Non-Rotating Looseness
Looseness between a machine and its foundation will increase the 1X vibration component in the direction if the least stiffness. This is usually the horizontal direction, but it depends on the physical layout of the machine. Low-order 1X harmonics are also commonly produced if the looseness is severe. It is often hard to tell imbalance from foundation looseness or flexibility, especially in vertical machines. If 1X tangential is much greater than 1X radial, looseness is suspected. If 1X tangential is lower than or equal to 1X radial, then imbalance is suspected. Foundation flexibility or looseness can be caused by loose bolts, corrosion, or cracking of mounting hardware.
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