Alignment issue with dial indicator readings
Thread Content
Question: When adjusting for alignment, in the radial direction (up and down), the pointer is set to zero at the highest point. After turning it 180 degrees, a value is displayed – how can one determine whether this value is positive or negative (i.e., up or down)? Assuming the two pairs of wheels are very close together, it’s not easy to tell just by looking at the macro hands.
The hand points at the motor’s counterweight: When a radial gauge moves from directly above to directly below, you first need to determine the direction in which the hand is moving – clockwise (positive value for the hand) or counterclockwise (negative value). Then you can determine whether the motor is too low or too high; a positive value indicates that the motor is too low, while a negative value indicates that it is too high
Remember, as the dial indicator needle moves clockwise, the value increases; one full turn corresponds to 1 millimeter
Clockwise is positive, counterclockwise is negative; 1 mm per full circle, and 1 mil per grid
Don’t remember the direction, positive or negative. Once you understand the working principle of a dial indicator, everything else becomes clear.
First, learn the principle of the dial indicator, and then you’ll understand it once you press the probe as you were used to doing before. Remember, practice more.
Clockwise is positive, counterclockwise is negative. Clockwise rotation shortens the scale, raising the end of the scale; counterclockwise rotation lengthens it, lowering the end of the scale
When taking readings, press the small hand to the middle position, then keep an eye on the watch: when the value on the small hand increases, it is positive; when it decreases, it is negative. Try to keep watching the watch throughout the process, or adjust its position to make it easier to view.