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Vibration Experts

Vibration Analyzer Simulator

Vibration Analyzer Simulator

Vibration Analyzer Simulator Learn vibration analysis fundamentals with our free interactive vibration analyzer simulator. This hands-on tool lets you record sound directly from your computer microphone and instantly visualize the relationship between time-domain waveforms and frequency-domain FFT spectra — the two most critical perspectives in vibration analysis. By adjusting Fmax (frequency range) and Time Record…
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VFD Frequency Calculator

VFD Frequency Calculator Understand the relationship between VFD frequency and motor speed with our free motor speed calculator. Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) control electric motor speed by adjusting the frequency of the AC power supply, but the relationship isn’t straightforward — it depends on the number of motor poles. This free VFD frequency calculator instantly…
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Vibration Units Converter

Quickly convert between vibration units with our free vibration units calculator. (scroll down) Vibration analysis requires working with multiple units of measurement — acceleration (g, m/s²), velocity (mm/s, in/s), displacement (mm, inches), and frequency (Hz). Whether you’re measuring bearing wear, machine health monitoring, or preparing for ISO vibration certification, unit conversion errors can lead to…
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Rolling Element Bearing Frequency Calculator

Use this free rolling element bearing frequency calculator to calculate vibration forcing frequencies for rolling element bearings. Calculate BPFO, BPFI, BSF and FTF. Enter these frequencies in your vibration monitoring software to help you detect bearing wear. Rolling element bearings generate particular vibration frequencies when they begin to fail. These frequencies can be calculated based…
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Vibration Simulator

Simulators

I will be adding free vibration simulators to this page in 2026… Understanding Mass, Stiffness and Damping https://zencovibrations.com/wp-content/uploads/Simulators/zenco_msd_simulator.html

Vibe tech Vs Wireless Sensors

Wireless Sensors Vs Walkaround Systems

Watch this video of my presentation at the International Maintenance Conference (IMC) in 2024 weighing the pros and cons of wireless sensors vs manually collected data. View it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AGLTHVzzqUU?feature=shared This is a must-watch for anyone trying to build a modern, effective vibration monitoring program. Alan Friedman at the International Maintenance Conference (IMC) In…
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Clipping creates harmonics

Are Harmonics Real Part 4

The AIs Weigh in on the question: Are Harmonics Real or just an artifact of the FFT? This series is part of my LinkedIN newsletter. You can Subscribe on LinkedIn to get these and similar articles in your inbox. In Part 1 of this article I noted that a sine wave, perhaps created by a…
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Clipping creates harmonics

Are Harmonics Real Part 3

In Part 1 of this article I noted that a sine wave, perhaps created by a mass on a spring bouncing up and down, results in a single peak in the spectrum. If the spring gets more rigid as it gets compressed, the mass will move less in one direction than the other. We can…
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Are Harmonics Real?

Are Harmonics Real? (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this article I noted that a sine wave, perhaps created by a mass on a spring bouncing up and down, results in a single peak in the spectrum. If the spring gets more rigid as it gets compressed, the mass will move less in one direction than the other. We can…
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A clipped wave created harmonics in the spectrum

Are Harmonics Real? (Part 1)

Are Harmonics Real? Are harmonics real or just an artifact or result of processing the waveform through the FFT? This is a question that comes up a lot among vibration analysts, or anyone working with signals and signal processing. What Are Harmonics? A sine wave has a single amplitude and frequency. Let’s say our sine…
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Half power point of a filter

Understanding Decibels (dBs)

Introduction Understanding Decibels: This is a very short video that describes the “half power point” in a filter in terms of decibels (dBs) as well as the 0.707 voltage point. It will also describe the linear range of a vibration sensor in terms of it’s +- 3dB points. Decibel units are frequently used in vibration…
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Millwright in Training

Why Get Refresher Training?

You took the course and you passed the exam. The freshly printed certification hangs proudly above your desk and an electronic copy of it is displayed in your social media profile and email signature. You have crossed a major milestone! You have received a raise and a promotion! But, does this mean you are done…
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Vibration Sensor Orientation

This short video by Alan Friedman from Zenco Vibration Experts explains the importance of defining sensor orientation for triaxial accelerometers. Whether you are taking readings on a route or using wireless sensors, this video has important information you need to know! Here’s the YouTube link if you want to share it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BIce8WDkcI It’s not enough…
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Demodulation and Enveloping

Demystifying Demodulation and Enveloping

Demystifying Demodulation and Enveloping The following is a brief description of this short video on demodulation and enveloping in vibration. To learn more, please message me, email me at ZencoVibe@gmail.com or check out my course schedule at https://zencovibrations.com You might want to have a look at my last two articles before you read this one…
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Harmonics and sidebands

Demystifying Harmonics and Sidebands

In my last article I talked about linear and non linear systems. These systems contain frequencies, such as harmonics and sidebands, that are not in the inputs. In this article I share a short video I made with my signal processing simulator that demonstrates the concepts. Watch the video with the sound on. Feel free…
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Non-linear vibration

Linear and Non-linear Vibrations

In this article I will explain linear and non-linear vibrations in an easy-to-understand, non-mathematical way and then I will relate these concepts to machinery vibration monitoring. Linear Systems The definition of a linear system is that the output is directly proportional to the input. If you hit a billiard ball in one direction, it will…
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Alarms and Baselines

Importance of Setting up Alarms and Baselines in Machinery Vibration Analysis Machinery vibration analysis is an essential tool for monitoring the health of industrial equipment. It involves measuring the vibration of machines and analyzing the data to identify potential issues. One of the critical aspects of vibration analysis is setting up alarms and baselines to…
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False Brinelling on a shaft

Brinelling and False Brinelling

What is the difference between Brinelling and False Brinelling? What causes Brinelling and False Brinelling? Keep reading and find out! Brinelling Brinelling is named after the Brinell scale of hardness.  In the Brinell hardness test, a small ball is pressed into the surface of a material using a specific amount of force. The size of…
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Cat 3 logo blue

Category 3 Vibration Certification

Category 3 Vibration Analysis with Certification in Accordance with ISO 18436-2 4 Days. Optional 4 hr certification exam on day 5 The category 3 vibration course meets and exceeds requirements of ISO 18436-2. It is intended for students who have passed Cat II and wish to delve deeper into vibration analysis or manage CM programs.…
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Unbalance Force

Unbalance Force

Unbalance Force Unbalance force in rotors lead to premature machine failure. Excess unbalance forces cause bearings and seals to fail prematurely. Excessive vibration can cause other problems. It is therefore important to precision balance rotors. We can define the unbalance force in two separate ways. First, Force (F) equals the unbalance mass (m) times the…
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