In alignment work, what is a significant consequence of ignoring thermal expansion?

In alignment work, recognizing and accounting for thermal expansion is crucial because it directly impacts the precision of machinery alignment. When machinery operates, it generates heat, which can lead to thermal expansion of various components made from different materials. If this expansion is not factored into the alignment process, it can lead to misalignment of components.

When components expand due to heat, they can shift from their initially aligned positions, causing stresses, increased wear, and potential failure of the machinery. This misalignment can result in problems such as vibration, increased friction, and ultimately, decreased operational efficiency. Maintaining proper alignment requires that technicians consider how temperature variations will affect the spatial relationships between parts.

The other choices address aspects that are either unrelated or contrary to the principles of alignment. For instance, thermal expansion does not relate to machinery visibility or inherently increase machine speed. Ignoring thermal expansion doesn't lead to improved machine longevity, but rather the opposite—neglecting it can result in premature wear or failure.