Soft foot can severely affect the operating condition of a machine, which will undoubtedly shorten its life expectancy. Here are a few simple tips to help avoid soft foot in your machines:
- Eliminate rust, dirt and any other contamination from the contact surfaces of the machine feet, shims and frame or foundation.
- Never insert more than four shims at a time beneath a single machine foot. More than three shims may cause a spring effect.
- Eliminate external forces on the machine such as those from connected piping, conduit, auxiliary supports, etc.
- Use high quality, clean and uniform shims when shimming is necessary.
Watch Shaft Alignment Know-How video on Soft Foot
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