One of the common reasons for unplanned downtime of belt-driven machinery is pulley misalignment. Pulley misalignment can increase wear on pulleys and belts as well as increasing the noise and vibration level
that can result in unplanned machinery downtime. Another side effect of increased vibration is premature bearing failure. This too can cause unplanned machinery downtime.
Traditional belt alignment methods are usually visual in combination with a straight edge
and/or length of string. Although quick to perform, they are often inaccurate. Laser belt alignment methods using a laser belt alignment tool is quicker and more accurate than traditional methods. Belt alignment tools can either align the pulley faces or the pulley grooves.