Why is it important to check for soft foot during alignment?

Checking for soft foot during alignment is critical for achieving accurate alignment of machinery with the base plate. Soft foot refers to a condition where one or more feet of a machine's base do not make proper contact with the mounting surface, often causing misalignment. This misalignment can lead to various operational issues such as increased wear and tear, premature equipment failure, and inefficient operation.

When the feet of the equipment do not sit flat, even if the machinery is aligned at first glance, the stress induced from imperfect contact can cause the machine to shift once it is operational. This can result in misalignment over time, which affects the performance of rotating equipment, contributes to vibration, and can ultimately lead to mechanical failure. Therefore, ensuring that the feet are flat and secure during the alignment process is essential for the longevity and reliability of the machinery being aligned.

In contrast, while factors like avoiding bolt damage, maintaining machine aesthetics, or reducing operational noise are relevant to overall machine maintenance and operation, they are not the primary reasons for checking soft foot during alignment. The main focus is on achieving and maintaining accurate alignment, which is crucial for reliable equipment performance.