What characterizes angular misalignment?

Angular misalignment is primarily characterized by the situation where the coupling faces of two shafts are not parallel, leading to the shaft center-lines being misaligned. This misalignment occurs when the shafts are at different angles to each other despite being aligned along the same axis. In mechanical systems, this can create uneven wear on the coupling and may lead to increased stress on the equipment, which can eventually result in premature failure or other operational issues.

The nature of angular misalignment also means that the couplings must accommodate this angular discrepancy, which can introduce vibration and additional operational challenges. Understanding this form of misalignment is crucial for effective alignment practices in machinery to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the equipment.