The balancing weight of the crankshaft (also known as the counterweight) is used to balance the rotating centrifugal force and its torque, and sometimes the reciprocating inertial force and its torque. When these forces and torques themselves reach a balance, the balance weight can also be used to lighten the load on the main bearing. The number, size and placement of the balance weight should be considered according to the number of cylinders in the engine, the arrangement of cylinders and the shape of the crankshaft. The balance weight is usually cast or forged with the crankshaft. The balance weight of the high-power diesel engine is manufactured separately from the crankshaft and then bolted together.
This paper by guilin new ronghuang machinery co., LTD