Balancing Machine Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions about balancing machines by subject area.

I am familiar with ANSI and ISO G2.5 balancing specification, but my customer is asking for 0-1000 rpm shaft at 0.0030, 1001-4000 rpm shaft at 0.0025, and housing at 0.00125. Which of the standards should be applied?

We don’t see this kind of balance specification very often anymore. The amounts listed (0.0030, 0.0025, and 0.00125) appear to be in inches and refer to “displacement". This is akin to your e-per for your G2.5 etc. Displacement (mass center to geometric center) is roughly measured in a soft suspension machine or when all assembled (in the housing) it is measured with a vibration instrument. For a hard suspension balancing machine, multiply the weight of the part (or assembly) X displacement tolerance = balance tolerance.

What information do I need to order a balancing machine?

You need basically need 5 pieces of information before you buy a balancing machine
1. Rotor Type (type of part that you want to balance).
2. Part Weight (minimum and maximum weight if you will balance more than one part type)
3. Correction Method (drilling, grinding, milling, mass centering, welding, or punching, or weight addition
4. Number of parts to be balanced per hour
5. Balance Tolerance (single plane or two plane)
If you don’t have this information or are not sure how to determine this information, give us a call, Hines can assist.

What is the delivery time for a balancing machine?

The delivery time for a balancing machine varies depending on the type of machine being ordered and any unique aspects of the specification. In general, deliveries range from 4-6 weeks for a standard, 10-14 weeks for a semi-automatic, and 16-22 weeks for special and automatic balancing machines.

How do I know what Hines machine model (vertical, horizontal, cradle, driveshaft, static, dynamic) is the best for my application?

The best machine would be determined by available budget, part type, correction method, balance tolerance (single plane or two plane), and how many parts need to be balanced per hour. Call Hines and we will use our 30 years experience to determine the best machine for your application.

We have a very complex manufacturing process that is not amenable to adding a balancing machine. Is there a way to remove unbalance from our part without adding a balancing machine to our production line?

Hines has over 50 standard models and hundreds of specialized balancing equipment configurations; manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated balancing machines capable of balancing hundreds of parts per hour to the tightest tolerances. Contact Hines Industries with information on your process; there are many ways to reduce unbalance. Some examples include: A. Casting control, (have your casting supplier help by monitoring casting unbalance prior to machining), B. Mass center monitoring prior to final machining, and C. Holding tighter tolerances during the part manufacturing process. Every member of the Hines team has a depth of experience. You can contact sales or support and we will answer your questions and assist you in finding the best way to reduce your part unbalance to within your required tolerance range.

Why should I order Hines balancing equipment instead of one from another company?

For over 30 years Hines Industries has been an industry leader in design and engineering of balancing machines, tooling, and correction methods along with part handling, automation, and production line quality improvement machines. Hines industrial balancing machines are renowned for repeatable precision, rugged durability, and ease of use. In addition, Hines provides in plant training and best in the industry service and technical support for all types of balancing equipment and production improvement machines. 90% of your parts can be shipped the next day with just a phone call to Hines Service.

How much do Hines machines cost?

Hines Industries, Inc. provides competitive pricing. Contact Hines for a price estimate along with recommendation on the best machine for your application. We can also meet your balancing and product improvement needs for your price-performance target through trade-ins, upgrades, and re-sale of used equipment.

Do I need to run the component being balanced at operating speed in order to ensure that it will be in balance when in operation?

In most cases the operation speed is not tied to the speed at which the part is balanced. For a rigid rotor the balancing speed is independent of the operating speed. In fact, in many cases parts are balanced on a non-rotating balancer. If the part being balanced flexes or changes shape (as in the case of a straw chopper or flail mower), it may be necessary to run the part at or near the operating speed. This is because while the unbalance does not change with speed, the centrifugal force is changing with speed and that interferes with the mechanics of reading the unbalance. So the part must be balanced at a speed (usually around the operating speed) where the centrifugal force has stabilized. In other cases the balancing speed is set by a regulatory organization. For example, the balancing speed for jet engine turbines is set by the FAA, so FAA regulations would need to be referenced to determine the appropriate balancing speed.

Where can I get prototype parts balanced?

Contact Hines to locate the most expedient source for your balancing needs. Hines Industries, Inc. provides balancing services, and offers the additional benefit of providing tooling or fixtures required to balance your parts.

I have run into a balance specification that is unfamiliar to me. Instead of asking for an ANSI or ISO G2.5 balancing specification the customer is asking for 0-1000 rpm shaft at 0.0030, 1001-4000 rpm shaft at 0.0025, and housing at 0.00125. I do not know to which of the standards it needs to be.

We don’t see this kind of balance specification very often anymore. I believe the amounts listed = 0.0030, 0.0025, and 0.00125 are in inches and refer to “displacement.” This is akin to your e-per for your G2.5 etc. Displacement (mass center to geometric center) is roughly measured in a soft suspension machine or when all assembled (in the housing) it is measured with a vibration instrument. For a hard suspension balancing machine, multiply the weight of the part (or assembly) X displacement tolerance = balance tolerance.