Couple6™ is the core of Hamar Laser’s X-Series™ Laser Shaft Alignment Systems, an advanced, Windows®-based platform designed to make precision alignment easier, faster, and more consistent. Featuring our intuitive Easy-Guide™ navigation, Couple6™ walks users step-by-step through the alignment process with smart visuals, real-time feedback, and powerful tools that simplify even the most complex alignment jobs.
Whether you’re performing a basic alignment or using advanced features like Train Mode™, Uncoupled Alignments, or Bolt Bound/Base Bound, Couple6 delivers unmatched flexibility and accuracy, as soon as it starts up.
Couple6™ delivers simple to advanced capabilities, including:
Couple6™ Alignment Software is the intuitive and powerful alignment software platform behind Hamar Laser’s X-Series™ 3-Axis and 5-Axis Laser Shaft Alignment Systems. Designed to simplify even the most complex alignment tasks, Couple6™ guides users through a step-by-step process that delivers fast, accurate, and repeatable results. Its clean, color-coded interface, real-time feedback, and intelligent automation features make it ideal for both new and experienced technicians.
With built-in tools for soft foot detection, thermal growth compensation, and real-time shim and move guidance, Couple6™ ensures that no alignment variable is left unchecked. Data can be captured using a variety of measurement methods including Auto Clock™, Auto Sweep™, and Point Mode™, making it adaptable to different machine configurations and field conditions. Compatibility with rugged Windows® tablets or standard laptops offers unmatched flexibility in the field or in the plant.
Designed to maximize machine uptime and extend equipment life, the X-660 excels at aligning motors, pumps, compressors, and gearboxes. Its ability to deliver real-time alignment data in an easy-to-understand format makes it a valuable tool for achieving optimal alignment accuracy while maintaining operational efficiency. Additionally, comprehensive digital reporting ensures that alignment data is readily available for quality assurance and compliance purposes. The X-660’s robust design, high accuracy, and user-friendly interface make it a trusted solution for industries that require precise and efficient alignment practices.
Couple6™ Main Menu is used to navigate between the 5 main alignment steps, manage project files, print reports and change alignment settings.
The Couple6™ alignment software was designed with a clear goal: to make shaft alignment easier, faster, and more repeatable, no matter the technician’s level of experience. At the core of this software is a streamlined 5-step workflow that walks users through every stage of the alignment process, from initial setup and machine configuration to data collection, real-time corrections, and final documentation. Each step is presented with intuitive graphics, built-in guidance, and smart automation to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
Whether you’re aligning a simple motor-pump pair or a complex multi-machine train, Couple6™ delivers a consistent, guided approach to precision alignment.
Project Menu is where every alignment begins, whether starting a new project for a new machine, creating a project for an existing machine, or opening and reviewing saved files. Users can also create templates from existing machines to streamline future alignments when similar configurations are used.
For systems equipped with optional Machine Train and Geometric Apps, those features are accessible directly from this screen. All alignment data is saved in a dedicated machine folder, keeping records organized and making historical analysis quick and easy.
Like every Windows® application, Couple6™ starts by creating a temporary working file, just like when using Microsoft® Word or Excel, to store the data as you build your alignment project, ensuring nothing is lost during setup and allowing for smooth transitions between steps in the process.
Step 1 – Dimensions & Tolerances is the first step in setting up every alignment. Here, you’ll enter the required dimensions for both the moveable (drive) and, if necessary, stationary (driven) machines. You can choose from industry-standard tolerances, enter custom user-defined values, and input thermal growth data.
Selecting the alignment method at this stage automatically updates the display to show the specific measurement fields needed for that alignment type, ensuring you’re ready to begin the process with the correct setup.
Aligns two rotating machines connected by a single coupling. Includes measuring and correcting angular and offset misalignments between machine shafts to achieve optimal alignment.
Aligns the shafts of two rotating machines that are connected by a spacer or jack shaft to ensure their rotational centerlines collinear. There are 7 different formats that can be used in this type of alignment.
Locks, unlocks different combinations of the moveable and stationary machine feet to see how it affects the alignment solution. The graphics and shim values automatically update.
is the industry’s only vertical alignment display with live graphical displays of the motor’s alignment along with shim values for all bolt-hole locations. This alignment is for flange-mounted vertical motors.
Thermal Growth allows users to input expansion values based on foot-to-shaft centerline distances, centerline locations of each coupling, or by defining temperature changes and selecting the material type of both machines. It calculates the resulting alignment offset and angular change at the coupling in both vertical and horizontal planes.
During the “Move and Shim” step, these calculations can be toggled on or off to visualize how thermal growth affects alignment in each plane, helping to ensure a more accurate final reading.
Step 2 – Initial Alignment: Adjust Target and Laser screen for the X-660/X-770 PRO and the X-880/X-990 PRO provides live, 2-axis or 4-axis, raw alignment data to initialize the system and maximize measurement range. This step is used to confirm that both laser and target heads are properly aligned during the hardware setup.
On-screen graphics clearly indicate the direction to move each head, ensuring accurate alignment and confirming that data can be collected throughout the full allowable rotation range. For new-motor pre-alignment shim placement, utilizing the built-in zero-out display helps with the precision alignment.
Step 3 – Soft Foot Check provides the alignment technician with a clear, on-screen step-by-step guide to identify Soft Foot, a frequent issue that often leads to alignment problems. Integrating this check into the process eliminates the need for it on the pre-alignment checklist.
The system automatically detects the problematic foot and calculates the necessary shim thickness to correct it. After all four feet are inspected and shims applied, the technician can simply select the identified foot on-screen to perform a remeasurement.
Step 4 – Measure Misalignment simplifies coupled shaft alignment like never before. Featuring five data-taking modes and a built-in accelerometer, Couple6™ detects shaft rotation and captures data in various formats such as auto clock, arc, point, uncoupled, or auto sweep, depending on the selected mode.
Collecting more data points improves accuracy and speeds up the alignment process. With repeatability results and sweep history accessible, each measurement delivers precise readings for as-found, as-corrected, and as-left conditions.
Auto Clock™ has 8 clock positions to choose from instead of 3 or 4, simply rotate the laser/target to that position, and click record. A minimum of three points in a 90-degree arc is required to calculate results.
Auto Sweep™ starts at any clock position in the sweep and sweeps to any other point with a minimum of 60 degrees. This mode auto-calculates when the sweep is stopped.
Arc Mode™ starts and stops at any point in the motor’s rotation circle multiple times. Use this mode if there are obstructions that block the laser beam or prevent a full rotation.
Point Mode™ rotates the laser/target to any clock position in the rotation and click Record to take a data point at that location. A minimum of five points is needed and used to perform uncoupled alignments.
Uncoupled Swipe™ makes taking data much easier. Rotate the laser to any clock position, sweep the target by it, where it automatically records the data point. (Only Available on X-880 and X-990 PRO)
Vertical Auto Clock™ has 8 clock positions to record data, just rotate the laser/target to that position, and click record. The Rotation Sensor is disabled in this to allow for physical movement and data taking at each position.
Repeatability Results and History Table collects the data for each sweep showing both the repeatability of each sweep performed in repetition, the improvement after each move, and provides a history of each sweep for trending that specific machine.
Measurement Results provides the alignment data collected during that sweep, giving both offset and gap/angularity in both planes. The technician can choose to keep the data or repeat the sweep from this screen.
Step 5 – Move and Shim is designed to simplify and speed up the alignment correction process by providing real-time visual guidance across all alignment planes.
The X-660/X-770 PRO feature our Duo-View™ automatic real-time move screen, which displays both alignment planes (4 axes) simultaneously. Simply rotate the shafts to a clock position to switch views and the inactive axis is grayed out to eliminate confusion.
For the X-880/X-990 PRO, our advanced Duo-Plane™ live move screen provides both top and side views of motor alignment, continuously updating all four alignment axes in real time. Directional arrows show exactly how to move the motor, delivering precise, real-time feedback in both alignment planes.
Print Reports by leveraging the capabilities of Windows® 10/11, Couple6™ allows you to print to any connected printer or save reports as PDF files for easy emailing or texting. With the integrated Image Capture feature, you can attach up to 10 photos directly to the report.
Users have the option to include or exclude specific data, such as the Soft Foot Check display, Thermal Growth information, or Data Taking History. You can also choose to display results using either gap or angle tolerances, depending on your preference.
The Print Report function lets you select the sweep from Step 4 to generate detailed “as found” and “as left” reports for documentation, sharing, or historical tracking.
Every application within the Couple6™ Alignment Software expands the versatility of the X-Series™ Laser Shaft Alignment Systems by offering tailored solutions for a wide range of machine configurations and alignment challenges. Whether you’re aligning horizontal machines, vertical pumps, spacer shafts, or cardan shafts, these applications provide purpose-built workflows and alignment tools that adapt to your specific application.
Designed for real-world conditions, the applications utilized by the Couple6™ alignment software ensures accurate, repeatable results across complex machine setups, making basic up to advanced alignments simple, efficient, and reliable.
Click on each icon below to view more information.
Uses a 2D color-coded dot system to evaluate measurement quality and detect potential bearing wear, avoiding the distracting, screen-dominating, and unsafe 3D scan views that add no value to the alignment process.
Provides an easy-to-use, color-coded display with recommended shim values, detects soft foot issues, allows retaking measurements on any foot in any order, and includes the results in the final Machine Report.
Compare measurement results against a built-in two-tier tolerance table (Excellent and Acceptable), displaying color-coded feedback, Green for Excellent, Yellow for Acceptable, and Red for Out of Tolerance, to clearly indicate alignment status.
Allows the end user to customize recommended tolerances to meet specific requirements set by the asset OEM or to apply alternative tolerances based on user preference.
All data, including plant location, machine names, tolerances, dimensions, and measurement results, is stored dynamically for easy reuse and template creation, streamlining future alignment tasks.
Allows users to enter dimensions, tolerances, and coupling type for frequently used motor setups, with the ability to open previous alignment files to autofill all relevant data, streamlining the process to just mounting, selecting the file, performing soft foot, collecting data, and making corrections as needed.
Provides the ability to flip the screen for correct machine orientation based on the user’s viewing position, with full functionality maintained even in Zoom mode on a Windows tablet.
Couple6 alignment software generates full-color reports that can be saved as PDFs and emailed directly from a tablet or Windows PC with an active internet connection.
Includes a signature block that allows technicians or supervisors to sign the report using a finger or the included stylus.
Provides the ability to capture photos of the application and store them within the data file for seamless inclusion in reports, enhancing documentation and clarity.
Calculates shim and move values for flange-mounted motors by easily measuring vertical machine alignment, simply enter the flange bolt quantity and diameter, coupling diameter, and flange outside diameter.
Provides realistic, real-time updated graphics and values that display live feedback during vertical machine corrections, allowing quick reference point changes, ideal for vertical machinery adjustable at the flange.
Primarily used for vertical applications where the accelerometer cannot be used, this method records data at up to 8 “clock” positions, requiring a minimum of 3 points (4-8 recommended), with data collected at intervals of at least 45 degrees.
Automatically captures readings by rotating between any two positions with Auto or Manual start and stop sweeps, generating data points as the shafts rotates, recording up to 1,000 points per data set with a minimum sweep of 40 degrees that crosses a polar coordinate.
Allows starting and stopping at any point in the motor’s rotation multiple times, ideal for situations with obstructions blocking the laser or preventing full rotation where partial sweeps are combined as long as they total at least 40 degrees and cross a polar coordinate.
For harsh environments with high vibration, it allows rotating to any clock position to take data points, requiring at least five points, using data averaging to reduce measurement noise and accurately calculate misalignment results.
For non-rotating shaft applications, this method involves rotating the laser to any position and slowly sweeping the target past the laser to capture data points, requiring a minimum of five points, including one within 10 degrees of a polar coordinate
Stores up to 99 sets of detailed alignment results, allowing selection of individual readings or averaging multiple readings, making it ideal for unstable bases or “loose” machines, with the option to archive data points to the History table under selectable categories.
Allows entry of thermal growth offsets at the coupling so that when aligning “in tolerance,” the motor is intentionally positioned with these offsets applied, values usually provided by equipment OEMs, and is widely used in the maritime industry for accurate calculations.
Determines and applies thermal growth offsets at the feet by allowing entry of thermal growth at the coupling, expected foot value changes, or temperature changes, with machine materials selected from a built-in database, to automatically adjust misalignment values during alignment.
Temperature calculations provide precise adjustments to alignment values by accounting for temperature-induced expansions or contractions of machine components, ensuring accurate and reliable machine positioning throughout varying operating conditions.
This feature lets you move the stationary machine when the movable one can’t be adjusted, locking feet on both machines to recalculate shim and move values for bolt- or base-bound conditions, with graphical support and Duo-Plane™ functionality.
Select from seven realistic data formats for spacer shafts by choosing the coupling type and entering the spacer shaft length in Step 1, after which the results and Step 5 move data are formatted accordingly, defaulting to Gap A/Gap B, while shim and move values remain unchanged.
Optimize moves for three (3) coupled machines by letting you build a custom train, input thermal growth targets, collect data, and minimize shims and movements, with options to select a reference machine, track data, and generate a full report.
Optimize moves for 3-10 coupled machines by letting you build a custom train, input thermal growth targets, collect data, and minimize shims and movements, with options to select a reference machine, track data, and generate a full report.
The Geometric app offers two data-taking modes, Timer Mode for recording machinery movement at custom time intervals and Manual Mode for manual recording of thermal growth or general data, with results displayed in colorful scaled plots and up to 32,000 data points.
The Geometric app records straightness measurements using A-987 T/L Bases, calculates TIR results with a Best Fit algorithm, presents summaries and graphs of V offset and angle or V&H offset and angle depending on system, plots all axes in the graph and results table, and can store up to 32,000 data points.
The Geometric app records flatness measurements with the A-987 T/L Bases, calculates TIR results using the Best Fit algorithm, presents summaries and graphs of V offset and angle, plots all axes in the graph and results table, and stores up to 32,000 data points.
Couple6™ software offers flexible deployment options to fit your work style and environment. You can easily run Couple6™ on our rugged, purpose-built tablets designed for industrial use, or on your own Windows-based laptop or tablet. This flexibility lets you choose the device that best suits your workflow, whether you need portability on the shop floor or prefer using familiar equipment, while maintaining full access to the software’s powerful alignment tools and features.
If the choice is to use a facility owned Windows-based system instead of the optional rugged tablet, it’s important to ensure the device meets the necessary system requirements to run Couple6™ smoothly and reliably.
The X-Series™ lineup offers four powerful laser shaft alignment systems, each designed to meet different alignment needs, from basic to advanced. The chart below provides a side-by-side comparison of the standard features and available application modules for each model. This makes it easy to see what each system includes out of the box and what additional capabilities can be added to support more complex alignment tasks as your needs grow.
Legend: √ = Included • = Optional N/A = Not Applicable
| Base Applications | X-660 | X-770 PRO | X-880 | X-990 PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Industry Recommended Tolerances | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Machine Templates | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Flip It™ Feature | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Data Quality Analyzer | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Printed Reports | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Save Machine Data & Files | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Auto Clock™ Data-Taking | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Data Recording | X-660 | X-770 PRO | X-880 | X-990 PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Sweep™ Data Taking | • | √ | √ | √ |
| Arc Mode™ Data Taking | • | √ | • | √ |
| Point Mode™ Data Taking | • | √ | • | √ |
| Uncoupled Swipe™ Data Taking | N/A | N/A | • | √ |
| Repeatability Results Table with History Module | • | √ | √ | √ |
| Advanced Alignments | X-660 | X-770 PRO | X-880 | X-990 PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Machines | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Vertical Machine Real-Time Move Screen | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Spacer Shafts | • | √ | • | √ |
| Cardan Shafts | N/A | N/A | • | • |
| Machine Train 3 | • | √ | √ | √ |
| Machine Train 10 | • | • | • | • |
| Alignment Fundamentals | X-660 | X-770 PRO | X-880 | X-990 PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| User-Defined Tolerances | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Thermal Growth - Coupling Offset | • | √ | • | √ |
| Thermal Growth - Foot Value Offset | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Thermal Growth - Temperature Value | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Bolt Bound/Base Bound Move Screen | • | √ | √ | √ |
| Soft Foot Analyzer | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Digital Signature Capture | √ | √ | √ | √ |
| Image Capture | • | √ | • | √ |
| Geometric Alignment | X-660 | X-770 PRO | X-880 | X-990 PRO |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manual/Timed Data Recorder/Analyzer | • | √ | • | √ |
| Straightness Data Recorder/Analyzer | • | √ | • | √ |
| Flatness Data Recorder/Analyzer | • | √ | • | √ |
To see the power and simplicity of our Couple6 software, please take an interactive tour by clicking on the tabs below to see details on each Step in the process.
In the MOTOR SETUP SCREEN the motor’s foot dimensions, machine description and desired alignment tolerances are entered. Choose the coupling type (flexible or spacer) and alignment type (Standard, Bolt Bound Vertical Pumps or Machine Trains).
Thermal growth offsets (the amount the motor grows from a cold start to operating temperature) are also entered at this stage by clicking on the Thermal Growth icon and opening the modeling screen.
Navigate between the 5 main alignment steps, manage project files, print reports and change alignment settings.
In the MOTOR SETUP SCREEN the motor’s foot dimensions, machine description and desired alignment tolerances are entered. Choose the coupling type (flexible or spacer) and alignment type (Standard, Bolt Bound Vertical Pumps or Machine Trains).
Thermal growth offsets (the amount the motor grows from a cold start to operating temperature) are also entered at this stage by clicking on the Thermal Growth icon and opening the modeling screen.
Navigate between the 5 main alignment steps, manage project files, print reports and change alignment settings.
With our X-880/X-990, the Step 2 Laser Setup Screen provides a live display in all 4 alignment axes (2 measurement planes) to adjust the laser or target to maximize the measurement range of the target. However, the system can still be used even if the laser beams are not aligned.
With on-screen instructions, the user is directed to adjust the laser to bring the readings within +/- .040″ (1 mm) of zero. Adjustments to the Vertical Offset are made by moving the laser up or down on the brackets. Adjustments to the Horizontal Offset are made by turning a wheel on the front of the laser. Couple6 automatically tells you which direction to adjust the wheel to bring the offset values into alignment
Normally, with the large measuring range of the X-Series™ , it is not needed but in cases where large motors are installed, this screen can be used to “rough in” the motor’s angular misalignment so the laser can take data for the final alignment. For the vertical axis, simply rotate the laser from 12:00 to 6:00 and average the 2 angular readings, which gives you the rough angular misalignment in inches/inch or mm/100 mm. Multiply this by the C dimension from Step 1 and add or subtract the result from the front or back feet to align the angle of the motor. Repeat this for the Horizontal axis by rotating the laser from 3:00 to 9:00.
Our Soft Foot Check & Correct Screen displays an easy-to-follow soft-foot routine that finds potential soft-foot problems and recommends corrective action. We do the calculations for you!
To use the Soft Foot Screen, simply hit Record with the bolt tight. Then loosen it and take a second reading. Couple6 will then record the difference. Repeat this for all 4 feet and Couple6 will find the foot with the biggest difference and if it is greater than the tolerance, it will recommend the shim to add to fix it.
Couple6 offers FIVE different data-taking modes to handle any kind of shaft alignment application. The most popular data-taking mode is Auto Sweep™ which makes taking data extremely easy. Just rotate the shafts and data is automatically taken!
Once the data is taken, Couple6 pops up a window showing the data and if accepted, it will then be put into the Repeatability Table for comparison to previous sets of data. Then highlight a set of data and click the Results button to see the results with tolerances applied. Multiple sets of data can also be averaged and used for the alignment if repeatability is a problem. Data can also be added to History for archiving purposes.
Utilizing our Duo-Plane™ live move screen, Couple6 simultaneously shows both the side and top views of the motor’s alignment and displays 4 continuously updating alignment axes (2 alignment planes) on the same screen. Even better, arrows on the display tell you which way to move the motor and the graphic update with each move of the motor! The displays are color-coded to indicate if the alignment is out of tolerance (red), in Acceptable tolerance (yellow) or Excellent tolerance (green).
The angular values can be displayed as angles or gap with a click of the button. And our uniqueFlip-It™feature allows you to flip the motor if you find yourself on the wrong side. The data-updating speed (averaging) can also be adjusted to smooth out fluctuations in the readings due to air turbulence or vibration.
Couple6 creates a project folder for all alignment projects. This allows you to save project files for each machine in a unique folder allowing you to track machine alignments. You can save a machine setup as a template to open for other machines with the same dimensions. Also, you can click on Review Saved Projects to review a saved project. Enter your company information to be included on the reports.
Couple6 gives you very detailed control over how you want the screens to appear with many preference and choices with how to show the data. It even gives you a choice of graphics quality so it will run better on older tablet pcs! You can even edit the report header to include your company logo.
Using the power of Win10, Couple6 can print to any printer, a PDF file or XPS file for emailing or texting reports. You can also choose to include or not include Soft Foot, Thermal Growth Data or History. Click here to see a Couple6 Sample Report.
Choosing Spacer Shafts changes the dimension graphics, adding the G dimension, which requires entering the length of the spacer coupling. This also automatically changes the data output to the default Spacer Shaft format
Couple6 has 7 different spacer shaft data formats that can be displayed in Step 5 and the report to match the many different tolerance formats in the industry.
Home Button takes you to the main navigation screen.
Next button takes you to Step 2.
Choose Vertical Machines™ alignment type and the vertical pump graphics will display. Select the number of bolts and enter the dimensions on the screen and after taking the data, Couple6 will automatically calculate the dimensions at each bolt hole location. Couple6 also offers the industry’s only live vertical machine alignment screen (shown in Step 5).
Choose RPM to select tolerance to apply to the motor. The table shows both Acceptable and Excellent Tolerances. The Gap tolerance is automatically converted to match the coupling diameter dimension entered (D dimension). If User-Defined Tolerances is enabled, the user can change the tolerances to customize them to their internal specs.
Enter machine dimensions as shown on the screen. Accuracy of 0.25 inches (0.5 mm) is all that is needed for accurate shim calculation. Enter the coupling diameter (D dimension) and Couple6 will convert gap tolerances to the match the coupling diameter.
Choose Bolt Bound™ alignment type and the pump side dimensions are added to the dimension screen. Enter the pump dimensions and when you get to the move screen, you can lock and unlock different combinations of motor/pump feet to see which combination minimizes the moves. To learn more about the Bolt Bound™ features of Couple6™ check out this Alignment Byte™™ features of Couple6™ check out this Alignment Byte™
You can enter the temperature changes for both the motor and pump and Couple6 will convert this complex situation into a simple thermal growth offset at the coupling and apply it automatically to the alignment values.
Enter thermal growth values at the coupling and Couple6 will move the motor graphics to show how much the motor’s feet will move. Values can be also applied to the motor or the pump side.
After hitting the calculator button
Couple6 shows how much the feet move for this offset. The graphics update to show which direction the motor moves.
Enter temperature changes at each foot, the height of the shaft from the motor base and select the material type of the motor and Couple6 will calculate how much each foot will grow and automatically calculate how much this affects the alignment at the coupling. The motor graphics will also update to show how this affects the alignment. Values can be applied to the pump or motor side or both.
Here is the CFE calculator. Pick the material type and Couple6 automatically applies the coefficient of thermal expansion to the motor or pump. Enter the dimension from the center of the shaft to the machine base. Hit the calculator and it converts the temp changes to coupling values.
Enter Thermal Growth values at the motor’s feet and Couple6 will calculate how much that will affect the alignment at the coupling, will update the motor graphics to show what direction the motor moves and will automatically apply these offsets to the alignment. Foot values can also be entered on the pump side for both the vertical and horizontal axes. To learn more about Thermal Growth check out this Alignment Byte™™
Thermal growth offsets can be applied to the horizontal axis as well.
Offsets – With the X-880/X-990, Couple6 shows live displays in the Vertical and Horizontal axes. Values should be less than .040″ (1 mm) for maximum offset measurement range. For the X-660/X-770, only the Vertical axis is shown.
Angular – With the X-880/X-990, Couple6 shows live displays in the Vertical and Horizontal axes. Values should be less than .015 in./inch (1 mm/100 mm) for maximum angular measurement range. For the S-670, only the Vertical axis is shown.
Normally, with the large measuring range of the X-Series™ it is not needed but in cases where large motors are installed, this screen is used to “rough in” the motor’s large angular misalignment so the laser can take data for the final alignment. For the vertical axis, simply rotate the laser from 12:00 to 6:00 and average the 2 angular readings, which gives you the rough angular misalignment in inches/inch or mm/100 mm. Multiply this by the C dimension from Step 1 and add or subtract the result from the front or back feet to align the angle of the motor. Repeat this for the Horizontal axis by rotating the laser from 3:00 to 9:00.
When the horizontal offset value is not within +/- .040″ (1 mm) of zero, a Red Arrow displays on the screen to show you which direction to turn the adjustment wheel.
As the Horizontal Offset Value nears zero, the arrow color changes to yellow to indicate that’s “good enough” and disappears altogether if it’s within .010″ of zero.
Follow the on-screen instructions and make sure all bolts are tight! Then hit Record with the bolt for Foot #1 tight, loosen it, and hit Record again. Couple6 calculates the difference between the 2 data points and if out of tolerance will flag it as red. Green means it’s in tolerance. After taking the tight reading, a message reminds you to tighten the foot. When you hit OK it automatically takes you to Foot #2
After recording Foot #1 soft-foot results, Couple6 automatically advances to Foot #2. With the bolt for Foot #2 tight, hit Record, loosen it, and hit Record again. As before, Couple6 calculates the difference between the 2 data points and if out of tolerance will flag it as red.
Notice the bolt icon at Foot #2 has changed showing that Couple6 is expecting a “loose” reading.
Using our unique Flip-It™ feature, you can double tap the screen and the motor’s shaft/coupling will flip to the other side. So if you are on the wrong side of the machine you don’t have to turn the tablet upside down! Did someone say, “Simple”?
After recording Foot #3 soft-foot results, Couple6 automatically advances to Foot #4. With the bolt at Foot #4 tight, hit Record, loosen it, and hit Record again. As before, Couple6 calculates the difference between the 2 data points and if out of tolerance will flag it as red.
Now Couple6 finds the foot with the bigger difference between tight and loose and it recommends the amount of shim to add to fix the problem. A shim icon tells you it’s time to add shim and again the on-screen instructions tell you what to do. Simple!
After recording Foot #2 soft-foot results, Couple6 automatically advances to Foot #3. With Bolt #3 tight, hit Record, loosen it, and hit Record again. As before, Couple6 calculates the difference between the 2 data points and if out of tolerance will flag it as red.
Notice now that the difference between readings for Bolt #3 is now red, indicating it is out of tolerance. Again a message pops up reminding you to tight Bolt #3.
When using the main data-taking mode, Auto Sweep™, Couple6 displays each data point recorded in a color-coded display ring around the motor image. Red means there is not enough data to get good alignment results, blue means data quality is good, light blue means very good and green means the data quality is excellent. For the best repeatability or high-accuracy applications, very good or excellent data quality is highly recommended but a minimum of 60 degrees of data is all that is needed.
Couple6 provides 3-5 axes of live alignment data in our Step 4 -Measure Misalignment screen.
This is the Rotation Axis (3rd or 5th axis) Live Display and Status Bar. It shows the continuously updating rotational position of the target. Zero degrees means the target is located at 12:00, 90 degrees means 3:00. The data taking status is also shown here.
Here the user is rotating the shafts a little too fast using AutoSweep™ or Arc Mode™ and Couple6 is recommending to slow it down. While it will still take data, it is better to rotate slowly to ensure data quality.
Here the user is rotating the shafts much too fast using AutoSweep™ or Arc Mode™, which could affect repeatability and data quality. While Couple6 will still take data in at this speed, it is strongly recommended that you check repeatability to ensure the data is good.
Here the user is recording data at the proper speed in Auto Sweep™ or Arc Mode™
Here are the 4 axes (T-1290) live alignment data. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on the raw data while recording to make sure no bad data points get into the data set. This can also be used to do a “poor man’s” uncoupled alignment using Point Mode or Auto Clock™
Here the Horizontal Offset is too far from zero and Couple6 changes the display to red to warn you to try to get the horizontal offset closer. It will still take data but it is always best to start near zero to maximize the data-taking range.
After hitting Accept to save the set of data, Couple6 automatically puts it in the Repeatability Table where you can see the V & H Offsets and V & H Gaps or Angles (go to Settings to change this) and the data of the measurement. You can save up to 20 sets of data in one table.
Click on a set of data to highlight it and hit the Results button to open a window to view the alignment data with tolerances applied to see if it is in or out of tolerance. If you click on the check box on the left for multiple sets of data, Couple6 will average them and use the averaged data for the move screen. You can also add a set of data to the History Table.
By far, the most popular data-taking mode, Auto Sweep™ makes taking shaft alignment data extremely easy. Simply start rotating the shafts and Couple6 automatically starts recording hundreds of data points at a rate of 16 readings per second, providing the most accurate alignment data in the industry! Most of our competitors only offer 3 points of data, which is not enough! It is an established fact that more data points mean more accurate alignment results. Higher accuracy means quicker alignments and more “coffee breaks”! Stop rotating and Couple6 senses this, calculates the alignment data and pops up the Measurement Results window. To learn more about Auto Sweep™ check this Alignment Byte™ out.
The Measurements Results window displays the alignment results and asks whether to Accept, Reject or Repeat the data. Coupling graphics also tell which direction the coupling is misaligned.
Click Accept to accept the data and save the data in the Repeatability Table. Click on Repeat to accept the data, save it in the Repeatability Table and go back to AutoSweep™ to take another set of data. Click Reject to delete the data and start over.
For those applications where parts of the driven unit are preventing you from taking a full rotationset of data (360 degrees), Arc Mode™is a great data-taking mode to get more data and better results. Simply hit the start button and start to rotate the shafts (just like Auto Sweep™)andArc Mode collects data at a rate of 16 readings per second. When the laser/target reach an area where the laser is blocked, just hit the Stop button and when you get beyond the obstruction, hit the Start button to resume recording data.
It is a proven fact that the more rotational data you can get (i.e. 180–360 degrees), the more accurate your alignment results will be. So instead of only having a short arc of data points (say 90 degree arc), Arc Mode™ allows you to get multiple arcs of data giving you more accurate results.
When you are done taking data, click the Done button and Couple6 will calculate the results and popup the Measurement Results screen.
The Measurement Results window displays the alignment results and asks whether to Accept, Reject or Repeat the data. Coupling graphics also tell which direction the coupling is misaligned.
Click Accept to keep the data and save the data in the Repeatability Table. Click on Repeat to accept the data, save it in the Repeatability Table and go back to Arc Mode to take another set of data. Click Reject to delete the data and start over.
Point Mode is yet another data-taking method that ensures all challenging applications have a solution in Couple6. It is used where you can only take single points of data, typically when there are high levels vibrations present that affect repeatability of our sweep data-taking modes. The data is averaged to dampen out fluctuations caused by vibration and the averaging can be adjusted for high-vibration environments.
Using Point Mode is extremely easy: just rotate the laser/target to any clock position, wait a second or 2 for the data to stop updating and press the spacebar or click Record. Continue until you have the data quality that you want (again the data points are color coded for quality).
When you are done taking data, click the Done button and Couple6 will calculate the alignment results and popup the Measurement Results screen. To learn more about PointMode check this Alignment Byte™ out.
The Measurement Results window displays the alignment results and asks whether to Accept, Reject or Repeat the data. Coupling graphics also tell which direction the coupling is misaligned.
Click Accept to accept the data and save the data in the Repeatability Table. Click on Repeat to accept the data, save it in the Repeatability Table and go back to Point Mode to take another set of data. Click Reject to delete the data and start over
Auto Clock™is the basic data-taking mode in Couple6 used with our entry-level system, the X-660. It is very user-friendly and offers up to 8-data points, unlike the competitions “clock modes” that only offer 3 data points. It is an established fact that more data points means more accurate alignment data. More accurate alignment data means quicker alignments and more “coffee breaks”!.
To use Auto Clock™, just rotate to any “clock” position and hit the Record button or press the spacebar and Couple6 will record the data point. You need at least 3 points to get a valid set of data but at least 5 points is recommended and 8 points will give the best results, especially for high-accuracy applications.
When you are done taking data, click the Done button and Couple6 will calculate the alignment results and popup the Measurement Results screen.
The Measurement Results window displays the alignment results and asks whether to Accept, Reject or Repeat the data. Coupling graphics also tell which direction the coupling is misaligned.
Click Accept to accept the data and save the data in the Repeatability Table. Click on Repeat to accept the data, save it in the Repeatability Table and go back to Auto Clock™ Mode to take another set of data. Click Reject to delete the data and start over
Uncoupled SwipeMode, is the best uncoupled data-taking mode on the market, making it extremely easy to take uncoupled alignment data. To take data, simply rotate the laser to any “clock” position, leave it there and slowly rotate or “swipe” the target by the laser and Couple6 will record multiple data points and save the best one based upon a proprietary algorithm. Continue on until your data quality is good.
When you are done, click the Done button and Couple6 will calculate the alignment results and popup the Measurement Results screen. To learn more about UncoupledSwipeMode check out this Alignment Byte™
Couple6 is always trying to make your life easier. Here we have on-screen graphics that show you how to use Uncoupled Mode. Leave the laser at any clock “position” and swipe the target by to record the data point.
The Measurement Results window displays the alignment results and asks whether to Accept, Reject or Repeat the data. Coupling graphics also tell which direction the coupling is misaligned.
Click Accept to accept the data and save the data in the Repeatability Table. Click on Repeat to accept the data, save it in the Repeatability Table and go back to Uncoupled Mode to take another set of data. Click Reject to delete the data and start over
Clicking on a set of data in the Repeatability Table and clicking Results opens up the Measurement Results popup, showing the alignment with the tolerances applied to the data. Red means the data is out of tolerance, yellow means the data is within Acceptable tolerances and green means the data is within Excellent tolerances. Coupling graphics show which direction the motor is misaligned. The shim/move values are also shown for the front and back feet.
Click on Add to History and Couple6 will save the set of data in the History Table. Up to 50 sets of measurement data (from multiple sets of alignment files for the same machine) can be added to the history table. You can assign the measurement condition to each set of alignment, such as: As Found, After Move, At Hot Temperature, etc. The date and time of measurement are saved along with other important information.
Scroll to the right and the History Table will show the Data Span, Number of Points, Coupling Mode, Data Taking Method, and whether it was in or out of tolerance.
click on a set of data and if the alignment results are out of tolerance, then click on the Shim Icon to go to the 5-Axis (2 measurement plane) live move screen in Step 5.
The coupling icons next to the data displays show the direction of the misalignment at the coupling and update as you move or shim the motor! You can also zoom in on the coupling to show them in the live display area of the screen.
Vertical Gap (Angle) and Vertical Offset values update continuously in Step 5. A red display means it’s out of tolerance, yellow means it’s in Acceptable tolerance and green means it’s in Excellent tolerance. A positive offset value means the motor is high and a positive angle or gap means the back of the motor is higher than the front.
Click on this popup to change from Gap Mode (top graphic) to Angular Mode. The units for angular mode are inches/inch, inches/ft, mm/100 mm or mm/M and the units for Gap Mode are inches or mm. After hitting close, the V & H angular displays automatically change to the new format and the label updates, too.
Here is the Vertical angular axis in Gap Mode.
Here is the Vertical angular axis in Angle Mode.
Click on the View Mode button to switch the Step 5 Move screen into Coupling Mode which zooms in on the coupling and shows the alignment at the coupling. This is especially useful for new users of lasers who are used to indicator-based methods and working at the coupling. The graphics automatically update with each move of the motor so you can watch the 2 coupling halves come into alignment as you move it!
Here is our unique Duo–Plane™ Live Move Screen using the T-1290 5-Axis target from the X-880/X-990. It shows all 4 alignment axes (2 measurement planes) updating simultaneously. The displays are color coded to indicate if the alignment is in or out of tolerance. Red means out of tolerance, yellow means it’s in Acceptable tolerance and green means it’s in Excellent Tolerance. The motor graphics move and also update as you align the motor.
Now if you find yourself on the other side of the motor and want to see the graphics appear as you see it then you can utilize our very popular Flip-It™ feature. Simply click on the menu icon and select Flip-It™ and the images flip over – see the image below! No more turning the screen upside down to match your view!
Shim values for the motor are automatically calculated when entering Step 5. The values are locked so you don’t have to remember them but can be unlocked by clicking on the lock icon if you want to see them update. Arrows also tell you which direction the motor needs to go. Down arrows mean to take out shims and up means to add them
For the Horizontal Axis, Couple6 uses dotted lines and bolt holes to show you where the motor’s feet need to be moved to be in alignment. Once the motor is aligned, Couple6 puts “bolts” into the holes to indicate you are done! Time to take a break!
Horizontal Gap (Angle) and Horizontal Offset values update continuously in Step 5. A red display means it’s out of tolerance, yellow means it’s in Acceptable tolerance and green means it’s in Excellent tolerance. A positive offset value means the motor is to the right of the driven unit (with the coupling on the left in top view) and a positive angle or gap means the back of the motor is further right than the front.
Move values for the motor are automatically calculated when entering Step 5. The values automatically update as you move the motor in the horizontal axis. Arrows also tell you which direction the motor needs to go. Up arrows mean to move the motor away from you and down arrows mean to move it toward you. Once you see the bolt heads appear and the arrows disappear you are done!
Couple6 gives you lots of options to view the motor graphics in Step 5. A convenient on-screen menu allows you to make this selection very quickly. Click on this icon to popup a menu to choose various changes to the display, such as Coupling Zoom, Bolt Bound™ view, etc. See below for details.
Screen Menu Popup
Click here to bring you back to Duo-Plane™ Mode.
Click here to view the Horizontal Axis for Bolt Bound™
Click here to use the very popular Flip-It™ feature to flip the motor image if you are on the wrong side.
Click here to see the Coupling Zoom feature.
Click here to view the Horizontal Axis for Bolt Bound™
Click here to turn on/off the Thermal Growth values from Step 1.
Re-Measure Button – Click here to go back to Step 4 and Re-Measure the alignment to confrim it is in tolerance. This is very important!
Home Button – Click here to go to the main menu page to switch Steps or to Print a report.
