Fluke Reliability Launches Shaft Alignment Solution that Powers Precision Measurement and Maximizes Uptime

Rhea-AI Summary

Fluke Reliability has unveiled a new Shaft Alignment solution featuring rugged professional tablets compatible with Pruftechnik's single-laser alignment tools. The solution addresses a critical industry challenge, as misalignments cause 50% of unplanned downtime in rotating machines and significantly increase utility costs. For instance, a 75 KW pump with a 0.75mm misalignment can increase annual utility costs by €1,624/$1,758.

The modular system includes the Unified Shaft Alignment Tablet, FRS Shaft Alignment App, and Pruftechnik's precision alignment heads (SensAlign 3, 5, and 7). The IP65-rated tablet comes in locked and unlocked versions, offering durability and flexibility for industrial environments. The solution enables organizations to start with essential components and scale up as needed, providing a cost-effective approach to precision alignment programs.

Positive

• Modular and scalable solution allowing companies to start small and expand without replacing existing equipment
• Potential for significant cost savings (€1,624/$1,758 annually per 75 KW pump)
• Rugged IP65-rated tablet design resistant to dust, water jets, and drops up to 1.2 meters
• Integration capabilities with additional applications like thermal imaging and CMMS in unlocked version

Negative

• None.

Insights

Industrial Technology Analyst

Fluke's new shaft alignment solution offers modest positive impact by addressing maintenance costs and efficiency for industrial customers.

Fluke Reliability's new Shaft Alignment solution represents an incremental improvement to their industrial maintenance portfolio rather than a revolutionary new product line. The offering combines rugged professional tablets with Pruftechnik's existing single-laser alignment tools to address a specific but significant industrial pain point - machine misalignment, which reportedly causes 50% of unplanned downtime in rotating equipment.

The financial case presented is modest but concrete: a single misaligned 75KW pump can waste approximately $1,758 annually in unnecessary energy costs, with 90% of industrial equipment suffering from some misalignment. Multiplied across large industrial operations, this creates a compelling ROI narrative for maintenance departments facing budget constraints.

The modular approach is strategically significant, allowing Fluke to capture customers at various price points with a scalable system that grows with customer needs - a classic land-and-expand strategy. The locked and unlocked tablet options further segment the market, with the unlocked version creating an ecosystem for additional Fluke software solutions.

This launch builds on Fluke's 2019 acquisition of Pruftechnik, showing continued integration of that technology into their reliability solutions portfolio. While not transformative for parent company Fortive (FTV), it strengthens Fluke's position in the industrial maintenance technology market where they compete against companies like SKF, Emerson, and Rockwell Automation.

The product addresses current industrial challenges including labor shortages and budget constraints, positioning it as a practical solution for maintenance teams being asked to "do more with less" - a persistent theme in industrial operations today.

New rugged solution delivers immediate ROI by cutting energy use and maintenance costs

EVERETT, Washington, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fluke Reliability today announced a new Shaft Alignment solution, featuring rugged professional tablets compatible with its full range of alignment kits, including Pruftechnik’s single-laser alignment tools. 

Misalignments are an unseen force, driving increased utility costs and are the leading cause of 50% of unplanned downtime in rotating machines. A single 75 KW pump with an aligned offset of just 0.75mm increases utility costs by €1,624/$1,758 annually while also accelerating wear on bearings, seals, and couplings. With up to 90% of industrial equipment misaligned, precision alignment programs offer companies the potential to save thousands of euros or dollars in utility costs alone over a machine’s lifetime. 

In response to these challenges, Fluke introduced Shaft Alignment solutions along with flexible, modular alignment packages that include any combination of:

• Unified Shaft Alignment Tablet 

• The FRS Shaft Alignment App 

• Pruftechnik’s precision alignment heads SensAlign 3, SensAlign 5, and SensAlign 7   

This scalable, modular system allows organizations to start their alignment programs with only the components and the shaft application level they need, reducing upfront costs. As their program grows, they can easily add new capabilities without replacing existing equipment.  

Maintenance professionals are being asked to do more with leaner teams, and Pruftechnik Shaft Alignment tools have been designed with this in mind. They eliminate the need for multiple tablets while enabling technicians to perform reliable precision alignments in industrial applications.  The rugged tablet is built to endure even the toughest industrial environments, with an environmental protection rating of IP65, it is dustproof, water jet resistant, and designed to withstand drops of up to 1.2 meters.  

The Shaft Alignment tablet is available in both locked and unlocked versions. The locked version performs alignment work only, allowing for focused work on a secure, closed platform. The unlocked version allows users to install additional applications such as thermal imaging, geometrical alignment or computerized maintenance management system (CMMS for example from eMaint) applications to further support reliability. Both versions integrate seamlessly with Pruftechnik’s alignment heads to enable precision alignment in industrial applications. 

Aaron Merkin, Chief Technology Officer, Fluke Reliability, commented: “At Fluke Reliability, our strength lies in solving complex industrial challenges through precision alignment technology. Since acquiring Pruftechnik in 2019, we've combined decades of engineering expertise with our innovation roadmap to deliver scalable solutions that drive measurable results.” 

He continued, “Today’s reliability professionals are navigating unprecedented challenges: tighter budgets, shrinking skilled labor pools, and increasing pressure to maximize uptime with fewer resources. Our latest shaft alignment solution is built to meet today’s challenges—modular, adaptable, and scalable to any stage of an organization’s alignment journey. Both accelerating time to value and helping maintenance teams do more with less.” 

Shaft Alignment solution Key Features and Benefits Include: 

• Rugged, industrial-grade design: IP65-rated for dust, water, and impact resistance 

• Intuitive navigation: Easy-to-use touch interface for faster alignments 

• Modular flexibility: Choose software and sensor options to fit company needs and budget 

• Effortless reporting: Simplified results sharing and user management 

• Precision performance: Single-laser repeatability with adaptive alignment and situational intelligence for faster, more accurate precision alignment 

• Expert support: Access to Pruftechnik’s virtual training center and team of alignment experts 

Pruftechnik is the trusted leader in alignment, with a 40-year legacy of unrivaled speed and precision in alignment. Pruftechnik single laser alignment systems are the gold standard in alignment, and are the core technology behind the RotAlign Touch, OptAlign Touch, and ShaftAlign Touch alignment systems.  

Please visit Pruftechnik for more information about Fluke Reliability’s latest modular, scalable alignment solutions. 

About Fluke Reliability  
Fluke Reliability, an operating company of the Fluke Corporation, offers reliability and maintenance teams the tools, software, AI powered insights, and services they need to optimize asset performance. Home to powerful, iconic brands – Pruftechnik, Azima DLI, and eMaint – Fluke Reliability enables customers to shift from reactive to predictive maintenance utilizing a connected approach to reliability. Fluke Reliability informs customers on the health of their assets with software and services that drive better maintenance decisions – improving productivity, driving uptime, boosting visibility, and reducing costs. For more information on Fluke Reliability's eMaint CMMS, visit https://www.emaint.com/ or LinkedIn. 

Fluke Reliability is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. For more information, visit the Fluke website.  

Attachment

• Shaft Alignment Tablet in Action

Georgia Marchant
Fluke Reliability
+447312081455
georgia.marchant@fluke.com

FAQ

What is the main benefit of Fluke's (FTV) new Shaft Alignment solution?

The solution helps reduce energy costs and maintenance expenses by addressing misalignments in rotating machines, which can save €1,624/$1,758 annually per 75 KW pump and prevent unplanned downtime.

What are the key features of Fluke's (FTV) new Shaft Alignment tablet?

The tablet is IP65-rated for dust and water resistance, can withstand 1.2-meter drops, and comes in locked (alignment-only) and unlocked versions (supporting additional applications).

How does Fluke's (FTV) modular Shaft Alignment system work?

The system combines a Unified Shaft Alignment Tablet, FRS Shaft Alignment App, and Pruftechnik's precision alignment heads, allowing organizations to start with basic components and add capabilities as needed.

What is the impact of machine misalignment according to Fluke (FTV)?

According to Fluke, misalignments cause 50% of unplanned downtime in rotating machines, with up to 90% of industrial equipment being misaligned.