Balancing and Half Keys

The information provided is for help with Commtest Instruments products:

• vb instrument

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QUESTION

What effect can using a half-key or no key have on the imbalance of a rotor?

ANSWER

A significant effect - see these recordings of the imbalance of a rotor with and without its half-key.

(Click any of the images below to enlarge them.)

One example of where you should use a half-key is when you take a new rotor and spin it up on a balancing stand to check its balance. If you don't have the half-key in the rotor may appear more out of balance than what it will actually be when installed.

Thank you Jerry Lipski for your help in developing this FAQ.

FAQ ID: 11672 Last Reviewed: 2 November 2005