Maintenance and Engineering

Shaft Alignment and Balancing

Misalignment and imbalance are leading causes of vibration and premature failure in rotating equipment. This practical course covers shaft alignment methods including laser alignment, soft foot, thermal growth, tolerances, rotor imbalance, static and dynamic balancing, field balancing procedures and verification.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Correct alignment and balancing extend bearing and seal life significantly. You will learn practical techniques to do both correctly.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Hands-on alignment demonstrations, calculation exercises, case studies and procedure development.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain effects of misalignment and imbalance
Prepare machines for alignment including soft foot
Perform dial and laser alignment
Apply tolerances and thermal growth corrections
Understand static and dynamic balancing
Carry out field balancing procedures

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Maintenance technicians and mechanics
Rotating equipment engineers
Reliability engineers
Condition monitoring staff
Maintenance supervisors

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Alignment techniques
Measurement
Balancing
Precision maintenance
Procedure writing

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Precision Maintenance

09:00–10:08Effects of misalignment
10:08–11:00Vibration symptoms
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Vibration symptoms (continued)
11:45–12:53Standards
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Preparation

09:00–10:08Soft foot
10:08–11:00Pipe strain
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Pipe strain (continued)
11:45–12:53Measurement basics
12:53–14:00Demonstration

Day 3Alignment Methods

09:00–10:08Dial indicator methods
10:08–11:00Laser alignment
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Laser alignment (continued)
11:45–12:53Tolerances and thermal growth
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Balancing

09:00–10:08Causes of imbalance
10:08–11:00Static and dynamic balance
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Static and dynamic balance (continued)
11:45–12:53Field balancing
12:53–14:00Demonstration

Day 5Procedures

09:00–10:08Verification
10:08–11:00Records
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Records (continued)
11:45–12:53Procedure development
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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