We accept inquiries regarding repairs and services for Sigma Electronics products. Please check the frequently asked questions below first. If your question is not resolved, please contact our Customer Support Center or use the inquiry form.
What FB model is suitable for grinding wheel balance correction on internal grinding machines?
Correction is possible with constant-speed balancers such as the SB-8806RHB. Of course, multi-speed/multi-plane balancers such as the SB-7705RH are also capable.
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What FB model is suitable for grinding wheel balance on form grinders, surface grinders, cylindrical grinders, and centerless grinders?
The SB-8001G, SB-8001GB, SB-8806RGB, etc. are optimal.
Q
What FB model is suitable for spindle balance correction on machining centers?
Multi-speed/multi-plane balancers such as the SB-7705R and SB-7707RB are optimal.
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What FB is suitable for balancing chucks or variable-diameter chucks on NC lathes?
Correction is possible with constant-speed balancers such as the SB-8002R, SB-8002RB, and SB-8806RB. Of course, multi-speed/multi-plane balancers such as the SB-7705R are also capable.
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What are the differences in performance by balancer model?
Sigma manufactures 20 models with features tailored to their intended use, but there is no difference in basic balancing performance.
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What is the rotation speed range of Sigma balancers?
With options, we support speeds from a minimum of 60 min⁻¹ to a maximum of 400,000 min⁻¹.
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Are there models with built-in USB communication ports?
Models including the SB-8001GB, SB-8002RB, SB-8806RB, SB-7705R, and SB-7707RB have them.
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Are there models with built-in USB memory ports or microSD card slots?
microSD slot built-in: SB-8001GB, SB-8002RB, SB-8806RB, SB-7707RB, etc. USB memory port built-in: SB-7705R.
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Are there models with a built-in printer?
We apologize, but we do not currently offer models with built-in printers.
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Are there products equivalent to those from other manufacturers?
Multi-speed/multi-plane balancers are unique to our company, so there are no similar products from other manufacturers. Constant-speed balancers are manufactured by other companies as well. If you provide us with the model number of another company's product, we will investigate.
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What is FFT analysis and how is it used?
Generally, vibration contains multiple frequency components. By performing FFT analysis, you can determine what frequency components contain how much vibration. Understanding the frequency components allows you to infer the cause of vibration.
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What is a time waveform and how is it used?
A time waveform is a function that displays in real-time how vibration changes over time. Using the time waveform function, you can visually observe the raw vibration waveform.
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Are there FBs with English screen display? Are instruction manuals also available?
All FBs except the SB-8001G and SB-8002R use color LCD displays, so switching between Japanese and English display is possible with one touch. Instruction manuals are also available in both Japanese and English.
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How do you switch to the English screen?
The operation method varies by model. Basically, a language switching option is provided in the common settings.
It varies depending on your company's internal ISO regulations, but we recommend inspection and calibration on a 1-3 year cycle. Calibration certification includes a traceability system diagram, test report, and calibration certificate. The calibration cost is a basic fee of ¥30,000 plus ¥30,000 for the calibration certificate, totaling ¥60,000. Repair costs, if any, will be charged separately.
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Is it possible to borrow a demo unit?
As a general rule, we do not lend out demo units.
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Are loaner units available during the calibration period?
Inspection takes one week, and calibration is performed one week after receiving the order, with a minimum turnaround of two weeks.
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Where should calibration items be sent?
When sending items for calibration, please send them to the following address: 185-3 Uramishinden, Konkōchō, Asakuchi-shi, Okayama 719-0104, Japan TEL.0865-42-6055
Q
I want to take a balancer overseas. Is it possible to issue a non-applicability certificate?
Yes, it is possible. Please provide the product serial number, exporting company name, destination, end-user company name, and intended use. The application form for the non-applicability certificate is available here.
I would like to perform balance correction on an actual machine. Is a free demo possible?
Demos for purchase consideration are provided free of charge, so please feel free to request one. Please provide information about the machine to be balanced in advance. Demo Meeting Sheet
Q
I would like to purchase through a trading company. Can you introduce one near ○○?
We will investigate and contact you.
About Accessories
Q
How many vibration sensors are included?
One vibration sensor is included. To add more sensors, optional accessories must be purchased. Sigma balancers use a calculation method where the number of vibration sensors and correction planes are independent, so even with one sensor, 1-4 plane balancing is possible. However, since this method suppresses vibration at all measured points, it is advisable to effectively position sensors where vibration suppression is needed. For this reason, Sigma manufactures the SB-7705R-6, which supports up to 6 vibration measurement points.
Q
How far can the rotation sensor tip be from the reflective mark?
With the standard rotation sensor (SFS-N41), approximately 10-20mm. Using a laser rotation sensor, it is possible to separate them by about 100mm, but the balanceable rotation speed decreases to about 6000 min⁻¹.
Q
Are there waterproof/oil-resistant FBs and vibration/rotation sensors?
We do not currently manufacture waterproof/oil-resistant FBs. We also do not manufacture oil-resistant rotation sensors. The included standard vibration sensor and cable are water-resistant. If you purchase separately available waterproof/oil-resistant vibration sensors, compatibility is possible. We also carry various fluororesin cables, so please feel free to consult us.
Q
About the use of insulation studs (RS171D) for vibration sensors
When the machine being measured has an electrical leak, leakage current flows from the vibration sensor into the FB body. As a result, the vibration signal is superimposed with leakage current, causing measurement errors. The purpose of the insulation stud is to interrupt the flow of leakage current.
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Precautions for installing vibration sensors
Handle sensors carefully and avoid impact as much as possible. Install sensors near bearings in locations with high rigidity. Sensor sensitivity changes with surface irregularities, so choose a flat installation surface. Sensor mass should be 1/5 or less of the measurement target mass. Ensure adequate electrical leakage protection and install insulation studs. Ensure adequate cable sway countermeasures to minimize noise charge Qn. Sensor cables must be routed away from noise sources such as motors. Please refer to the videos on our website for details.
How should the number of correction planes be selected?
Rotors with a ratio L/D of 1/2 or less (where D is rotor diameter and L is rotor thickness) can be corrected with single-plane correction. General spindles maintain rigid rotor characteristics below 9,000 min⁻¹, so 2-plane correction is sufficient. At higher speeds, the spindle transforms into a flexible rotor, requiring 3-4 plane correction.
Q
About the calculation method for trial weight mass
To minimize UB vibration during additional measurement and avoid increasing mechanical stress, trial weight mass should be as small as possible. However, smaller changes in vibration vectors can cause calculation errors. Our balancers report an error when the vibration vector change is 20% or less, suppressing calculation errors. JIS and ISO define the balance quality grade G for rigid rotors, empirically determining the permissible residual unbalance U based on maximum rotation speed ω. We recommend calculating trial weight mass Mt at approximately 5 times the permissible unbalance U. For example, with balance quality G=1.0, rotor mass M=3,000g, and maximum speed ω=30,000, the permissible unbalance U = 9.55×3,000×1.0÷30,000 ≈ 1g-mm. Trial weight Ut = 5U = 5×1 = 5g-mm. With a correction radius of 25mm, trial weight mass Mt = Ut÷25 = 5g-mm÷25mm = 0.2g.
Q
Is it possible to measure the balance of individual parts using an FB on an existing lathe?
Balance measurement on a general-purpose lathe is considered impossible. On NC lathes, if the spindle and chuck are pre-balanced, balancing to approximately G40-G16 may be possible.
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What is polar coordinate correction?
This is applied to rotors where there are no restrictions on correction locations on each correction plane due to the rotor structure. It is presented by angle and correction amount from the rotor's central axis, in 1-degree increments.
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What is equal-division force correction?
The unbalance amount obtained by polar coordinate correction is distributed to equally-spaced force points on each correction plane for balance correction. That is, the unbalance vector is decomposed and added or removed at two locations straddling the polar coordinates. This method is applied when correction at the phase indicated by polar coordinate correction is difficult.
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What is unequal-division correction?
The correction amount obtained by polar coordinate correction is distributed to unequally-spaced force points on each correction plane for balance correction. That is, the vector is decomposed and added or removed at two locations straddling the polar coordinates. This correction method is applied when correction points are restricted due to rotor structure and equal-division force correction cannot be applied.
Q
What is balance correction using the opening angle calculation method?
This method is primarily applied to balance correction of grinding wheels. Correction is made by changing the mounting angle of existing correction weights. This method is suitable for rotors that require repeated balance correction, with the advantage of not needing to create new correction weights for each balance correction.