An apparatus for measuring the alignment of two or more adjacent lugs while the lugs are in motion is provided. The alignment measuring apparatus includes a first scanner for detecting the leading edge of a first lug and a second scanner for detecting the leading edge of a second lug positioned adjacent the first. Timing means are provided for measuring the time differential between detection of the first and second lugs and computation means are provided for determining whether adjacent lugs are within alignment tolerances based in part upon the differential time measurement. Alternatively, differential distance measuring means are provided to directly measure the misalignment between the lugs.