The company I work for has decided to let me purchase a vibration analyzer and send me to school for training. I am new to this, and would appreciate any recommendations on equipment. I have looked at SKF's Microlog and vibxpert from Ludeca. Doe's anyone use either of these, or recommend another product?

Personally I like CSI as my first choice, but Commtest has a very good meter also. Depending on the amount of funds available to this new project will greatly affect which equipment you might even consider buying. I am sure most all venders equipment are good, only some are a little, well maybe "better" is not the right word, maybe "more advanced" at this point in time, but the others are gaining ground on them everyday.

Are far as training goes, from whichever company the equipment is bought, most of it (the training) is generic in nature, which is good for a new analyst. The best type of training, in my opinion, is in-house, using one's own analyzing equipment on one's own machinery. Even in-house training starts with the "basics" if need be, which would include setting up databases.

Whichever equipment you end up buying, the key to a successful program is 110% dedication to the program by the one who is actually doing the testing and analyzing. Not to say company support is any less important, but the person doing the actual work can make or break the program.

Only my opinion AIMBTWBPN.

Hello,
My company is in the midst of getting 6 plants going on a CBM program. They bought SKF for us. My co workers and I are new to the Vibration game. We are using a Micro log GX and a Micro log 65. We are using SKF Aptitude software to build the Hierarchy and using SKF Machine analyst Software for Data collection and analyzing. We have no pre concieved notions on whats better. But I am comfortable with the SKF gear. We have been collecting data in our plant for 5 months and the software has helped us a lot.

SInce you are just starting up, I recommend you look at Commtest. I'm not sure (since I use Entek IRD) but I believe they will be much easier to use (starting out) and will give you all you need to be sucessful. As Ralph said above, the person will make the difference.
The SKF tools will also be easier to use for someone starting out than either of the other big two.

This is just my opinion. I could be wrong.
Dave

This message has been edited. Last edited by: RRS_Dave,

Commtest does have a very nice unit. It is easy to set up new equipment using The Proven Method from Technical Associates.
I have used CSI in the past. They are very nice too.
I would also recommend Technical Associates for Vibration Training. They do not push any certain model and have very thorough training and manuals.