Balancing plant maintenance costs and activities with the need to achieve production goals is a daily challenge for most maintenance professionals. Since the motor-driven system is often a critical component in this dynamic, this article looks at some best practices to help it achieve those goals and meet customer demands.

The procedure for aligning two rotating machines requires measuring their relative shaft positions and adjusting one or both machines. Until recently, though, how closely the shafts need to be aligned was an open question. That changed with the publication of American National Standards Institute/Acoustical Society of America (ANSI/ASA) standard 2.75-17.

This 94-page handbook (3.5" x 6", 9cm x 15cm) contains carefully selected materials designed to assist repair firms in their everyday work. Just as important, your customers and potential customers can use this pocket handbook as a handy reference for mechanical data for motors and driven equipment.

A special discounted collection of 9 webinar recordings focusing on a wide variety of vibration, balancing and alignment topics.

Just $45 for EASA members!

This presentation introduces you to ANSI's new shaft alignment standard.

The paper "Overview of the New Shaft Alignment Standard" by Gene Vogel, presented at the EASA Convention 2018, introduces the ANSI ASA S275 Part 1: General Principles, Methods, Practices, and Tolerances standard for shaft alignment. This standard was developed by the Vibration Institute in collaboration with the Acoustic Society of America (ASA) to provide a comprehensive and consistent approach to shaft alignment across various industries. Prior to this, there was no national or international standard for shaft alignment, leading to inconsistencies in methodologies and tolerances.

Proper alignment of direct-coupled machinery is an essential element in reliability of a new or repaired machine (motor, pump, gear case, etc.). One common impediment to achieving proper alignment and smooth operation is a “soft foot” condition. This article looks at detecting soft foot, correcting soft foot and general recommendations for shims.

Realizar una correcta alineación de las máquinas acopladas de forma directa es un elemento esencial para garantizar la confiabilidad de operación de una máquina nueva o reparada (motor, bomba, caja de engranajes, etc.). Uno de los impedimentos comunes para lograr una alineación adecuada y un correcto funcionamiento, es el denominado  "pie suave".

The paper "Shaft Alignment: Rock ’N’ Roll Machinery Style" by Gene Vogel, presented at the EASA Convention 2015, delves into the intricacies of shaft alignment in industrial machinery. Vogel emphasizes that while technicians often learn shaft alignment as a procedural task, a deeper understanding of the relationship between shaft centerlines and their response to alignment moves is crucial for handling unexpected situations in industrial environments.

We often hear the terms preventive maintenance (PM) and predictive maintenance (PdM) of electric motors. However, it’s far less often that we give consideration to the tasks associated with these methods of maintaining motor operation and extending operating service life. This article will address some of the more common activities associated with PM and PdM, with the focus on three-phase squirrel cage motors.