Misalignment is a condition where the center lines of coupled shafts do not coincide.
Angular misalignment is the term used when two shaft center lines are at an angle to each other. If the misaligned shafts meet at a point but are not parallel, then the misalignment is called angular misalignment.
Angular misalignment can occur in the horizontal or vertical plane of the shafts. A typical objective is to obtain angular misalignment to less than 1°. Angular misalignment produces a bending moment on each shaft, and this generates a strong vibration in the axial direction at both bearings.