Balancing machines for crankshafts, cardan shafts and connecting rods

Our machines for measuring, balancing or moving the axis of gravity or the center of gravity of crankshafts, cardan shafts and connecting rods are individually developed and have a modular structure. So they can grow with your requirements at any time.

Machines for balancing crankshafts. The choice is yours: We offer pure unbalance measuring machines without unbalance correction, but we also combine this with a processing station that automatically compensates for the unbalance by drilling.
Depending on your requirements for precision and cycle times in series production, we design these balancing machines as one or two-station machines. With our two-station machines, cycle times under 40 seconds can be achieved. Since our machines work according to the displacement measuring principle, you do not need a complex foundation. Even interfering vibrations from passing forklifts or machines set up in the vicinity do not affect the quality of the results. With the help of our highly developed software, the measured unbalance is optimally distributed to the available compensation planes and angular positions.

Hofmann also offers adapted concepts for small series or pure control machines: Our universal balancing machines can also be equipped with manual drilling compensation.

Hofmann machines for mass centering crankshafts can determine the gravity axis of cast or forged blanks. Crankshafts pretreated in this way have a low input unbalance. As a result, this means: reduced cycle times and a much more efficient balancing process!

Machines for balancing cardan shafts. On the balancing machines from Hofmann, single or multi-part shafts with intermediate bearings in suitably rigid spindle bearings can be balanced up to the maximum operating speed. The balancing process is fully automated - starting with the precise repeated clamping, screwing into the compensation positions, welding on the

correction weights up to opening the machine cover. Cycle time optimizations are possible with our specially developed welding turret: This means that several welding weights per compensation level can be welded on in one step. Intelligently designed intermediate storage stands and interception devices allow the machines to be quickly and conveniently converted for different workpieces.

Machines for taring connecting rods. The weight distribution of connecting rods is determined in connecting rod balancing systems and achieved extremely reliably from the small to the large eye through milling and automatic 3D deburring. The connecting rod systems from Hofmann are characterized by very short cycle times of less than 5 seconds, high precision and convenient handling.

Machines for Automatic Balancing of Crankshafts

Types: KHK21-BL1,  KHK21-BL1, KHK12-BL1, KHK21-BH2

These balancing machines are usually loaded with the aid of a loading gantry, have a modular structure and allow an extension that can be adjusted to the production conditions. They are designed to balance crankshafts in multiple correction planes in one or more steps.

Special features

  • Easy and fast retooling
  • Separate measuring and correction station (2-station machine) or combined measuring and correction station (single-station machine)
  • Maintenance-free and wear-free vibration sensors
  • Exact drilling depths due to tool touch detection
  • Tool breakage and wear monitoring
  • Minimum lubrication
  • Chip removal with exhaust mask directly on the tool
  • High-quality German drilling spindle
  • Tool management (99 tools)
  • Integrated statistics software
  • Automatic Machine Capability Studies

Applications

  • Final balancing of small passenger car crankshafts to large truck crankshafts of symmetrical and asymmetrical design
  • Automatic loading via loading gantry or robot

Balancing Machine for Crankshaft Mass Centering

Type ZHK21-AL1

Single-station measuring machine with machine cladding and two-part access door. The measuring system comes with servo drives (master/slave), axial and radial alignment system and maintenance-free sensors. The measuring frame is lockable, and the temporary resting position is linearly adjustable. The measuring drive is equipped with supporting V-blocks and tension levers, and weights to compensate asymmetrical parts can be mounted on disks. After the measuring process, the interlinked system enables the transmission of coordinates in X and Y components to the subsequent OP. Operation occurs from a 19“-touchscreen (manual functions of WIN CC and measuring computer operation (Windows®)).

Special features

  • Easy and fast retooling
  • Maintenance-free and wear-free vibration sensors
  • Control cabinet directly at machine
  • Integrated statistics software
  • Automatic Machine Capability Studies
  • Compact, space-saving design

Applications

  • Measurement of raw crankshafts, symmetrical and non-symmetrical versions
  • Automatic loading through loading gantry or robot; manual loading is likewise possible

Balancing Machine for Geometric Crankshaft Centering

Type UHK 12-ZM1

Single-station balancing machine with machine cladding. The measuring system consists of force-measuring, permanently calibrated bearing pedestals that feature an easy adjustment in T-slots and locking using an open-end wrench. For a new rotor type, only the correction planes and radii are to be entered in the measuring system. The measuring drive is implemented as a belt drive with asynchronous motor which is horizontally adjustable on linear guides. Operation is performed via a 19” touchscreen.

Special features

  • Suitable for raw and finished part measurement
  • Maintenance-free and wear-free measuring system
  • High productivity thanks to fast retooling
  • Direct output of the correction values for the subsequent balancing machine
  • Angle indexing display “Posiquick C” for precise transfer of correction position to rotor
  • Compact, space-saving design

Applications

  • Balancing of small and medium-sized crankshafts of symmetrical and asymmetrical design (with ring weights)
  • Single and serial production
  • Maintenance
  • R&D

Additional product information

Balancing Machines for Manual Balancing of Serial Crankshafts and V-Crankshafts

Types: UHK 12, UHK 16, UHK 19

Single-station balancing machine with sliding guard or guard fence. The measuring system consists of a frequency-controlled belt drive, maintenance-free measuring transducers and axially adjustable bearing pedestals with hardened measuring rollers and thrust stops. A lifting device to take up the drilling forces is available. The measuring drive is a belt drive. A drilling spindle arranged in the gantry performs the unbalance correction with a manual or an automated feed slide. The unit is manually supported by a line laser, positioned to the correction planes and clamped pneumatically. Operation occurs from a 19” touchscreen (manual functions of WIN CC and measuring computer operation (Windows®)).

Special feautures

  • Easy retooling, with bearing pedestals guided in T-slots
  • Easy operation due to intuitive operating concept
  • Economical operation (monitor with balancing data directly on the machine)
  • Maintenance-free and wear-free vibration sensors
  • Exact drilling depths through drill tip position teaching
  • Dry machining
  • Chip removal with exhaust mask and chip extraction
  • High-quality German drilling spindle
  • Tool management (99 tools)
  • Integrated statistics software
  • Automatic Machine Capability Studies

Applications

  • Final balancing of small passenger car crankshafts and large truck crankshafts of symmetrical and asymmetrical design (with mounted ring weights)
  • Manual loading

Additional product information

Driveshaft Balancing

Type 1424W

Hofmann Model 1424W offers up to four (4) plane driveshaft balancing for passenger cars, light trucks and commercial vehicles.

Significant features

  • Driveshaft Balancing
    • Passenger car
    • Light truck
    • Commercial vehicle

Application

  • Industrial NEMA rated PC based controls
  • Adjustable HMI with Active Matrix Touchscreen Display
  • Hofmann Unique Hard Bearing Rod Table Measurement Platforms
  • Motorized Drive & Tailstock Spindles with Thru Air Technology
  • Quick Change Tooling Adapter Plates
  • Hofmann’s Unique Folding Pedestal & Safety Catches with Live Positioning Display
  • Precision Bed Rails & Locks
  • 3 Axis Mid Frequency Welding System
  • Sheet Metal Guarding with Light Curtain & Automatic Doors


Balancing Machine for Conrod Taring

Type PHW

The type PHW measuring and taring machines are put together based on the required cycle time and the scope of performance (deburring, brushing). The full assembly enables the weighing and taring of both connecting rod end bores and deburring with a cycle time of approx. 4.8 seconds.

Special features

  • Integrated end bore measurement
  • Latest weighing technology
  • 1 to 2 milling stations (large and small bore end)
  • 1 to 2 deburring stations (planing process)
  • 1 to 2 brushing stations
  • All axes are NC-controlled
  • Complete housing with integrated sound abatement

Apllications

  • High-volume production of conrods for the automotive industry and its suppliers

Additional product information