment and field balancing.
Reliability engineers investigating vibration issues linked to alignment or unbalance.
Rotating equipment specialists responsible for pump, fan, motor and compressor installation quality.
Vibration analysts who need practical alignment and balancing skills to close out findings.
Precision maintenance coordinators setting installation tolerance standards for rotating machinery.
Commissioning engineers verifying alignment and balance quality before handover.
Course Modules
Select any module to see its sessions and points.
01Precision Shaft Alignment Fundamentals
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Alignment Tolerances, Offset and Angularity Concepts
- Define offset and angularity misalignment and how each affects coupling and bearing loading differently.
- Apply alignment tolerance tables appropriate to machine speed and coupling type.
- Distinguish cold alignment targets from hot running position using thermal growth data.
- Explain how misalignment forces transmit into bearings, seals and couplings as vibration and heat.
Session 2Soft Foot Detection and Correction Procedures
- Measure soft foot at each machine foot using dial indicators or a laser alignment system.
- Distinguish parallel, angular and induced soft foot conditions from one another.
- Correct soft foot using shims and torque sequencing before finalising an alignment reading.
- Recognise when a frame or baseplate distortion is causing soft foot that shimming alone cannot fix.
02Laser Alignment Systems in Practice
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Laser System Set-Up, Measurement and Thermal Growth Compensation
- Mount and configure laser alignment sensors correctly on the coupled machine pair.
- Take and validate alignment readings, checking for consistency across multiple measurement points.
- Apply thermal growth values to set a cold offset target that achieves alignment once the machine is running hot.
- Diagnose and resolve inconsistent laser readings caused by bracket sag or vibration during measurement.
Session 2Coupling Types and Alignment Method Selection
- Select an alignment method and tolerance appropriate to flexible, rigid and gear coupling types.
- Adjust alignment approach for vertical machines, cardan shafts and other non-standard configurations.
- Sequence shimming and horizontal movement to converge on target readings efficiently.
- Produce an alignment record that documents final readings against the applicable tolerance.
03Dynamic Balancing Principles
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Single-Plane and Two-Plane Balancing Theory
- Distinguish static unbalance requiring single-plane correction from couple unbalance requiring two-plane correction.
- Explain how trial weight placement and phase measurement reveal the unbalance vector.
- Interpret vibration amplitude and phase readings used to calculate correction weight and location.
- Identify rotor geometries where single-plane balancing is sufficient and where two-plane balancing is required.
Session 2Influence Coefficient Method and Balance Grade Selection Under ISO 21940-11
- Apply the influence coefficient method to calculate correction weights from trial weight response data.
- Select an appropriate balance quality grade under ISO 21940-11 based on machine type and operating speed.
- Convert a selected balance grade into a maximum permissible residual unbalance for the rotor.
- Explain the practical difference between shop balancing before installation and field balancing in place.
04Field Balancing and Verification
2 sessions · 8 points
Session 1Portable Balancing Equipment and In-Situ Trim Balancing
- Set up portable balancing equipment on an installed machine without full disassembly.
- Perform trial weight runs safely and record amplitude and phase data at each step.
- Calculate and apply trim balance corrections to bring residual unbalance within the target grade.
- Recognise when in-situ trim balancing is inappropriate and shop balancing is required instead.
Session 2Post-Correction Vibration Verification and Documentation
- Take a post-correction vibration measurement to confirm alignment and balancing targets were achieved.
- Compare before and after vibration spectra to demonstrate the effect of the correction performed.
- Document final alignment and balance results in a format suitable for handover or audit.
- Schedule a follow-up check to confirm the correction remains stable under normal operating conditions.
What the participant receives
4 course modules
A structured syllabus
8 training sessions
across 5 days
32 detailed points
Applied, detailed content
Accredited attendance certificate
On completing the programme
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