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Originally posted by Bruce Shepherd:
We use a CEMB machine from Italy. We have several Schenck and IRD machines but CEMB the best. The CEMB uses force sensors and the computer unit is a standard pc using force calculations so the unit has good linear sensitivity. You get a 3D dual plane and static display for all rotor configurations.CEMB is much more cost effect than Schenck or IRD.It is fast, easy to operate very sensitive and low cost.

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Simon - keep in mind that the following is my opinion and not necessarily going to be viewed as "Gospel" by everyone. For smaller machines, say, up to 25,000 lb capacity, I prefer hard bearing suspensions due to simplicity of operation. Hard suspensions require crowned rollers, however, and this becomes a big problem on larger machines, whereas the flat rollers on a soft suspension do not cause any grief as far as journal damage. There will not be a noticeable difference in the sensitivity of either suspension, unless the hard machine is not suited for the proper weight range of parts. In other words, you could probably balance a 10 lb part to API standards in a 5,000 lb soft machine, but it would be difficult in a hard machine of the same capacity. Soft suspension machines will have a great deal of difficulty with gross initial unbalance, since they operate above the suspension critical and it is sometimes very difficult to get through the critical to proper balancing speeds. Economically, the soft machines offer generally lower sales prices than hard, due to lower cost construction. And, of course, there is the long term argument about being able to get a "first run readout" from a hard suspension vs. trial mass runs required of a soft suspension. The argument has some merit in some cases. Hope this helps.

Earl Halfen
President
The Balancing Systems Group, Inc.
1706 Sabine Lane
Richmond, TX 77469
281.762.5703