Frequently asked questions
Answers about our balancing, vibration analysis and alignment services.
Where can the balancing be performed?
At our facility in Clinton Township, Michigan, or on location at your site. We specialize in on-site balancing and vibration analysis, using up-to-date equipment and methods to find the source of a vibration, make the necessary corrections and recommend any repairs or routine maintenance. In-house, we balance components to many standard tolerances or to your blueprint specifications.
What size parts can you balance?
In our shop we balance components from a few ounces up to 5,000 lb and up to 30 feet long. On site, our capability is virtually unlimited as long as there is a safe working environment and reasonable access to the equipment.
What types of components can be balanced?
Motors, armatures, pulleys, spindles, fans, blower wheels, impellers, high-speed turbine and compressor rotors, machine tool components, boring bars, tool holders, crankshafts, driveshafts, agricultural equipment and aerospace components — essentially anything that rotates.
Do you offer same-day and emergency service?
Yes. We offer same-day and 24-hour emergency service, in our shop or on site. Call (586) 795-5550 any time. After hours, call (586) 634-8989 or (586) 634-8988.
What is the difference between static and dynamic balancing?
Static (single-plane) balancing corrects a heavy spot so the part’s center of mass is on its axis. It suits narrow parts such as pulleys, fans and impellers. Dynamic (two-plane) balancing also corrects the end-to-end wobble that longer parts like armatures, rolls and spindles develop when spinning. Read more about dynamic and static balancing.
What balance tolerance will my part be balanced to?
We balance to your drawing or specification. If you don’t have one, we recommend a tolerance based on the part’s weight, type and operating speed using the ISO 21940-11 balance quality grades (formerly ISO 1940-1).
What areas do you serve?
We’re based in Clinton Township and do on-site work throughout Metro Detroit, including Sterling Heights, Warren, Macomb, Shelby Township, Troy and Detroit, and across Michigan. We also provide on-site balancing, vibration analysis and alignment anywhere in the United States.
How should I prepare a part to send in for balancing?
Clean the part, and send the operating speed, any required tolerance or drawing, and instructions for how keys should be handled. If mating parts such as a pulley or coupling half should be balanced as an assembly, send them too. Call us if you’re unsure.
Can you tell me why a machine keeps failing?
Usually, yes. Vibration analysis identifies the fault behind repeated bearing, seal or coupling failures — unbalance, misalignment, looseness, resonance or something else — so the root cause gets fixed instead of just the failed part.
Why does a brand-new machine need laser alignment?
Alignment set at the factory shifts during shipping and when the base is bolted down. Many equipment warranties also require proper alignment at installation. Learn about laser alignment.
Have a question that isn’t answered here? Call (586) 795-5550 or send us a message.
A machine shaking, running hot or eating bearings?
Call (586) 795-5550 — or (586) 634-8989 after hours.