Electrical Mechanical Runout (EMRO)

Why use EMRO? 

When working with rotating equipment, shafts must turn in a precise, cylindrical manner. Unwanted movement can cause vibration and other adverse conditions that are detrimental to equipment lifespan and the process that the equipment works within. 

For most users, mechanical runout is the primary concern. At a basic level, mechanical runout measures the roundness of a shaft or other piece of rotating equipment as the outside diameter is rotated. For end users, it is crucial that a shaft spin cylindrically for machinery and production systems to function correctly.

Ensure your equipment is running smoothly. 

However, some users’ processes mean they must go a step further and understand the electrical runout as well. Electrical runout measures electrical property differences as the outside diameter of the part is rotated. Electrical runout is typically impacted by material chemistry and material treatment (heat treating, forging, etc), while mechanical runout is often caused by manufacturing procedures and handling.

Whereas mechanical runout is relatively easy to measure with a dial indicator—an instrument found in nearly every machinist’s and mechanic’s toolbox—measuring electrical runout is more complex.

This is where electrical mechanical runout (EMRO) comes in. EMRO measurement, a service offered by HFW Industries, is completed using a proximity sensor that creates a high-frequency magnetic field between the sensor and the shaft. This magnetic field attracts any electrical currents present in the shaft and allows a technician to measure the mechanical and electrical runout.

Consider EMRO for your next project.

The best way to reduce mechanical and electrical runout is to design the manufacturing process with runout in mind rather than attempting to alleviate runout issues after the fact. However, other considerations—a shaft’s wear and corrosion resistance, for example—may take priority over slight runout imperfections. Minor runouts may be acceptable, depending on the application and customer specifications.

EMRO is a service that HFW Industries has offered for many years, and our talented team is well-versed in the intricacies of reducing runout while keeping other manufacturing considerations in mind. When you are looking for a one-source solution for manufacturing and repair of precision industrial equipment and components, look no further than HFW!