Knowledge Base

Compare SKF TKSA 11, 31, 41, 51, 71 and 71/PRO laser shaft alignment tools side by side: display, measurement distance, features, applications and included accessories.

What shaft misalignment is, what it costs, how straight edge, dial indicator and laser alignment methods compare, and how to choose a laser shaft alignment system.

Reference guide to ultrasonic leak detection.

Machine alignment applications in pulp and paper mills.

Reference guide to the bearing life cycle.

Reference guide to storing, handling and working safely with roller bearings.

Printable vibration severity chart for judging overall machine vibration levels.

Printable viscosity conversion chart for comparing lubricant viscosity units and grades.

A 12-step reverse dial indicator alignment procedure: sag check, machine prep, soft foot, horizontal and vertical moves.

A low-cost way to do spectrum analysis: powering an accelerometer with a constant current diode and reading it on an oscilloscope.

Professional organizations, web resources and service companies for maintenance and reliability professionals.

Why emissivity matters for infrared temperature readings, with typical emissivity values for common materials.

Why a thermal camera sees the whole picture where a spot IR thermometer only reads one averaged spot.

A bearing heater buying guide: flexibility, portability, magnetization, thermostat, reliability, affordability and ease of use.

Tips on choosing multimeter batteries and finding replacement current fuses such as A104 and A110.

RDI Advisor: what to consider when choosing a magnet for temporary accelerometer mounting, and how magnets lower mounted resonance.

A CorDEX white paper comparing intrinsically safe (I.S.) and explosion-proof (X.P.) protection: certification standards, markings, design, static discharge, quality control and which to choose.

A visual example comparing and contrasting Factory Mutual ratings and ATEX ratings.

How ISO 10816-3 groups industrial machines by power and shaft height and by support flexibility, with the velocity severity guideline chart.

ISO 2372 (10816) guidance for judging vibration severity in machines running 600 to 12,000 RPM, with the severity chart.

How to find failed-open and failed-closed steam traps and passing valves with an ultrasonic leak detector and contact probe.

Wiring diagram for the CMCP1100, courtesy of STI Vibration Monitoring. Electrical powering requirements: most internally amplified vibration sensors require a constant current DC power source…

Charts for choosing the right mechanical, hydraulic, oil injection or heating tool to mount and dismount bearings on cylindrical seats, tapered seats, adapter sleeves and withdrawal sleeves.

What a hazardous area is, how explosion proof and intrinsically safe protection differ, and how Class I gases are divided into divisions and groups.