Snedställning

Snedställning is a Swedish term that refers to the deviation of a component, surface or assembly from its intended position or orientation. It describes both angular tilt around an axis and lateral offset relative to a reference line or plane. In practice, snedställning means that parts are not aligned as designed, which can affect function, accuracy and safety.

Causes of snedställning include manufacturing tolerances, wear and deformation under load, thermal expansion or contraction, improper assembly, foundation settlement, and external forces such as vibrations or impacts.

The consequences vary by context but commonly include reduced efficiency, increased wear, leakage in seals, binding in joints, inaccurate measurements, or compromised structural integrity.

Measurement and assessment are performed with appropriate tools depending on the field. Common methods include spirit levels and straightedges, plumb lines, dial indicators, laser alignment systems, or coordinate measuring machines in engineering; and clinical occlusion analysis and imaging in dentistry.

Correction and prevention depend on the domain. Mechanical systems may require re-alignment, shimming, or remachining; constructions may need releveling or underpinning; machinery maintenance or re-calibration; orthodontic adjustment or braces in dentistry.

Examples of snedställning are encountered in daily life and industry: a door that binds because its hinges are misaligned, a solar panel array tilted by wind loads reducing energy capture, a machine tool spindle that is out of true alignment causing cutting inaccuracies, or malalignment of teeth treated with orthodontics.

See also: misalignment, alignment, tolerance, calibration.