After relocation or a new installation: back to level, and back to geometry.
I align from the foundation up, with an electronic level on the precision straightedge. The photo shows an Okamoto 157 DXNC surface grinder before the first stroke.
After a relocation the machine stands on a different floor than before. The new foundation carries it differently, and the geometry that was right in the old building is not right in the new one by itself.
That is why I align in two stages: first level at the feet, then the geometry axis by axis. Whatever can’t be corrected at the feet gets scraped.
How is a machine tool leveled and aligned?
I level the machine at its feet, then check its geometry axis by axis with an electronic level and dial indicator.
Level
Two electronic levels stand on the precision straightedge across the table, as in the photo above. I adjust the machine at its feet until the levels hold steady over the full travel.
Geometry
Once the machine is level, I check the geometry axis by axis with level and dial indicator. Whatever is out of tolerance gets scraped, not forced out at the feet.
Report
You get the readings from before and after the alignment as an inspection report.
What the job includes
- Machine leveled at its feet
- Geometry measured with electronic level and dial indicator
- Scraped where the geometry is out of tolerance
- Inspection report with the readings before and after the alignment
When does a machine tool need realigning?
After relocation
The machine stands on a new foundation or in a different building.
Size won’t hold
Size drifts along the table, in the same direction on every part.
The foundation has settled
The floor has settled, and the machine has followed it. The levels show it over the travel.
Frequently asked questions
1. When should a machine be aligned after relocation?
As soon as it stands on the new foundation, and before it goes back into production. The measurement shows whether the geometry has survived the move.
2. Do you use a laser for alignment?
No. I measure with an electronic level on the precision straightedge and with a dial indicator. I don’t offer laser measurement.
3. What does machine tool alignment cost?
The price is agreed separately for each machine. There is no price list. Tell me on the phone which machine it is and what it is doing.