What is the primary purpose of a hold-down bolt in machine installation?

The primary purpose of a hold-down bolt in machine installation is to secure machine units to the baseplate. By anchoring the equipment firmly to a stable base, hold-down bolts prevent movement during operation, which is critical for maintaining the machine's performance and safety. This stability helps in preventing misalignment due to vibrations or operational forces, which can lead to premature wear or failure of components. Additionally, when machines are secured properly, it ensures that any operational loads are appropriately distributed, which contributes to the overall integrity of the installation. Other functions, such as providing additional torquing capacity, ensuring alignment, or absorbing vibrations might be associated with different components or techniques used during installation, but the primary role of hold-down bolts is to firmly fix machines to their mounting surfaces.