Equipment Leveling & Its Importance

Equipment leveling can be one of the most overlooked but important aspects when it comes to setting up heavy machinery or equipment. The process will ensure that your machinery works at peak performance, serves longer, and delivers quality results. Here at Specialty Rigging, we understand how proper equipment leveling impacts your operations.

What is Equipment Leveling?

The leveling of equipment is accomplished by setting a machine or certain gadget to sit perfectly flat and level on the ground or floor. It is attained by making use of specialty tools and methods of measurement that adjust the position of the equipment until it is balanced appropriately. Good leveling of equipment is indispensable in so many types of machinery, such as manufacturing equipment, printing presses, and even big appliances like refrigerators or washing machines.

The Consequences of Improper Equipment Leveling

Not leveling equipment properly can have a host of effects. If the machinery is not level, it shows uneven stress and wear on the parts that might cause them to wear out more quickly than expected. This will inadvertently increase maintenance costs more frequently. Furthermore, if the equipment is unlevel, it may produce lower-quality products or results. For instance, if a printing press is not level, it will print out prints that are unequal, while a non-level CNC machine fabricates parts using incorrect dimensions.

Additionally, equipment that has not been leveled is unsafe. The chances of excessive vibration are a hazard to the operators and further may damage the equipment and any structural part of the building. In extreme situations, unlevelled equipment tips over, hence imposing great risks on workers as well as highly costly damages.

The Process of Leveling Equipment

Equipment leveling usually follows a number of steps, which include:

1. Preparation of the site: The installation site must be prepared before the equipment arrives. Such preparation may include, among other things, ensuring reinforcement of the floor and making the surface as flat as possible.
2. Rough positioning: This is placing the equipment in its approximate final position by the use of heavy machinery or rigging equipment.
3. First leveling: The technicians check the level of the equipment with the help of a precision level in more than one direction. This is followed by rough adjustments aided by leveling feet or shim.
4. Fine tuning: More precise measurements are made and further adjustments effected to have the equipment perfectly level in all directions.
5. Securing: After leveling, the equipment is bolted onto the floor for its inability to move.
6. Final Check: A final check for levelling is performed in order to verify that the equipment stays level once it is secured.
7. Timing of Equipment leveling: The timing of equipment leveling, where this must be done at the time of machinery installation, and follow-up checks must be made from time to time, a few pieces of equipment may have to be re-levelling every time they are moved or when there changes in the building structure or in the floor.

Importance of Professional Equipment Leveling

While leveling equipment may sound like a simple task, it is certainly one that is best left to professionals. Our experienced technicians at Specialty Rigging know and have the tools necessary to get your equipment perfectly level. State of the art precision levels along with advanced techniques allows us to achieve the highest degree of accuracy.
Proper leveling of equipment offers a variety of advantages including:

• Improved performance: Level equipment functions more effectively and gives better results.
• Extended equipment life: Because leveling minimizes uneven wear and stress, it extends the useful life of your machinery.
• Lower maintenance costs: Properly leveled equipment needs fewer repairs and maintenance.
• Enhanced safety: Level equipment tends not to vibrate excessively or tip over; hence, it provides greater safety.
• Better product quality: Most manufacturing processes depend on level equipment to manufacture consistent, high-quality products.

Don’t Overlook Equipment Leveling

As far as heavy machinery and equipment are concerned, one cannot underestimate how important proper leveling is. A step so crucial, this impacts everything from efficiency in operation to the safety of workers. In Specialty Rigging, the significance of equipment leveling is vocalized with every installation the company does.

Remember, professional equipment leveling is an investment in your machinery’s longevity, the quality of your product, and in the safety of your workers. This key step shouldn’t fall between the cracks. As you’re setting up new equipment or moving existing machinery, be sure equipment leveling is at the top of your priority list. Your business, your equipment, and your employees will thank you for it.

Contact us to learn more about our services at Specialty Rigging Co.

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