Precision Machine Leveling After Relocation Using RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 Malaysia

Precision Machine Leveling After Relocation Using RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 Malaysia

Introduction

Industrial machine relocation involves more than transporting equipment from one location to another.

When a CNC machine, precision lathe, milling machine or industrial production machine is moved, its original installation and support conditions may change.

The new factory floor, machine foundation, leveling screws and support positions may differ from those at the previous installation site.

For this reason, precision machine leveling after relocation is an important part of machinery reinstallation.

The RIKEN KEISOKUKI RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 Precision Flat Levels are Japanese precision leveling instruments designed for machine assembly, installation and centering applications.

Both instruments feature 0.02 mm/m sensitivity, allowing technicians to detect very small angular deviations during precision machinery leveling.

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd supplies both RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 Precision Flat Levels in Malaysia.

This article explains why machinery should be inspected after relocation, how precision levels support machine reinstallation and what industrial maintenance teams should consider before restarting production.

1. Why Is Machine Leveling Important After Relocation?

When machinery is installed at its original location, technicians normally adjust the equipment according to the manufacturer's installation requirements.

These adjustments may depend on:

Machine Foundation Conditions

Leveling Screw Positions

Machine Support Loading

Machine Bed Geometry

Installation Reference Surfaces

Equipment Alignment Requirements

After relocation, these conditions may change.

For example, a CNC machine moved from one factory to another may be installed on a floor with different support characteristics.

Even when the machine appears correctly positioned, its support conditions may not be identical to the previous installation.

Incorrect support adjustment can contribute to mechanical distortion in certain machine designs.

Therefore, machine re-leveling and geometry verification may be necessary before the equipment returns to production.

Important: A machine should be reinstalled according to its manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming that its previous leveling adjustments remain valid.

2. Common Problems After CNC Machine Relocation

Industrial maintenance teams may encounter several issues after moving machinery.

Machine Is No Longer Properly Leveled

Changes in foundation or support conditions can affect the machine's inclination.

Uneven Machine Support

Incorrectly adjusted leveling screws may cause uneven loading across the machine structure.

Machine Bed Distortion

Some machine designs are sensitive to changes in support loading, which may contribute to bed twist or other geometric distortion.

Changes in Machining Accuracy

After relocation, machining results may differ because of installation conditions, alignment changes or other mechanical factors.

Machine Vibration

Improper installation or foundation conditions may contribute to vibration problems.

Difficulty Meeting Installation Tolerances

The machine may require additional adjustment to satisfy the manufacturer's specified installation requirements.

A precision flat level can assist with inclination measurements during troubleshooting.

However, not every post-relocation problem is caused by incorrect leveling.

3. RIKEN Precision Flat Level for Machine Reinstallation

The RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 are precision leveling instruments manufactured by RIKEN KEISOKUKI, Japan.

They are intended for precision machinery applications.

RIKEN RFL-1502

Length: 150 mm

Sensitivity: 0.02 mm/m

Net Weight: 1.8 kg

Country of Origin: Japan

RIKEN RFL-2002

Length: 200 mm

Sensitivity: 0.02 mm/m

Net Weight: 2.3 kg

Country of Origin: Japan

Both models are suitable for consideration in:

CNC Machine Reinstallation

Precision Machinery Leveling

Industrial Equipment Assembly

Machine Tool Maintenance

Machine Relocation Projects

Equipment Alignment Preparation

The correct model depends on the available measuring surface, required sensitivity and installation procedure.

4. Understanding 0.02 mm/m Sensitivity

Both RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 have a specified sensitivity of 0.02 mm/m.

This describes a small angular inclination.

An inclination of 0.02 mm/m corresponds to a height difference of 0.02 mm over a horizontal distance of one metre.

Equivalent Inclination Table

Horizontal DistanceEquivalent Height Difference100 mm0.002 mm150 mm0.003 mm200 mm0.004 mm500 mm0.010 mm1,000 mm0.020 mm

For example, an inclination of 0.02 mm/m corresponds mathematically to a height difference of 0.004 mm over 200 mm.

These values explain equivalent slope, not guaranteed instrument accuracy.

Sensitivity, measurement accuracy and calibration uncertainty are different characteristics.

Technicians should confirm that the instrument meets the machine manufacturer's measurement requirements.

5. Step-by-Step Machine Leveling After Relocation

The following procedure provides general guidance for precision machinery reinstallation.

Actual measuring positions, support adjustment sequences and tolerances depend on the machine manufacturer.

Step 1 - Inspect the New Installation Site

Before positioning the machine, check the new factory floor or foundation.

Important considerations include:

Foundation suitability

Floor condition

Equipment load requirements

Installation space

Required machine supports

The foundation should meet the equipment manufacturer's installation specifications.

Step 2 - Position the Machine

Move the machinery into its designated installation location using suitable lifting and handling procedures.

Only qualified personnel should perform equipment lifting and positioning.

Ensure the machine is correctly supported before beginning leveling work.

Step 3 - Inspect the Leveling Supports

Check the condition and positioning of the machine leveling screws, feet or support elements.

Look for:

Damaged supports

Incorrect installation

Uneven contact

Missing components

Foundation-related concerns

Do not attempt to compensate for damaged supports by making excessive leveling adjustments.

Step 4 - Identify the Correct Measuring Surface

Refer to the machine manufacturer's installation manual.

Locate the designated precision leveling reference surfaces.

Not every exposed machine surface is suitable for precision leveling.

Step 5 - Clean the Reference Surface

Remove contamination such as:

Metal chips

Dust

Oil residue

Dirt

Surface debris

The precision level must sit correctly on the intended reference surface.

Step 6 - Position the RIKEN Precision Flat Level

Carefully place the RIKEN RFL-1502 or RFL-2002 on the designated measuring surface.

Ensure the instrument is properly supported.

Use the model whose dimensions are suitable for the available measuring area.

Step 7 - Allow the Measurement to Stabilize

Avoid taking readings during excessive vibration or rapid temperature changes.

Allow the instrument and machine to reach suitable measurement conditions.

Step 8 - Check the Machine Inclination

Observe the precision level indication according to the instrument manufacturer's operating instructions.

Record the measuring position and indication.

Step 9 - Adjust the Machine Leveling Screws

Follow the machine manufacturer's recommended adjustment sequence.

Make gradual adjustments and avoid creating unnecessary mechanical stress.

Step 10 - Check Additional Reference Positions

Where required, repeat the measurements in longitudinal and transverse directions.

Some machines require multiple measuring positions to evaluate support-related distortion.

Step 11 - Verify Machine Geometry

After leveling, perform the additional geometric inspections required by the machine manufacturer.

These may involve other precision measuring instruments.

Step 12 - Complete Reinstallation Checks

Before returning the machine to production, complete the manufacturer's required mechanical, electrical, safety and operational verification procedures.

Machine leveling alone does not confirm that the entire machine is ready for operation.

6. Why Machine Leveling Screws Matter

Machine leveling screws or adjustable supports help establish the intended support conditions for industrial machinery.

Their function depends on the machine design.

During installation, technicians may adjust these supports to achieve the specified machine leveling condition.

However, incorrect adjustment can create problems.

Possible Problems

Uneven Support Loading

Some supports may carry more load than intended.

Machine Bed Distortion

Certain machines may experience structural distortion due to incorrect support conditions.

Unstable Installation

Incorrect support contact may affect machine stability.

Difficulty Maintaining Geometry

Machine geometry may change if the support system is not correctly adjusted.

A high sensitivity precision level can help technicians observe inclination changes during the adjustment process.

Always follow the machine manufacturer's leveling procedure.

7. Machine Relocation and CNC Lathe Bed Twist

CNC lathe bed twist is an important condition to consider during machine relocation.

In certain lathe designs, uneven support loading can introduce torsional distortion into the machine bed.

This may affect machine geometry.

Possible Indicators

Unexpected turning taper

Changes in machine geometry measurements

Alignment difficulties

Different machining results after relocation

However, these symptoms can also result from other mechanical or thermal conditions.

Recommended Inspection

A technician may use a RIKEN Precision Flat Level to compare inclination readings at manufacturer-designated measuring positions.

Depending on the machine design, multiple measurements may be needed to investigate possible bed twist.

A single level reading cannot confirm that a lathe bed is free from twist.

Additional geometry checks may be necessary.

8. CNC Milling Machine Reinstallation

CNC milling machines may require precision leveling during reinstallation.

The machine manufacturer's procedure may specify particular measuring positions and support adjustments.

Important Reinstallation Considerations

Machine Foundation

Ensure the installation site meets the required foundation specifications.

Machine Positioning

Position the equipment correctly before adjustment.

Machine Leveling

Use a suitable precision level according to the specified procedure.

Axis Geometry

Perform the required machine geometry checks.

Operational Verification

Complete the manufacturer's commissioning procedures before production.

The RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 may be used for suitable inclination measurements during this process.

9. RIKEN RFL-1502 vs RFL-2002 for Machine Relocation

Both models feature 0.02 mm/m sensitivity.

SpecificationRFL-1502RFL-2002BrandRIKEN KEISOKUKIRIKEN KEISOKUKILength150 mm200 mmSensitivity0.02 mm/m0.02 mm/mNet Weight1.8 kg2.3 kgOriginJapanJapanApplicationPrecision Machine LevelingPrecision Machine Leveling

Choose RFL-1502 When

A shorter instrument is preferred.

The machine reference surface is relatively small.

Measuring space is limited.

A 150 mm body meets the application requirements.

Choose RFL-2002 When

A longer measuring body is preferred.

The reference surface can accommodate 200 mm.

Working clearance is sufficient.

The manufacturer's procedure permits the instrument dimensions.

Both instruments have the same specified sensitivity.

The RFL-2002 should not automatically be considered more accurate because of its longer body.

10. Common Mistakes During Machine Reinstallation

Mistake 1 - Assuming the Old Leveling Settings Are Still Correct

After relocation, support and foundation conditions may change.

Mistake 2 - Ignoring the New Foundation

A precision level cannot compensate for an unsuitable machine foundation.

Mistake 3 - Using an Incorrect Measuring Surface

Only use reference surfaces specified by the equipment manufacturer.

Mistake 4 - Adjusting Supports Without Following the Manual

Incorrect adjustment may introduce additional machine distortion.

Mistake 5 - Measuring During Vibration

Excessive vibration may affect reading stability.

Mistake 6 - Confusing Sensitivity with Accuracy

The 0.02 mm/m specification describes inclination sensitivity.

Mistake 7 - Skipping Machine Geometry Verification

Precision leveling is only one part of machine reinstallation.

Mistake 8 - Restarting Production Without Required Checks

Mechanical, electrical and operational verification may be necessary before the machine returns to service.

11. Machine Relocation Inspection Checklist

Before returning relocated machinery to operation, technicians may use the following general checklist.

Inspection ItemPurposeFoundation ConditionVerify suitable machine supportMachine PositioningConfirm correct installation locationLeveling SupportsCheck installation and adjustmentReference SurfacesIdentify approved measuring positionsPrecision LevelingCheck required inclinationMachine GeometryVerify specified alignment conditionsMechanical InspectionCheck relevant machine componentsElectrical and Safety ChecksConfirm safe operating conditionsOperational VerificationComplete required commissioning tests

The checklist should be adapted to the specific machine manufacturer's requirements.

12. Applications in Malaysian Manufacturing Industries

Machine relocation and precision leveling are relevant to many industrial sectors throughout Malaysia.

Selangor and Kuala Lumpur

CNC machining workshops, precision engineering companies and industrial maintenance contractors may require machine re-leveling during factory relocation.

Johor

Manufacturing factories and machinery installation companies may use precision levels during industrial equipment relocation and setup.

Penang

Precision engineering, electronics manufacturing and machinery maintenance operations may require high sensitivity leveling instruments.

Melaka and Negeri Sembilan

Industrial machinery installation and factory maintenance projects may involve precision leveling.

Perak and Kedah

Machine tool workshops and manufacturing facilities may require leveling instruments during equipment reinstallation.

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd supports industrial product enquiries across Malaysia, including Pahang, Kelantan, Terengganu, Perlis, Sabah and Sarawak.

13. Frequently Asked Questions About Machine Leveling After Relocation

Q1. Does a CNC machine need re-leveling after relocation?

The machine should be inspected and re-leveled as required by its manufacturer's relocation and installation procedure.

Q2. Why can machine leveling change after relocation?

The foundation, support positions and installation conditions may differ from the original location.

Q3. What precision level can be used for machine reinstallation?

The RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 provide 0.02 mm/m sensitivity for suitable precision machinery applications.

Q4. Can machine relocation cause bed twist?

Incorrect support conditions after relocation may contribute to bed distortion in certain machine designs.

Q5. What is the difference between RFL-1502 and RFL-2002?

The RFL-1502 is 150 mm long, while the RFL-2002 is 200 mm long.

Both have 0.02 mm/m sensitivity.

Q6. Can a precision level verify complete CNC machine accuracy?

No.

Additional machine geometry and operational checks may be required.

Q7. Can ordinary spirit levels be used for CNC machine relocation?

Only if they meet the machine manufacturer's measurement requirements. General-purpose spirit levels may lack the necessary sensitivity.

Q8. Where can I buy RIKEN Precision Flat Levels in Malaysia?

Contact MTM Precision Sdn Bhd for RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 product enquiries and quotations.

14. Buy RIKEN Precision Flat Level for Machine Relocation Malaysia

If your company is involved in factory relocation, CNC machine reinstallation or industrial equipment maintenance, MTM Precision Sdn Bhd supplies Japanese precision leveling instruments.

RIKEN RFL-1502 Precision Flat Level

Length: 150 mm

Sensitivity: 0.02 mm/m

Net Weight: 1.8 kg

Origin: Japan

RIKEN RFL-2002 Precision Flat Level

Length: 200 mm

Sensitivity: 0.02 mm/m

Net Weight: 2.3 kg

Origin: Japan

Typical Applications

Factory Machine Relocation

CNC Machine Reinstallation

Precision Machine Leveling

Machine Tool Maintenance

Industrial Equipment Assembly

Machine Alignment Preparation

Contact MTM Precision to confirm current pricing, stock availability and ordering arrangements.

15. Contact MTM Precision Sdn Bhd

MTM Precision Sdn Bhd

Showroom & Service Centre

No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18,

Pusat Bandar Puchong,

47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia.

Telephone: 03-8080 7172

WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346

Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com

Website: www.mtmpre.com.my

For enquiries about RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 Precision Flat Levels, contact our team through WhatsApp.

You may send us your machine model, required level sensitivity, measuring surface dimensions or application details.

Our team can assist with selecting a suitable precision leveling instrument.

Conclusion

Precision machine leveling after relocation is an important part of industrial machinery reinstallation.

Changes in foundation conditions, support loading and machine positioning may affect the equipment's installation geometry.

Using a suitable high sensitivity precision flat level helps technicians detect small inclination differences during the leveling process.

The RIKEN RFL-1502 and RFL-2002 Precision Flat Levels both provide 0.02 mm/m sensitivity for precision machinery applications.

The RFL-1502 features a 150 mm body, while the RFL-2002 features a 200 mm body.

Both models are supplied by MTM Precision Sdn Bhd in Malaysia.

For product information, quotation requests or assistance selecting a suitable RIKEN Precision Flat Level, contact MTM Precision today.