Balancing

Term from Mechanical Maintenance industry explained for recruiters

Balancing is a crucial maintenance process that ensures rotating equipment like fans, motors, and turbines run smoothly without vibration. Think of it like making sure a car's wheels are balanced - if they're not, you feel shaking while driving. In industrial settings, balancing helps prevent equipment damage, reduces energy waste, and extends machine life. When someone mentions balancing in their resume, they're typically talking about diagnosing and fixing vibration issues in industrial machinery. This could involve using special tools to measure vibration and adding or removing weight from rotating parts until they spin perfectly.

Examples in Resumes

Performed Balancing procedures on industrial fans and pumps, reducing vibration by 80%

Conducted dynamic Balancing and vibration analysis on rotating equipment

Led team responsible for Balancing operations on critical turbine components

Typical job title: "Balancing Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Maintenance Technician Mechanical Technician Rotating Equipment Specialist Vibration Analyst Equipment Balancing Technician Industrial Maintenance Mechanic

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain how you would troubleshoot a severely vibrating industrial fan?

Expected Answer: A senior technician should describe a systematic approach: checking mounting and foundation, performing initial vibration readings, identifying possible causes (unbalance, misalignment, loose parts), using balancing equipment to diagnose issues, and implementing corrective actions. They should also mention documentation and follow-up testing.

Q: How do you train junior technicians in balancing procedures?

Expected Answer: Should discuss creating standard procedures, safety protocols, hands-on demonstrations, supervision methods, and how to teach proper use of diagnostic equipment. Should emphasize importance of understanding basic principles before moving to complex equipment.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What methods do you use to balance a rotating shaft?

Expected Answer: Should explain using vibration meters to measure imbalance, adding or removing weights at specific locations, test runs to verify improvements, and final documentation of the process. Should mention safety procedures and equipment specifications.

Q: How do you determine if equipment needs balancing?

Expected Answer: Should discuss signs like unusual vibration, noise, bearing wear, checking vibration readings against acceptable limits, and using diagnostic tools to confirm balancing issues versus other problems.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What safety procedures do you follow when balancing equipment?

Expected Answer: Should mention basic safety practices like lockout/tagout procedures, wearing proper protective equipment, ensuring area is clear before starting equipment, and following company safety policies.

Q: What basic tools are used in balancing work?

Expected Answer: Should identify common tools like vibration meters, balancing machines, dial indicators, and basic hand tools. Should understand proper use and care of these tools.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic vibration measurement
  • Simple balancing procedures
  • Safety protocols
  • Basic tool usage

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex equipment balancing
  • Vibration analysis
  • Preventive maintenance
  • Problem diagnosis

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced troubleshooting
  • Team leadership
  • Training and mentoring
  • Project management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience with vibration measurement tools
  • Lack of safety awareness
  • Unable to read basic mechanical drawings
  • No experience with preventive maintenance programs