Instruments - Rotor Balancing

Why is rotor balancing critical?

Due to the required weight of rotors spinning at very high speeds for the necessary inertia, the technology of rotor bearings is taxed to the limit. Rotor bearings must be perfectly aligned and preloaded to eliminate any looseness or ball clatter when running.

Technology is also highly developed to ensure lubrication occurs progressively over the full life expectancy. If such an expected life is to be achieved, then vibration must be eliminated (or reduced to acceptable levels).

These limits are determined and specified by the gyro manufacturer during development and without knowing if the vibration is below the design maximum allowable, we cannot guarantee the bearing will survive.

Also, during the process of balancing the rotor, the technician can confirm whether or not the bearings have been installed and preloaded correctly. If there are any problems with the bearings at all, the balancing machine will help us to identify the cause.

Important Details to Remember

Only with correctly installed bearings, properly preloaded, everything balanced and then run in, will the rotor perform as it should and display that smooth sweet sound to indicate that it is ready to be installed in its next higher assembly.