Industrial Vibration Analysis: How to anticipate failures 

Vibration analysis is one of the most established techniques in predictive maintenance. Primarily applied to rotating assets, it enables the detection of incipient mechanical failures through the measurement and interpretation of vibrational signals. 

As a result, companies are increasingly adopting this practice to enhance equipment reliability, reduce unplanned downtime, and optimize maintenance resources. By combining sensors and intelligent software, vibration analysis evolves from a simple spot inspection into a strategic tool for continuous monitoring and advanced diagnostics.

In this article, you’ll learn what vibration analysis is, which types of failures it can detect, when to apply it, and what technologies are involved. We’ll also cover the main benefits and limitations of the technique, and how Dynamox supports predictive maintenance strategies. 

What Is Vibration Analysis? 

Vibration analysis is a condition monitoring technique used in predictive maintenance. It involves measuring and interpreting the vibrational signals generated by machines in operation. These signals consist of frequency, amplitude, and waveform patterns that vary depending on the type and severity of mechanical faults present in the equipment.

Each rotating component — such as bearings, gears, or shafts — generates a characteristic vibration signature. When imbalance, misalignment, or internal wear occurs, for example, these signatures change, producing peaks at specific frequencies or abnormal variations in the spectrum. Analyzing these changes allows for the identification of early-stage failures before they escalate into functional breakdowns.

In practice, vibration analysis is based on physical principles such as resonance, stiffness, and dynamic mass. These fundamentals enable the conversion of sensor-captured signals into interpretable data, such as frequency spectra, trend graphs, or RMS values. These data points form the basis for technical diagnostics and maintenance decision-making.

As such, vibration analysis is one of the most effective tools in predictive maintenance, as it is directly linked to the early detection of anomalies. It enables failure anticipation, reduces emergency interventions, and supports strategic planning of maintenance windows — contributing to increased MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) and reduced operational costs.

What types of failures can be detected through vibration analysis? 

Vibration analysis is effective in detecting a wide range of common mechanical failures in industrial machinery. Each type of defect has unique characteristics in the frequency spectrum, allowing for early and accurate diagnosis. 

The types of failures detected through vibration analysis include:

• Imbalance: It occurs when the mass distribution in a rotor is not centered with its axis of rotation. This defect generates dominant vibration at the rotational frequency (1x RPM), appearing as a peak in the frequency spectrum. If not corrected, it leads to premature wear of bearings and shafts.
• Misalignment: It happens when the shafts of coupled machines are not properly aligned. It typically appears in the spectrum as multiples of the rotational frequency (1x, 2x RPM), with elevated amplitudes in both axial and radial directions.
• Mechanical looseness: It is caused by loose couplings, gear wear, or base mounting issues. It produces multiple harmonics in the spectrum (2x, 3x, 4x RPM and higher), indicating excessive movement between components that should be firmly fixed.
• Bearing faults: It results from fatigue, wear, or contamination in the races or rolling elements. These are identified by specific frequencies such as BSF, FTF, BPFO, and BPFI, along with characteristic harmonics that indicate the stage of degradation.
• Structural resonances: It occurs when a component vibrates at its natural frequency, amplifying underlying fault signals. This indicates issues with the foundation, structural stiffness, or machine assembly.

A deep understanding of vibrational patterns allows engineers and analysts to make more accurate diagnoses and intervene early — before symptoms become critical.

Moreover, when integrated with other variables such as temperature and electrical current, this technique further enhances its predictive power, reducing unplanned downtime, minimizing maintenance costs, and extending asset lifespan. 

When and where to apply vibration analysis

The application of vibration analysis should follow criteria such as asset criticality, equipment type, operating regime, and the potential impact of a failure. This technique is especially effective for rotating assets subject to progressive mechanical wear, imbalance-related failures, or variable loads.

Below are the key assets and criteria for applying vibration analysis:

Assets most sensitive to vibration analysis 

Here are the industrial assets most responsive to vibration analysis, along with practical examples and the most common types of failures that can be detected in each:

• Mills and crushers: subject to impacts, variable loads, and severe internal component wear.
• Industrial fans: high rotational speed, prone to imbalance and bearing failures, with significant axial vibration.
• Compressors (centrifugal and reciprocating): exhibit characteristic vibrations linked to valve failures, looseness, and dynamic imbalance.
• Gearboxes and gear reducers: sensitive to gear failures, mechanical looseness, and shaft misalignment.
• Centrifugal and piston pumps: prone to cavitation, axial looseness, and coupling issues.
• Medium and high-power electric motors: frequent bearing failures, imbalance, and misalignment.
• Vibrating screens and conveyor belts: highly susceptible to looseness, structural failures, and resonance, for example.

Technical criteria for defining application 

Before defining the best vibration analysis strategy for each asset, it’s essential to consider technical criteria that directly influence data collection frequency, sensor type, and monitoring approach (spot or continuous). Key factors include:

• Operational criticality: the higher the failure impact on production continuity or plant safety, the greater the need for continuous monitoring.
• History of recurring failures: assets with repeated mechanical failure records are priorities for vibration analysis due to their higher risk of recurrence.
• Accessibility and operational safety: during manual inspections, sensors monitor assets located in hard-to-reach or high-risk areas, ensuring safe and consistent data collection.
• Load variation and operating regime: machines operating under cyclic loads, frequent starts, or variable speeds require more frequent measurements to capture different vibration behaviors throughout the cycle.
• Required response time: continuous monitoring is the most effective solution in processes where Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) must be minimized.

Recommended analysis frequency 

• Continuous monitoring: recommended for critical assets operating 24/7 or with a high historical failure rate. Uses fixed sensors connected to digital platforms with automated alerts. 
• Periodic analysis: suitable for medium-criticality assets, integrated into inspection routes using portable sensors. Frequency may vary from weekly to monthly, depending on asset risk and operational cycle.

By aligning technical criteria with the plant’s operational reality, vibration analysis becomes a high-value strategic tool, reducing unexpected failures and enabling planned interventions based on reliable data.

How to perform vibration analysis in practice?

Vibration analysis follows a standardized set of steps that ensure process efficiency — from data collection planning to post-intervention verification. More than a simple measurement, it is a systematic method that transforms vibrational signals into technical diagnostics, based on the actual health of industrial assets. 

Below are the essential steps for a successful predictive maintenance strategy:

1. Planning and scope definition 

Before collecting any data, it’s essential to identify priority assets based on criticality, failure history, and the impact of downtime. Next, appropriate measurement points are mapped (e.g., bearings, flanges), and the data collection frequency is defined according to the operating regime.

2. Asset registration and system parameterization

Each machine must be registered in a system with technical information such as nominal rotation speed, equipment type, operating mode, and alert thresholds. This forms the basis for predefined indicators and comparative analysis.

3. Baseline data collection

Collecting vibration data under normal operating conditions allows the creation of each asset’s “vibrational signature” or “DNA.” This baseline serves as a reference point for detecting future deviations.

4. Data acquisition

Signal readings can be performed either periodically (using portable sensors during inspection routes) or continuously (via fixed, connected sensors). Data collection should include all three vibration axes — axial, radial, and vertical — and parameters such as acceleration, velocity, displacement, and waveform. .

5. Spectral and waveform analysis

The Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is used to convert the signal from the time domain to the frequency domain. This enables the identification of peaks related to specific faults. Additionally, waveform analysis can reveal transient shocks or impacts that may not appear in the frequency spectrum.

6. Phase evaluation (when applicable)

Especially in coupled systems, phase analysis helps determine whether the vibration is aligned with the main rotation and pinpoints its origin — whether from the motor, coupling, or driven load.

7. Technical interpretation and diagnosis

Using the spectrum, phase analysis, trend data, and other variables, the analyst — or an AI-based tool — compares signals against known fault patterns (e.g., imbalance, looseness, bearing defects). These correlations help identify the root cause and prioritize corrective actions.

8. Trend monitoring

After diagnosis, vibrational signals, amplitudes, and fault-related frequencies are monitored. Trend graphs help assess whether the issue is evolving or stabilizing, allowing for optimized repair planning.

9. Corrective action and post-intervention verification

Following intervention, a new vibration data collection is performed to confirm whether the root cause has been resolved and the signals have returned to normal — effectively closing the maintenance cycle.

When applied methodically, vibration analysis not only reveals incipient failures but also provides a solid foundation for data-driven technical decisions. By integrating sensors, software, and analytical expertise, this practice enhances maintenance predictability and reduces the risk of unexpected failures — optimizing both technical and operational resources across the plant.

To deepen your understanding of this topic, we recommend episode #09 of the DynaTalks podcast, focused on vibration analysis in complex assets. (This content is presented in Portuguese, please make use of the automatic subtitles generator in your browser along with your preferred language).

In this episode, guests Danilo Braga (vibration analysis specialist at Dynamox), Lucas Dowsley (data analyst), and Joel Nunes (Dynamox expert with over 25 years of experience in predictive maintenance) share practical insights from daily operations.

What are the benefits of vibration analysis for industry? 

Adopting vibration analysis as a predictive maintenance tool has a direct impact on operational efficiency and the technical planning of interventions. Below are the main benefits observed in industrial environments:

Reduction of unplanned downtime 

By detecting incipient faults — such as mechanical looseness, imbalance, or bearing failures — in advance, vibration analysis enables maintenance teams to act proactively. This helps prevent unexpected shutdowns, which often result in production losses, rework, and significant financial impact. 

Extended asset lifespan 

Early identification of abnormal conditions allows root causes to be addressed before they cause structural damage to components. This reduces premature wear and extends the service life of various rotating equipment. It also minimizes the overuse of spare parts and avoids shortening maintenance cycles.

Data-driven decision making 

With the support of frequency spectra, trend graphs, and failure histories, vibration analysis provides a solid diagnostic foundation—eliminating guesswork in maintenance decisions. This technical basis is essential for justifying interventions, prioritizing assets, and guiding investments in reliability.

Optimized maintenance windows 

Vibration analysis enables scheduling interventions based on real evidence, aligning maintenance windows with asset behavior rather than fixed calendars. This helps reduce Mean Time to Repair (MTTR), increase Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF), and improve the utilization of technical resources across the plant.

Cost reduction and increased ROI 

By preventing severe failures, optimizing interventions, and extending asset lifespan, vibration analysis directly contributes to lowering operational costs. Additionally, by justifying investments with concrete data, this practice improves the Return on Investment (ROI) in maintenance and reliability.

What technologies are involved in Vibration Analysis?

The effectiveness of vibration analysis depends directly on the technologies used for data collection, transmission, and interpretation. With the evolution of Industry 4.0, smart sensors, gateways, and analytical platforms have transformed this technique into a robust strategy for continuous monitoring and predictive diagnostics.

Here’s how these technologies work: 

Wireless sensors

Wireless vibration sensors — such as the DynaLogger from Dynamox — represent one of the most significant innovations in condition monitoring. Installed directly on the assets, these devices measure vibration across multiple axes (typically X, Y, and Z), along with parameters such as temperature and RMS acceleration. 

Their main advantage lies in the ability to perform high-frequency automatic data collection without human intervention. 

When connected to gateways, the data is transmitted to the cloud, feeding dashboards with alerts, trend graphs, and frequency spectra.

Portable sensor for predictive routes 

In addition to fixed sensors, the use of portable sensors — such as the DynaPortable from Dynamox — is a practical solution for field inspections. With this device, technicians perform manual data collection at strategic points across various assets, following predefined inspection routes. The sensor captures vibration signals and transmits them via Bluetooth to an analysis app, enabling data standardization and full traceability of the inspection process.

Integration with Gateways and automated data collection 

Gateways are devices responsible for centralizing and transmitting the data collected by wireless sensors. With Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity, they ensure that field data is securely sent to the analysis platform — such as the Dynamox Platform. 

It is this level of automation that transforms vibration analysis into a strategic and scalable tool within industrial maintenance routines.

To see how vibration analysis can deliver tangible results, check out the Cal Trevo case study, a company in the lime and mining sector.

The preventive action resulted in savings of over R$ 1.3 Million, demonstrating the direct impact of predictive maintenance on operational continuity and cost reduction.

Frequently asked questions about Vibration Analysis – FAQ 

What’s the difference between vibration analysis and thermography? 

Vibration analysis detects mechanical faults based on the vibrational patterns emitted by assets. It is effective in identifying issues such as imbalance, looseness, misalignment, and bearing failures. Thermography, on the other hand, measures the thermal radiation emitted from component surfaces, making it ideal for detecting abnormal heating, electrical faults, and insulation problems. Therefore, both are complementary techniques within predictive maintenance strategies. .

Is vibration analysis suitable for slow-speed assets?

Yes, but with some limitations. Low-speed assets produce low-amplitude vibration signals, requiring more sensitive sensors, longer acquisition times, and specialized analysis — such as with Dynamox Wired Sensors, designed for vibration monitoring under extreme conditions.

What is the recommended minimum frequency for analysis?

The ideal frequency depends on the asset’s criticality and operating regime. For critical assets or those with recurring failures, continuous monitoring is recommended. For medium-criticality assets, weekly or biweekly data collection using portable sensors is advised. Equipment with a stable history may be analyzed monthly.

Can vibration analysis detect electrical problems? 

Not directly. Vibration analysis identifies mechanical effects caused by electrical faults — such as excessive vibration due to overload or phase imbalance. However, to detect the electrical origin of a fault, it is necessary to use current and voltage sensors, or techniques such as thermography and specialized electrical analysis. 

Which assets benefit most from vibration analysis?

Rotating equipment operating continuously or under high load are the primary beneficiaries, including: 

• Medium and high-power electric motors;
• Gearboxes and gear reducers;
• Centrifugal and piston pumps;
• Reciprocating and centrifugal compressors;
• Mills, fans, and vibrating screens.

These assets exhibit specific vibrational patterns that allow for early detection of mechanical faults, contributing to safer and more reliable operations.

How Dynamox supports your vibration analysis strategy 

Dynamox offers a complete solution for vibration analysis, combining wired and wireless sensors, analytical software, and technical intelligence to transform data into precise operational decisions. This integrated approach enables maintenance teams to act proactively, with greater safety and predictability.

Smart sensors — such as Dynaloggers and the DynaPortable — enable both continuous monitoring and predictive route-based data collection, adapting to different levels of asset criticality and inspection strategies. For extreme monitoring conditions, Dynamox also provides Wired Sensors with fixed installation and real-time data transmission. 

All collected data is sent to the Dynamox Platform, which offers intuitive dashboards, frequency spectra, trend graphs, and automated alerts. Additionally, Dynamox provides DynaDetect, an AI-powered system that assists in automatic fault diagnosis. 

This combination of cutting-edge technology and specialized support ensures greater reliability for industrial assets and strengthens your company’s journey toward data-driven predictive maintenance.

Talk to a Dynamox specialist and discover how to apply vibration analysis in your plant.