At Rotatek, our precision bore alignment services ensure the accurate positioning of internal bores in turbines, compressors, engines, and pumps. Using state-of-the-art laser tracker systems, we detect and correct misalignments that lead to premature bearing wear, vibration, and mechanical failure. Whether you’re in power generation, marine, petrochemical, or heavy industry, our experienced technicians deliver unmatched accuracy and 24/7 support to keep your machinery running at peak efficiency.
A detailed graphical measurement report is supplied with all precision measurement services.
Our commitment to excellence paired with our state-of-the-art measurement capabilities makes ROTATEK your trusted precision service partner.
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Bore alignment is the process of precisely measuring and adjusting the position of cylindrical bores—such as those in bearings, housings, or casings—so that their centerlines are collinear and properly oriented. This is essential in rotating equipment like turbines, compressors, engines, pumps, and gearboxes, where a shaft must pass smoothly and accurately through multiple support points.
Precision is everything when it comes to bore alignment. While traditional methods laid the groundwork for aligning multi-bore systems, today’s laser-based portable coordinate measuring machines offers significant advantages in speed, accuracy, and reliability. Unlike traditional alignment methods using piano wire, optical scopes and 2d laser optics, ROTATEK field engineers utilize cutting edge Laser Tracker technology for unparalleled accuracy, precision and measurement acquisition time.
Proper bore alignment is critical to the performance, reliability, and longevity of rotating machinery. Misaligned bores—whether in compressors, turbines, pumps, engines, gearboxes or propulsion systems —can lead to significant mechanical issues, including:
- Excessive Bearing Wear – Misaligned bores cause uneven loading on bearings, accelerating wear and increasing the risk of bearing failure.
Increased Vibration & Noise – Poor alignment introduces imbalance and shaft deflection, resulting in harmful vibrations that can affect nearby components.
Shaft Fatigue & Failure – Continuous stress on the shaft due to misalignment leads to cracks, fatigue, and eventual failure, especially in high-speed applications.
Energy Loss & Inefficiency – Misalignment increases friction and mechanical resistance, which forces systems to work harder and consume more energy.
Unplanned Downtime – When components fail prematurely due to misalignment, costly repairs and production halts are inevitable.
Shortened Equipment Lifespan – Persistent misalignment causes cumulative damage over time, reducing the usable life of machinery and increasing total cost of ownership.
At Rotatek, we use high-accuracy laser measurement tools to detect and correct bore misalignment down to microns. Whether during new installations or maintenance shutdowns, our expert technicians help ensure your machinery is running exactly as engineered—aligned, efficient, and reliable.
At Rotatek, we employ state-of-the-art laser tracker technology to perform high-precision bore alignment on critical rotating equipment. This method delivers exceptional unmatched accuracy and repeatability—essential in industries like power generation, marine, and aerospace, where microns matter.
Step 1: Pre-Alignment SETUP & Inspection
The equipment is thoroughly cleaned, and environmental conditions are evaluated to ensure stable measurement. Targets or SMRs (spherically mounted retroreflectors) are mounted to create a control network.
Step 2: LASER TRACKER DEPLOYMENT
- A high-precision laser tracker is positioned with an unobstructed view of all bores. The tracker emits a laser beam and uses triangulation and interferometry to measure the 3D position of each target with sub-millimeter accuracy.
Step 3: COORDINATE SYSTEM ESTABLISHMENT
A virtual datum line is created by referencing baseline bore centers. The laser tracker maps the exact 3D position of all bores relative to this line, allowing for highly accurate offset, angular, and centerline comparisons.
Step 4: MEASUREMENT AND ANALYSIS
- Measurement data is processed and analyzed to determine misalignments. Real-time data analysis enables immediate decision-making and corrective planning.
Step 5: MECHANICAL ADJUSTMENTS
Based on the measurement data analysis, adjustments are made to align the bores. This may involve shimming, baseplate correction, or housing movement. The laser tracker verifies each adjustment until optimal alignment is achieved.
Step 6: Final Validation & Reporting
A final measurement pass is conducted to ensure all alignment tolerances are met. A detailed, traceable report—including before/after data, graphical analysis, and 3D deviation plots—is provided for QA and maintenance records.