Workshop Rotor Balancing

Before any new, repaired or overhauled rotating part can be put into service it must first be balanced.

Workshop rotor balancing is a type of analysis that compares the vibration profile with rotation to identify inconsistent weight distribution around the diameter. The amount and position of the weight necessary to offset the net imbalance can then be calculated.



Workshop rotor balancing

Imbalance is the unequal distribution of a rotor’s mass around its rotating centreline. While some level of vibration is expected in rotating equipment, excessive vibration is often a clear indication of imbalance caused by a variety of mechanical or manufacturing factors.

Minimising vibration helps prevent secondary damage and significantly extends machine service life. Rather than attempting to eliminate vibration entirely, our workshop engineers reduce vibration to acceptable levels in accordance with the specified balance quality grade.

This balance search process is a core workshop capability, combining precision balancing machines with experienced engineers who understand how rotor behaviour translates into long-term reliability.

Common causes of rotor imbalance
  • Accumulation of dust or material on fan blades
  • Erosion or uneven corrosion of pump impellers
  • Bubbles, blow holes, or porosity in cast components
  • Rotor eccentricity
  • Uneven distribution in motor rotor bars or windings
  • Bent rollers or shafts
  • Missing or displaced balance weights

Workshop rotor balancing

Rotor imbalance is caused by uneven mass distribution around the rotating centreline. While some vibration is normal, excessive vibration often indicates imbalance that can lead to damage and reduced service life.

Typical causes

  • Material build-up on blades
  • Corrosion or erosion of impellers
  • Porosity in cast parts
  • Rotor eccentricity
  • Uneven motor windings
  • Bent shafts or rollers
  • Missing balance weights

Our workshop engineers minimise vibration to within the specified balance quality grade, extending machine life and improving reliability.


Our Solution

Our workshop supports all types of rotors, from components weighing less than 500 grams to assemblies exceeding 4,000 kilograms. Using dedicated horizontal balancing machines and precision measurement systems, we balance both rigid and flexible rotors across a wide operating range.

Whether a rotor operates at 10,000 rpm or runs at 150 rpm, our more than 40 years of workshop balancing experience ensures accurate, repeatable results for single components and production batches alike.

Weight range
< 500 g – > 4,000 kg
Speed range
150 rpm – 10,000 rpm
Annual volume
~1,500 orders

Typical projects range from balancing a single 10 MW steam turbine rotor to series work such as 75 brake discs for one of the world’s largest offshore crane vessels.

Balancing specialisations
Prototype and experimental rotors
Single-piece rotors
Small series production
Medium-size series < 250 units

All balancing work is carried out in accordance with ISO 21940 balance quality requirements for rigid rotors.

Our Solution

Our workshop balances rotors from less than 500 grams to over 4,000 kilograms, across a wide range of speeds and applications.

Weight range: < 500 g – > 4,000 kg
Speed range: 150 rpm – 10,000 rpm
Annual throughput: ~1,500 balancing orders
Specialisations

  • Prototype and experimental rotors
  • Single-piece rotors
  • Small series production
  • Medium-size series under 250 units

Balancing is performed in accordance with ISO 21940 balance quality requirements.


Offering

Workshop rotor balancing delivered by experienced, specialist engineers using proven procedures and precision equipment.

Pre-balance check in workshop

Pre-Balance check

A pre-balance check is always performed prior to rotor balancing. Parameters such as radial and axial runout are measured and any deviations are corrected. For overhaul rotors, activities such as regrinding bearing surfaces and repairing cracks in impellers are often included.

Where required, additional inspections can be carried out, including detailed dimensional checks using 3D coordinate measurements or determination of rotor natural frequencies.

Static and dynamic balancing

Static vs Dynamic balancing

Correct balancing, whether static or dynamic, is essential to eliminating performance issues such as excessive vibration, noise, and heat. Effective balancing extends asset lifespan, improves accuracy, and helps prevent premature failure.

Dynamic balancing is preferred for high-performance components, as it allows extremely high accuracy, often within fractions of a gram. As a result, the majority of rotors are dynamically balanced in our workshop.

Offering

Specialist workshop rotor balancing delivered using proven inspection and balancing methods.

Pre-balance check in workshop

Pre-Balance check

Runout checks, surface reconditioning, and optional 3D measurements or natural frequency determination ensure the rotor is ready for accurate balancing.

Static and dynamic balancing

Static vs Dynamic balancing

Dynamic balancing is typically used for high-performance rotors due to its superior accuracy, helping reduce vibration, noise, and premature failure.


Dedicated balancing equipment

All machinery and tools in our workshop are dedicated exclusively to balancing activities. This specialist setup enables accurate, repeatable balancing across a very wide range of rotor types, sizes, and applications.

Crankshafts
Motor armatures
Centrifuges
Mower drums and rotors
Fan impellers
Roller drums
Ship propellers
Turbine rotors
Brake discs and drums
Pulleys
Multi-stage pump impellers
And much more
Dedicated balancing capability

Our workshop machinery and tooling are used exclusively for balancing, ensuring consistent accuracy across a wide range of rotor types.
Crankshafts, motor armatures, centrifuges
Mower drums, fan impellers, roller drums
Ship propellers, turbine rotors
Brake discs, drums, pulleys
Multi-stage pump impellers and more


Delivering

We work exclusively with advanced, high-end balancing equipment. All Schenck balancing machines are maintained and calibrated in-house, ensuring consistent accuracy, repeatability, and full confidence in every balancing result delivered from our workshop.

Delivering

Our workshop operates exclusively with high-end, precision balancing equipment. All Schenck machines are maintained and calibrated in-house to guarantee reliable and repeatable results.

EU Flag

Local service backed by global support

  • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
  • Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
  • Expert support and consultation

EU Flag

Local service backed by global support

  • 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
  • Clear detailed reporting with actionable insights
  • Expert support and consultation