How does bearing misalignment affect machinery performance?

Bearing misalignment significantly affects machinery performance primarily by causing premature wear, increased vibration, and operational failures. When bearings are not aligned properly, the load is distributed unevenly across the bearing surface. This uneven distribution leads to higher pressure on certain areas of the bearing, resulting in accelerated wear and tear.

Additionally, misalignment generates excessive vibration, which can lead to further damage to not only the bearings themselves but also to other components in the machinery. Over time, this vibration can contribute to fatigue failure in various parts of the machine, ultimately leading to costly operational failures and downtime. Effective alignment is crucial to ensure that the bearings and the entire assembly function optimally, maintaining efficiency and reliability in machinery operations.