This article is all about the causes of vibrations in gear boxes, an annoying and scary problem to have as a business owner.
Owning a business is tough. Things are always going wrong. Every day it seems like you’re putting out new fires, some of which you never even heard of until the problem was on your plate. Perhaps, for example, you are now tackling vibrating gearbox problems.
Vibrations are the root of all evil if you’re a fan of money. Why? Normal and good vibrations are healthy. It sounds like a rhythm. The machines buzzing gently reminds you of cold hard cash filtering in your pocket – that is, unless your equipment is on the fritz!
In that case, the noise is like grinding gears. It’s unsettling and makes you realize that your profits are at risk should a full shutdown occur. Remember, sometimes one problem causes a domino effect, and before you know it, you’re filing for bankruptcy.
Excessive vibrations occur in rotating equipment designs, AKA a gearbox. Turbines and compressors can also have this problem. Basically, the machine is broken and starts to vibrate in a funny way as a result.
Sometimes the vibrations are so minute humans couldn’t detect the change. Computers and digital systems, on the other hand, never miss a beat. They alert the management team the second that machine takes a step that is even the least bit out of line.
You’ll be able to get the repair team in there in a flash. This way, you don’t lose so much time and money on this gearbox vibration problem.
FACT: Dangerous machines cause death and injury to limbs. You need to take care of your staff. A death on the floor isn’t going to help your business nor is it ethical to our fellow man.
Why does gearbox vibration happen?
It can be due to alignment problems: the gears don’t align causing a bunch of problems, noise, and vibration.
- Parallel misalignment
- Angular misalignment
- Combined parallel-angular misalignment
- Lack of balance, resonance, loose parts, etc.
- Bearing damage
Fan vibration can be a problem similar to that of gearbox vibration.
Sure, these components vibrate a little, in a consistent and healthy way most of the time. But the second something falls out of line because of cracks, v-belt slippage, or bearing problems, you should be the first to know.
If this is starting to make sense to you, here’s a link to people who have your back: www.stiweb.com.
