26/08/2025
Why Balancing Is Often Done Wrong?
Balancing is one of the most familiar procedures in vibration practice, yet it often becomes a routine response rather than a considered decision. When vibration appears, the natural instinct is to add trial weights, even though the source of the problem may lie elsewhere.
There are situations where balancing is the right solution. A vibration spectrum that shows a dominant and stable peak at rotational speed, supported by consistent phase readings, is a strong indication. The same applies when a rotor or impeller has recently been repaired or replaced, when there is visible evidence of mass loss or asymmetry, or when material build-up has accumulated on fan blades. In these cases, correcting the balance can immediately restore smooth operation.
Still, vibration can have many other causes. It may be related to structural looseness, a soft foot condition that undermines rigidity, shafts that are not properly aligned, or resonance that amplifies movement near a natural frequency. None of these faults will disappear if additional weights are applied, and balancing in such cases only masks the real story of the machine.
That is why an initial vibration survey across all axes must always come first. By checking the overall vibration profile, engineers can confirm whether the defect is truly unbalance. Only after this confirmation should balancing be performed — in line with the requirements of ISO 21940-11:2016.
With the VIBRO-LASER™ VIBRATION App, you gain a complete picture: real-time FFT, phase analysis, and balancing functions developed in line with international standards. The data shows whether unbalance is the real cause, or whether vibration points to another problem.
Balancing, when performed with a clear diagnosis, is one of the most effective procedures in maintenance. The real skill is knowing not only how to do it, but when it is the right tool for the job.
🔗 Learn more about smart vibration diagnostics: www.vibro-laser.com
