NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

When checking alignment, which condition is most likely affected by temperature changes?

1. Vertical alignment

2. Lateral alignment

3. Shaft alignment

4. Angular alignment

The correct answer is: Lateral alignment

In assessing how temperature affects alignment in mechanical systems, it is important to consider how different components respond to thermal expansion or contraction. Lateral alignment, which refers to the side-to-side positioning and parallelism between shafts or other components, can be significantly impacted by temperature changes. As temperature increases, materials generally expand, which can cause a shift in their positioning, potentially affecting the lateral alignment between shafts. Conversely, when there is a decrease in temperature, materials contract, which can also lead to changes in the lateral alignment. Understanding this relationship is crucial for millwrights since improperly aligned components can lead to increased wear, vibration, and potential failure of machinery. Thus, accurately accounting for temperature effects during alignment checks is essential for maintaining the operational integrity and longevity of equipment.