The Pulse of Machinery: What Vibration Reveals
Vibration Meter in Predictive Maintenance
Why Measure Vibration?
Vibration is considered the best operating parameter to judge dynamic conditions such as balance (overall vibration), bearing defects (enveloping) and stress applied to components. Many machinery problems show themselves as excessive vibration.
Vibration analysis can uncover many mechanical issues including:
- Imbalance
- Bearing failure
- Mechanical looseness
- Misalignment
- Structural resonance
- Bent shaft
- Gear fault
- Pump cavitation
- Speed abnormalities
Measuring the overall vibration of a machine, a rotor in relation to a machine or the machine’s structure and comparing the measurement to its normal value (norm) indicates the current health of the machine.
To reduce maintenance costs and downtime, incorporate vibration analysis into a predictive maintenance program.
Common Types of Vibration Meters & Gauges
- Vibration Analysis Equipment
- Used in predictive maintenance and condition monitoring.
- Can analyze frequency spectrum (FFT), detect imbalance, misalignment, looseness, or bearing faults.
- Typically more advanced and may connect to software for reporting.
- Vibration Meter with Magnetic Probe
- Equipped with a magnetic base probe for hands-free operation.
- Useful for stable readings on rotating equipment like motors, pumps, or fans.
- Vibration Gauge
- More basic device, typically measures vibration displacement or acceleration.
- Often used for quick checks rather than full diagnostics.
- Handheld Vibration Meter
- Portable and easy to use in the field.
- Usually measures vibration velocity (mm/s or in/s), acceleration (m/s²), or displacement (µm).
- Ideal for technicians doing spot checks.
- Digital Vibration Meter
- Provides direct digital readouts (LCD screen).
- Can store and transfer data.
- Often supports multiple measurement units (acceleration, velocity, displacement).
Types of Measurements in the EXAMINER 1000
Velocity Good for frequency ranges 10-2000 Hz (600-120,000 RPM)
Acceleration Used for higher frequencies or speeds above 2000 Hz (120,000 CPM)
Acceleration Enveloping Uses a high pass filter to measure high frequency, repetitive bearing and gear mesh vibration signals. Used for early detection of developing bearing or lubrication problems. Use this type in combination with the other types to detect changes in machinery.
