Automotive engineers and manufacturers, as well as contractors making parts for the industry, have always had to work within very strict standards. One of the biggest problems for many of these companies was finding a fast, efficient way to provide connecting rod balancing for all types, from custom racing cars to those for heavy-duty diesel engines.
There are many different options in systems for connecting rod balancing on the market. However, as with most things in life, keeping the system as simple as possible makes it easier to use and maintain, particularly when it will be a piece of equipment that is often used.
What to Consider
Just as a system is simple to use, it has to be designed to be highly accurate and provide the best possible weighing options. This means that the system has to be able to weight both ends of the connecting rod simultaneously and then compare those two weights to the standard required.
Ideally, these two displays should be provided on an easy to read LED digital readout. This will provide information at a glance for both ends of the connecting rod as to how far over or under the standard weight one or both ends may be.
This simple “read at a glance” option is ideal for busy technicians. It also is essential for the device to zero itself after every use. If this has to be done manually, it is just another step in the process that can be easily overlooked, resulting in subsequent connecting rods being out of balance but still reading correctly when placed on the scale.
Some companies allow for customization of the scale to meet the needs for different sizes and options in connecting rods. This is critical for custom auto shops and others where connecting rod balancing may include more than just standard vehicle parts.
