What role does environmental temperature play in alignment?

Environmental temperature significantly influences alignment due to the phenomenon of thermal expansion. When machinery components are heated, they expand; conversely, when they cool, they contract. This change in dimensions can lead to misalignment, potentially resulting in operational issues, excessive wear, or even catastrophic failure of the machinery if not properly accounted for.

For example, if a machine is aligned at a cooler temperature, and then the temperature rises during operation, the components may expand and alter the alignment. This necessitates that technicians consider the operating temperature when performing alignments and may require adjustments to ensure that machines operate correctly across a range of temperatures. Thus, understanding and addressing the effects of thermal expansion is crucial for maintaining proper alignment and ensuring the longevity and efficiency of machinery.