What are the consequences of coaxial misalignment?

When machinery components are misaligned, particularly in a coaxial alignment context, several negative outcomes can occur. Coaxial misalignment means that the shafts are not perfectly aligned along their center lines, leading to uneven loads and vibrations during operation. This improper alignment can result in increased wear on bearings, as they have to compensate for the misalignment, causing them to operate under abnormal conditions. This invariably leads to a reduced bearing life, as components are subjected to levels of stress that they were not designed to handle.

Moreover, the misalignment can create excessive vibrations that not only affect the bearings but can also lead to increased wear on seals, couplings, and other components of the system. As the machinery experiences these stresses, there can be a significant increase in operational downtime due to the need for repairs or replacements. Consequently, these factors combined—shortened bearing life and increased downtime—highlight the severe impact of coaxial misalignment on machinery performance and reliability. Therefore, the selection of this option effectively encapsulates the critical consequences of misalignment in a practical operational context.