Which type of shaft alignment should be checked first?

The correct type of shaft alignment to check first is angular alignment. This is because angular misalignment occurs when the shafts are not aligned in the same plane and can lead to excessive wear, vibration, and other operational issues. Addressing angular alignment first helps ensure that the axis of one shaft is positioned correctly relative to the axis of the other shaft.

Once the angular alignment has been corrected, the next steps can involve checking for offset and parallel alignment, as these can be more effectively addressed after ensuring that the shafts are correctly aligned at the correct angles. Ensuring proper angular alignment lays the foundation for achieving overall shaft alignment and optimal performance of the machinery.