A dynamic balancing machine measures vibration-causing unbalance in rotating components such as rotors, fans, impellers, blowers, pulleys, shafts, motors, armatures and rollers, and shows where correction is needed. Horizontal machines carry the component between supports and suit most shaft-type rotors; vertical machines suit disc-shaped parts. Akuracy manufactures horizontal and vertical dynamic balancing machines and customized rotor balancing systems.
What a dynamic balancing machine does
Every rotating component has some unbalance. Left uncorrected it causes vibration, noise, bearing wear and premature failure. A balancing machine spins the component, measures the amount and angle of unbalance, and indicates where material should be added or removed to bring the component within its required balance quality.
Horizontal vs vertical balancing machines
| Aspect | Horizontal balancing machine | Vertical balancing machine |
|---|---|---|
| Component orientation | Shaft held horizontally between supports | Component mounted on a vertical spindle |
| Best suited for | Rotors, shafts, armatures, rollers, blowers | Disc-shaped parts such as fans, impellers and pulleys |
| Typical correction | Two-plane correction for longer rotors | Single-plane correction for disc components |
How to select a balancing machine
- List your components. Note weight, diameter and length of the lightest and heaviest parts you need to balance.
- Define the balance quality you must achieve. Balance quality requirements for rotors are commonly specified with reference to ISO 21940; confirm the grade your application or customer calls for before sizing a machine.
- Choose the orientation. Long, shaft-type rotors point to a horizontal machine; disc-type components point to a vertical machine.
- Plan for your throughput. Consider how quickly an operator can load, measure and correct each part, and whether customized tooling would speed up your mix of components.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between static and dynamic balancing?
Static balancing corrects unbalance in a single plane and can be enough for narrow disc parts. Dynamic balancing measures and corrects unbalance while the component rotates, in one or two planes, which is what rotating machinery actually experiences in service.
Can one machine balance different rotors?
Yes, within its weight and size range. Akuracy machines are set up with tooling matched to your components, and customized rotor balancing systems are available when standard arrangements do not fit.
Which components need dynamic balancing?
Any component that rotates at working speed benefits: rotors, fans, impellers, blowers, pulleys, shafts, motor armatures, rollers and turbine components are the most common.
Have a component you need to balance? See our dynamic balancing machines or discuss your balancing requirement with our engineering team.