The Role of Dynamic Balancing in Reducing Vibration and Improving Component Life

Ralph RhysonFebruary 23, 20240 comments

When you’re manufacturing or assembling rotating components — from pulleys and flywheels to brake rotors and flex plates — balance is everything.

Even minor imbalance in mass distribution can cause significant vibration, noise, and premature wear. In high-speed systems, this can lead to poor performance, safety risks, and costly downtime.

At Sterling Industries, dynamic balancing is an integrated part of our precision manufacturing workflow — helping our customers reduce vibration, extend component life, and meet the strictest industry standards.

🔧 What Is Dynamic Balancing?

Dynamic balancing is the process of identifying and correcting the mass imbalance of a rotating component. It’s done by rotating the part on a balancing machine and using sensors to detect where weight needs to be removed or added.

Unlike static balancing (which only considers vertical imbalance), dynamic balancing accounts for forces in multiple planes, making it essential for high-performance assemblies.

⚙️ How We Balance at Sterling

We operate two high-capacity balancing stations in-house:

  • HVR 150 – For components up to 150 lbs
  • HVR 300 – For components up to 300 lbs

These machines are capable of detecting imbalance across multiple correction planes, with high sensitivity and digital reporting capability. This ensures every part is balanced within ISO 1940-1 tolerance standards.

Balancing Methods:

  • Material removal (drilling, milling)
  • Mass adjustment (insertion or compensation)
  • Custom correction based on component geometry

🧩 Why It Matters: Real-World Applications

Our customers in the automotive, powertrain, and industrial sectors rely on balanced components to meet performance, safety, and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) standards.

Commonly Balanced Parts at Sterling:

  • Crankshaft and flex plate assemblies
  • Accessory pulleys and tensioners
  • Engine dampers and brake rotors
  • Industrial pump rotors and fans
  • Large housings with high-speed movement

Even a few grams of imbalance at 5,000+ RPM can result in serious system damage or warranty claims — making balancing not just a quality add-on, but a design requirement.

🧠 Built Into the Process — Not an Afterthought

At Sterling Industries, we don’t outsource balancing — it’s fully integrated into our machining and assembly process.

Benefits of Our In-House Balancing:

  • ✅ No production delays from third-party vendors
  • ✅ Part-specific fixturing for accurate setup
  • ✅ Immediate validation and correction
  • ✅ Digital data logging for traceability
  • ✅ Seamless transition to final inspection or coating

Because we control the full process, we can also provide engineering support — offering DFM input on correction plane location, weight distribution, and rotational tolerances before your part is even produced.

📈 Case Example: Powertrain Pulley Assembly

A leading Tier 1 customer approached us with a recurring vibration issue on a steel pulley assembly used in a light-duty engine platform. We reviewed the part geometry and corrected the imbalance during final machining using our HVR 150.

The result?

  • 83% vibration reduction in assembly testing
  • Increased service life of the mating bearings
  • Immediate approval for ongoing production

🧪 Balance Data On Demand

Need to meet industry compliance, document quality, or troubleshoot performance?

We offer:

  • Digital balance reports
  • Correction amount logs
  • Plane vector records
  • Optional post-process runout inspection

This level of transparency and control helps our customers in aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors prove compliance and reduce risk.

📞 Ready to Improve Performance?

If your components rotate, they need to be balanced. At Sterling Industries, our built-in dynamic balancing services help you eliminate vibration issues before they reach the field — with precision, consistency, and speed.

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Travis Watson

Travis Watson is a results-driven business executive with a strong background in strategic growth, operational excellence, and servant leadership. He has led engineering and manufacturing teams across industries such as aerospace, clean energy, and high-performance vehicles, delivering significant improvements in performance, sales, and quality systems. With experience in roles ranging from Account Manager, Plant Manager to Director of Sales and Operations, Travis has overseen ERP implementations, contract negotiations, and cross-functional team development. His leadership has consistently driven efficiency, employee engagement, and profitability. Travis holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Marketing and Distribution Management from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. He is a Six Sigma Green Belt, CAPM certified, and holds a CPIM designation. Known for developing people and driving strategic execution, he has been a key contributor to multiple high-performing teams.

Joe Johnson

Joe is a highly accomplished engineering and business leader with decades of experience in mechanical engineering, manufacturing, aerospace, and business development. His career began at Delta Faucet Co., where he honed his skills before moving on to Cummins Engine Co. as a Fuel Systems Product Engineer. He further advanced his expertise as an afterburner specialist for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft.

As a seasoned entrepreneur, Joe co-founded ReGin Manufacturing, successfully growing the company into a $10 million enterprise before its acquisition. He later served as the Engineering Manager at Advance Aero Inc..

Recently, Joe transitioned from his role as Director of Operations at Paramount Industrial and Sterling Industries to become the Director of Business Development and Engineering. In this role he is focused on supporting strategic growth and leveraging his extensive background to drive innovation and success in the industry.

Joe Hetzer

Joe Hetzer brings over three decades of extensive experience in the manufacturing sector, with a specialized focus on the aerospace and automotive industries. Throughout his career, Joe has demonstrated a profound commitment to engineering and manufacturing excellence, making significant contributions to various projects and initiatives.

As a team builder, Joe employs a servant leadership approach, fostering an environment where collaboration and growth are paramount. His ability to inspire and empower teams has made him a respected leader in his field, driving innovation and operational improvements.
A recognized change agent, Joe is dedicated to maximizing productivity and efficiency within organizations. His strategic mindset and hands-on experience enable him to implement effective processes that not only enhance performance but also promote sustainability in manufacturing practices.

With a passion for developing talent and a keen eye for industry trends, Joe Hetzer continues to make a meaningful impact in the manufacturing landscape, ensuring that teams are well-equipped to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.

Peter C. Ariens

Peter C. Ariens is the Chief Executive Officer of NuMA Group, Inc., a private holding company engaged in the automotive, aerospace, defense, recreational, and heavy-duty industries. Under his leadership, NuMA encompasses several companies that manufacture and distribute critical components for some of the world's largest enterprises, with four manufacturing facilities located in Indiana.Before his role at NuMA Group, Peter served as President of Stens Corporation for 18 years, where he led the international parts manufacturing and distribution company until its acquisition by private equity in 2016.In addition to his executive role at NuMA, Peter actively contributes to various for-profit and non-profit boards, including:Two Ladders, Tell City, Indiana
South Central Inc., Evansville, Indiana
Toolsey, Inc., Indianapolis
He is also a member of professional organizations such as Vistage International and the Alliance of Indiana, affiliated with the IU Kelley School of Business. Previously, Peter held the position of Treasurer on the Trieste board.
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Shelia Rossmann

Shelia Rossmann is the Owner and President of Sterling Industries, Inc. and Paramount Industrial, Inc., where she has established herself as an accomplished and results-oriented businesswoman in the manufacturing sector. As a Senior Manufacturing Executive, Shelia leads her woman-owned businesses with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
Her remarkable achievements in the industry were recognized when she won the prestigious Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2013 for Manufacturing in Michigan and North West Ohio, presented by Ernst & Young. This accolade highlights her dedication to driving growth and operational success in her companies, making significant contributions to the manufacturing landscape.
Shelia’s leadership continues to inspire others in the industry, showcasing the impact of women in business and the importance of resilience and strategic vision in achieving success.

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