What condition justifies intentionally misaligning machines?

Intentionally misaligning machines to accommodate changes in temperature is justified because thermal expansion can significantly affect the alignment of machinery. When a fixed machine or mass transfer box machine (MTBM) undergoes a change in temperature, it can expand or contract, altering its nominal position. By misaligning the machine slightly, a millwright can offset the expected changes in alignment caused by thermal growth, ensuring that the equipment operates smoothly and reduces the risk of wear or damage.

In situations where there are excessive bearing clearances, eccentric shafts, or similar conditions without a direct correlation to temperature changes, simply misaligning the equipment wouldn't effectively address the underlying mechanical issues that need to be resolved for optimal machine performance.