From vibration measurement to verified correction

Checked on 8 September 2026: local Balanset-1A software 2.3.7.0 manual, two-plane new-rotor procedure with removable trial weights. Screens show the 2.3 interface family; physical setup photos illustrate the same measurement sequence. Earlier online manual.

1. 01

   Inspect the machine and repeat the initial measurement

   Inspect the rotor, bearings, fasteners, drive and guards before running. Resolve mechanical defects first. Stop and isolate the machine before touching sensors or weights.

   Open F5 Vibration Meter. Compare overall RMS (Vs), the 1× component (Vo), phase (F) and RPM. A large 1× component alone does not prove imbalance. Confirm stable, repeatable operating conditions.

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2. 02

   Install sensors and a stable phase reference

   Mount the two vibration sensors rigidly at the bearing supports, recording their positions and directions. Connect Ch1/Ch2 and Tacho (X1/X2/X3 on older units). Keep cables clear of rotating parts.

   Aim the laser tachometer at one reflective mark. Check its signal and RPM before proceeding. The reflective mark is the phase reference, not automatically the correction-angle origin.

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3. 03

   Select two planes and enter the trial parameters

   In software 2.3.7.0, select F3 Two-plane, then F6 Balancing. F4 Settings selects the modern or classic form. Balanset-1A supports at most two planes in either form.

   Start a new-rotor calculation. Enter the actual trial mass and radius for each plane, the mounting method and an appropriate tolerance. This example removes trial weights: keep “Leave on rotor” unchecked.

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4. 04

   Run 0: measure without a trial weight

   Restore guards and run at the selected safe speed and load without a trial weight. Wait for stable readings, select the initial Run 0 card and start measurement with F7.

   Save RPM, amplitudes and phases for both channels. If conditions change during capture, correct the setup and repeat the initial run. The photograph illustrates the physical setup; it does not define a target vibration value.

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5. 05

   Run 1: trial weight in plane 1

   Stop and isolate the machine. Secure the recorded trial weight at the recorded radius in plane 1. Mark its angular position. Restore guards, repeat the operating condition and measure Run 1 with F7.

   The manual suggests an observable response of about 20% in amplitude or 30° in phase. Use this only as a sensitivity guide within safe attachment limits. A weak or unstable response requires review, not an arbitrary increase in mass.

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6. 06

   Run 2: remove the first trial weight and test plane 2

   Stop and isolate the machine. Remove the plane 1 trial weight. Fit the recorded plane 2 trial weight at its recorded radius and mark its position. Check the software mass and retention settings.

   Restore guards and repeat the same speed and load. Measure Run 2 with F7. The program calculates the correction after the last trial measurement; inspect any warning before using the result.

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   Read the correction mass and angle

   After Run 2, open “Show Polar Graph” in the classic form or “Show Polar” in the modern form. Each circle represents one correction plane, viewed from the end of the rotor.

   • Correction mass, g: the weight to install in that plane.
   • Angle: where to install it. Start at the trial-weight position in the same plane and follow the direction of rotation.
   • The marker on the circle shows that position. Check the rotation arrow and the Add / Remove setting before using the result.

   The manual example below shows 3.910 g at 119° in plane 1 and 1.200 g at 210° in plane 2. Use the values calculated for your own rotor, not these example numbers.

   

7. 07

   Install the calculated correction

   Stop and isolate the machine, then remove the remaining trial weight for this removable-weight procedure. Check add/remove mode and the units of the result.

   In each plane, measure the correction angle from that plane’s trial-weight position in the direction of rotation. Use the specified radius. If the radius changes within the same plane, recalculate the mass. Secure the correction and restore all guards.

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8. 08

   Run T: verify and save the report

   At the same controlled speed and load, select Run T and measure with F7. Check residual 1× vibration and unbalance against the selected acceptance criterion; also review overall vibration.

   Save the report with the machine identification, setup, before/after readings and tolerance. Further correction after Run T is additional to the current rotor state and needs another verification. The screenshot is a manual example, not a guaranteed field result.

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