MPTA C2c-2002 R2015

Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

MPTA Primer

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org
MPTA-C2c-2002 R2015 Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

Contributors

Altra Industrial Motion – TB Woods Inc. Chambersburg, PA www.tbwoods.com

Baldor-Dodge-Maska Greenville, SC www.baldor.com

Frontline Industries Irvington, NJ www.frontlineindustries.com

Lovejoy, Inc. Downers Grove, IL www.lovejoy-inc.com

Magnaloy Coupling Company Alpena, Michiagn www.magnaloy.com

Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc. Arlington, TX www.martinsprocket.com

Maurey Manufacturing Corp. Holly Springs, MS www.maurey.com

Regal Beloit America Inc Maysville, KY www.regalpts.com

Rexnord Industries New Berlin, WI www.rexnord.com

Ringfeder Power Transmission USA Westwood, NJ www.ringfeder.com

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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MPTA-C2c-2002 R2015 Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

Disclaimer Statement

This publication is presented for the purpose of providing reference information only. You
should not rely solely on the information contained herein. Mechanical Power Transmission
Association (MPTA) recommends that you consult with appropriate engineers and / or other
professionals for specific needs. Again, this publication is for reference information only and in
no event will MPTA be liable for direct, indirect, incidental or consequential damages arising
from the use of this information.

Abstract

This primer is intended for individual who need to understand the necessity for shaft
alignment with elastomeric couplings, types of alignment, factors that affect alignment, and
the basic practices to achieve acceptable alignment of the connected equipment.

Copyright Position Statement

MPTA publications are not copyrighted to encourage their use throughout industry. It is
requested that the MPTA be given recognition when any of this material is copied for any use.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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MPTA-C2c-2002 R2015 Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

Table of Contents

Forward Page 5

Scope Page 5

Section 1 Common Terms and Definitions Page 6

Section 2 Overview of alignment Page 7

2.1 Importance of Alignment Page 7
2.2 Pre-Alignment Considerations Page 9

Section 3 Types of Shaft Misalignment Page 10

3.1 Angular Misalignment Page 10
Figure 1 Page 10
3.2 Parallel Offset Misalignment Page 12
Figure 2 Page 13

Section 4 Comparison of Alignment Methods Page 14

4.1 Straight Edge Method Page 14
Figure 3 Page 14
4.2 Rim and Face Method Page 15
Figure 4 Page 15
4.3 Reverse Indicator Method Page 16
Figure 5 Page 16
4.3 Laser Alignment Page 17

Appendix A Determination of Indicator Sag Page 18

Figure 6 Page 18
Cautions on Runout Page 19

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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MPTA-C2c-2002 R2015 Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

Foreword

This foreword contains reference information and is not to be construed to be part of any
technical specification.

This primer is intended for individuals who need to understand the necessity for shaft
alignment with elastomeric couplings, types of alignment, factors that affect alignment, and
the basic practices to achieve acceptable alignment of the connected equipment. The reason
shaft alignment is critical is that it reduces the reactionary forces put upon the equipment by
the coupling and other connections. This reduction in forces leads to longer equipment,
bearing, shaft, coupling, and seal life which results in reduced operating costs for the
equipment users.

Suggestions for the improvement, or comments on this publication are welcome. Comments
should be mailed to Mechanical Power Transmission Association, 5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2,
Naples, FL 34110 on your company letterhead.

Scope

This primer covers equipment alignment for elastomeric couplings.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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MPTA-C2c-2002 R2015 Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

Section 1 – Common Terms to Know

Flexible Coupling –
A mechanical fastening devise used to connect two rotating shafts for power
transmission that accommodates equipment misalignment.

Elastomer
Resilient material having elastic properties. (Rubber, synthetic rubber or plastics)

Elastomeric Element
An assembly of components designed to connect axially oriented shafts in order to
provide power transmission and, accommodate shaft misalignment through
elastomeric materials.

Angular Alignment
A measure of the angle between two shafts.

The angle of error, Aº, between two shafts is the amount of angular misalignment.

Angular Misalignment
The condition which exists when the center lines of the connected shafts are neither
parallel nor co-axial. The amount of misalignment is the angle measured between the
intersection axes of the connected shafts.

Parallel Misalignment – (also known as radial or offset misalignment)

The lateral displacement between non-intersecting axis of the connected shafts.

Axial Misalignment or End Float

The axial movement from the normal gap setting for a standard coupling. Frequently
associated with the thermal growth stated as a +/- value from the normal setting as a
specified by the coupling manufacturer.

Axial Stiffness
A measure of a couplings resistance to axial displacement.

Radial Stiffness
Radial stiffness is the measure of a couplings’ resistance to parallel offset.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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Angular Stiffness
A measure of a couplings resistance to angular displacement.

Power Plane (coupling)

The power plane is the plan at the coupling interface where the torque is transmitted
from one shaft to another.

Dial Indicator
A dial indicator is a gage with a calibrated circular face and is designed to measure
distance variations.

Indicator Sag
Indicator sag is the difference in the indicator readings due to gravitational forces on
the indicator and set up deflection from the top position (12:00 o’clock) and the bottom
position (6 o’clock).

Soft Foot
Soft foot is a conditions that occurs when there is not 100% contact between the
equipment mounting bracket or housing feet and, the mounting surface. Soft foot can
be caused by an un-level surface, bent foot or improper shims. When the bolts are
tightened, the joint under the equipment foot acts like a spring rather than a rigid
connection.

Pipe Strain
Pipe strain is the force exerted on a piece of equipment from a pipe, at the point of
connections. Example would be a vertical pipe being supported by the flange of the
pump. The weight of the pipe exerts its force on the housing of the pump.

Laser
A high intensity focused light beam.

Section 2 – Overview of Alignment

2.1 Importance of Alignment

Why align equipment?

The reason shaft alignment is critical is that it reduces the reactionary forces put upon
the equipment by the deflection of the coupling. The greater the misalignment in the system,
the greater the magnitude of the reactionary loads imparted by the coupling to the connected
equipment. The level to which a system needs to be aligned is a direct function of the
equipment’s ability to handle the extra forces imposed on and by the coupling. A gearbox
bearing may have been selected to meet the loads produced by the gear mesh. If

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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misalignment increases the bearing loads by 30%, the bearing may become overloaded and
prematurely fail. To put those figures into real numbers: Based on standard AFBMA
calculations, a 30% increase in load would result in a 58% reduction in bearing life. For the
most part, the coupling misalignment rating should never be the basis for allowable system
misalignment. System alignment should be based first on the minimum requirement of the
driver and driven equipment, and then the coupling. Some couplings may have up to ten
times the misalignment capability that the equipment will allow.

Better alignment produces lower reactionary loads. Lower reactionary loads result in,
longer bearing, shaft, coupling and seal life, reduced vibration and reduced operating costs.
The ultimate goal of shaft alignment is to keep the equipment perfectly aligned in its operating
condition. However, that may never be achievable and can be extremely costly and time
consuming. So what level should a system be aligned? Once you have reached the
misalignment goals of the equipment, any further reduction in misalignment helps reduce
operating cost (e.g., bearing life). The level at which you give up trying to reach zero
misalignment depends on the cost to benefit trade off and / or the time and equipment you
have available to you.

There are other outside factors that can also impart forces on the connected equipment
and must be addressed to ensure proper functioning of the equipment. These forces must be
eliminated prior to the system alignment. Some of the major sources of additional equipment
loading are: pipe strain, foot plant (soft foot), equipment and coupling unbalance, and proper
bore and key fit.

Pipe Strain
Pipe strain is the force that is put on a pump, for example, when the suction and
discharge pipes are bolted up to it. If these pipes are not fitted up properly or are not
supported correctly, high forces will be transmitted to the pump housing. The forces may
distort the bearing housings and adversely affect the bearing life. This condition my also
make it impossible to maintain the equipment alignment.

Foot Plant (soft foot)

Foot plant is a condition for which all of the feet on a piece of equipment are not in
contact with the base. Before the bolts are tightened, it may appear that you have the
equipment aligned properly. However, when you tighten the bolts, undue strain is placed on
the housing. As with pipe strain, forces may distort the housings and adversely affect the
bearings or throw the equipment out of alignment. This condition can easily be fixed using
shims.

Balance
Acceptable balance is needed for a smooth running train of equipment.
If the speed of the equipment is low or the equipment is not sensitive to unbalance, additional
coupling or equipment balance may not be needed. However, if the speeds are high or, the
system is very sensitive to an out of balance condition (close to critical speed), additional

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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balancing may be required. The forces imparted to the equipment by an unbalance condition
are proportional to the square of the speed. A doubling in speed can put four times the load
on the equipment. The vibration can also cause bolts to loosen, housings to crack and, can
throw the equipment out of alignment.

2.2 Pre-Alignment Considerations

Before you can begin to align the equipment you must:

1) Eliminate pipe strain

2) Correct for any soft foot condition
3) Make sure the base under the equipment is solid and firmly attached to the structure.
4) Determine the thermal changes that may take place after the equipment is started up
and running for a while.

Remember, it’s the operating alignment that counts. For example, if one piece of
equipment is next to a furnace all of the time and is connected to another piece of
equipment through a long floating shaft type coupling, its center line my change
when the furnace is turned on. The other equipment may not see the same change.
Those thermal changes need to be taken into account. Sometimes this is very
difficult to do.

5) Determine which piece of equipment should be moved.

Some equipment is just easier to make adjustments to. It is normally easier to move
a motor than move a pump. You will not have all of the pipes to contend with.
However, sometimes you may have to pick the harder piece of equipment because
you cannot turn the shaft on the easier one (used on runout check ) or space
constraints prevent a method of sliding one unit.

6) Determine the tools needed to do the job

a) Wrenches for all of the bolts.
b) A device for lifting the unit to install or remove shims.
c) A device for sliding the unit from one side to the other.

7) Decide which alignment procedure to use. There are many, and each has its good
and bad points.

8) Inspect the equipment for potential problems

a) Look for bent shafts
b) Look for cracked hubs
c) Make sure coupling hubs are firmly attached and have not spun on the shaft.
d) Check coupling bore to shaft clearances.
e) Look for any obstructions.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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Section 3 – Types of Misalignment

3.1 Shaft – Angular Misalignment

Shaft angular misalignment occurs when the shaft center lines of two pieces of equipment
cross each other. The actual angle can be a compound angle in space. Breaking the
compound angle into horizontal and vertical components and applying corrections individually
solves the angular alignment problem.

Horizontal angular shaft misalignment is the misalignment as viewed when looking down on
the equipment from above.

The vertical angular shaft misalignment is the misalignment as viewed from the side of the
equipment.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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MPTA-C2c-2002 R2015 Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

Figure 1
A1º = Vertical Angular Misalignment Angle = Tan -1 ( (C-B) / D) (deg)

D=(C–B)
Z (Y–X)

Change in Y or X to bring shafts into Vertical Angular Alignment

∆ = ( (C- B ) / D) *Z
A2º = Horizontal Angular Misalignment Angle = Tan -1 ( (F-E) / D) (deg)

D=(F–E)
Z (Y–X)

Change in U or V to bring shafts into Vertical Angular Alignment

∆ = ( (F- E ) / D) *Z

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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MPTA-C2c-2002 R2015 Elastomeric Coupling Alignment

By measuring the distance between the flange faces of the coupling at the 12:00 and 6:00
positions, the vertical misalignment between the equipment shafts can be determined. Using
the formulas listed above, one can calculate the required vertical adjustment of the mounting
feet to make the shaft centers parallel in the vertical direction. See Figure 1. The same
technique is used to correct for the horizontal angular misalignment.

Helpful Hint:
If you are learning how to perform alignment for the first time, it is suggested that you
correct for angular misalignment first. When you have finished the angular corrections, you
will be left with only parallel misalignment. This type of misalignment is discussed in the next
section and is easier to compensate for once angular misalignment has been corrected.

3.2 Shaft –Parallel Misalignment

Shaft Parallel Offset misalignment is when two shaft center lines are parallel but not co-linear.
Breaking the offset into a vertical and a horizontal component solves the alignment problem.
Horizontal parallel offset is the shaft offset when looking down on the equipment from above.
It is the side-to-side offset of the equipment. Vertical parallel offset is the shaft offset viewed
from the side of the equipment. It is the up and down offset of the equipment.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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Figure 2
In both cases, the amount of parallel offset in the vertical or horizontal direction can be
determined by measuring the distance from one point on the shaft or coupling hub to a
corresponding point on the other shaft or hub (Distance P1 in Figure 2). The diagrams above
show the measurement on the O.D. of the part. Any cylindrical surface can be used for the
measurements. Repeat the measurements 180º away from the first point (Distance P2 in
Figure 2). In the case of vertical shaft offset check the distance between shafts or hubs at
the 12:00 and 6:00 positions. The average of P1 and P2 is the vertical parallel offset. This is
the amount the equipment needs to be moved up or down to make the shafts collinear in the
vertical direction. Depending on the measurement method used, you may have to
compensate the reading for indicator sag when checking vertical offset at the 6:00 position.
See Appendix A for instructions on calculating indicator sag. The horizontal offset would be
measured at the 3:00 and 9:00 positions.
Whether a coupling can accommodate parallel offset misalignment, is a function of the
number of flex planes, internal clearances between the coupling components and, the
stiffness of the torque transmitting element. The greater the distance between the flex planes,
the more parallel offset can be accommodated. Elastomeric couplings with just one flex plane
are able to accommodate small amount of parallel misalignment by deflection of the
elastomeric element.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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Section 4 - Comparison of Alignment Methods

Our discussion will show the methodology behind the most common methods of machinery
alignment. The methods covered are the straight edge method, rim and face alignment,
reverse indicator method, and laser alignment.

4.1 Straight Edge / Feeler Gage Method

Figure 3
This method uses a feeler gage or calipers to measure the gap variation between the coupling
hub faces to determine the shaft angular misalignment. Flange Gap measurements are taken
and recorded at the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 positions without rotating the shafts. Those
values are then used to calculate the amount of vertical and horizontal angular misalignment.
(See Shaft Angular Misalignment section 3.1). To measure vertical and horizontal parallel
offset, a straight edge is placed across the hub flange outside diameter (see figure 3). A
feeler gage is inserted between straight edge and the other hub O.D. Gap measurements are
taken and recorded at the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 positions. Those values are then used to
calculate the amount of vertical and horizontal parallel misalignment. (see Shaft Parallel
Misalignment section 3B). The advantage of this method is that alignment can be completed
quickly and no special tools are required. The disadvantage of this method is that it does not
work if there is a large distance between hub faces. This type of alignment is accurate for
some types of couplings but not others.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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4.2 Rim / Face Method

Figure 4

This method is very similar to the straight edge / feeler gage method except that two dial
indicators are used to measure the gaps between the flanges and the O.D of the hubs. The
dial indicators are mounted to a bar or beam that is rigidly affixed to one of the shafts or
coupling hubs via a clamp. The dial indicators are slid down the beam and are set up to
indicate off the OD (or any other cylindrical surface) and face of the other shaft or coupling
hub. The indicators are set to zero at the 12:00 position (see Figure 4). Paint marks are
placed on both hubs at the 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 positions and are used to help keep
both shafts in the same orientation as the measurements are taken. Instead of moving the
gages to the next position, it is better to rotate both shafts together to take the reading at all
four positions. This makes setup easier, more consistent and, by keeping the shafts in that
same relative orientation, eliminates gage error that may occur if the faces or OD’s have any
runout. It is important to keep the equipment against the axial stops (thrust bearings) during
this procedure to prevent inaccurate face readings. Because of gravitational forces, you must
correct the reading at the 6:00 positions to compensate for indicator sag. (See Appendix A).
Correction calculations are the same as with the feeler gage method. At some point, the span
between two coupling faces may be so large that indicator sag is just too great to overcome.

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4.3 Reverse Indicator Method

Figure 5

This method uses two dial indicators. One indicator is mounted on a beam attached to the left
coupling hub or shaft and is set up to indicate on the right coupling hub or shaft. The other
indicator is mounted on a beam attached to the right coupling hub or shaft and is set up to
indicate on the left coupling hub. Paint marks are placed on both hubs at the 12:00, 3:00,
6:00 and 9:00 positions to help keep both shafts in the same relative orientation as the
measurements are taken. The shafts are then rotated together and readings are taken at the
12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 positions. The amount of correction to bring the two shafts into
alignment is either mathematically calculated or is graphically plotted. Remember to account
for indicator sag. See Appendix A

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

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www.mpta.org

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4.4 Laser Alignment

Laser Alignment methods use a laser beam emitter mounted to the hub or shaft of one piece
of equipment and a receiver mounted on the other shaft or coupling hub. The emitter is
electronically zeroed out at the 12:00 positions. The shafts are then rotated together to
another position and new data readings are recorded and stored in the computer. A
microprocessor then computes all of the necessary adjustment required to align the system.
Laser Alignment methods offer the advantage that they are very fast and they significantly
reduce the chance for errors. The drawback to Laser alignment systems is their equipment
cost.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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APPENDIX A

Determination of Indicator Sag

Figure 6

When dial bore gages are mounted on extension bars to measure distant objects, the weight
of the gage can cause the mounting beam to bend. This bending causes the gage to give
different readings depending on its orientation in space. To check the amount of sag, mount
the gage onto a rigid pipe. Position the dial gage the same distance from the fixed end as will
be measured on the equipment (dimension X on the diagram above). Set the dial gage to the
zero at the 12:00 position. Rotate the pipe and gage assembly to the 6:00 position and read
the gage. In the example shown above, the gage reads -0.01”. This is the indicator sag for
that position along the beam. If you move the gage closer or farther from the beams mounting
point, the amount of sag will change and will have to be recalculated for the new distance.

If the gage set up is moved to the equipment, any reading taken at the 6:00 position would
have to be corrected for the indicator sag that was calculated on the rigid pipe. For example,
the indicator on the coupling hubs reads –0.03”. We determined our indicator sag to be -.010.
The actual measurement should be recorded as -.03 – (-.01) = -.02”.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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Cautions on Runouts

Most of the techniques shown in this primer rely on the fact that both shafts could be rotated
together. By taking the measurement at the same points on each part, the effects of runout
are negated. No matter what method is used, runouts should always be checked and
corrected if required before any alignment.

Mechanical Power Transmission Association

5672 Strand Ct. Suite 2, Naples, FL 34110
www.mpta.org

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