Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about our stainless steel alignment shims.
What thickness shim do I need?
The shim thickness you need depends on the alignment correction required. After performing a shaft alignment measurement (using a dial indicator or laser system), the readout will tell you how much correction is needed at each foot.
We offer ten thicknesses from 0.05 mm to 3.00 mm. For most alignment jobs, you'll use a combination of thicknesses to reach the required correction. For example, if you need a 0.75 mm correction, you could use a 0.50 mm and a 0.25 mm shim together.
What's the difference between Profile A, B, C, D, and E?
The profiles differ in overall size and slot width to suit different machinery:
- Profile A — 50 × 50 mm with 16 mm slot (small motors and pumps)
- Profile B — 75 × 75 mm with 22 mm slot (medium motors)
- Profile C — 100 × 100 mm with 32 mm slot (larger industrial motors)
- Profile D — 125 × 125 mm with 45 mm slot (heavy-duty equipment)
- Profile E — 200 × 200 mm with 55 mm slot (large industrial machinery)
Choose the profile that matches the bolt hole spacing and foot size of your machine. If unsure, measure the distance between the anchor bolts and the width of the machine foot.
What material are the shims made from?
All of our shims are manufactured from stainless steel. This provides excellent corrosion resistance and prevents degradation from exposure to acids, alkalis, and other chemicals commonly found in industrial environments.
Stainless steel also maintains its structural integrity across a wide temperature range, making the shims suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
How many shims come in a pack?
Individual shim packs contain 10 shims of the same profile and thickness. For example, ordering one pack of Profile B at 0.50 mm gives you 10 identical shims.
Our Shimcase kits contain 140 shims — covering two profiles with 7 thicknesses, 10 shims per thickness.
What is a Shimcase?
A Shimcase is a complete shim kit supplied in a durable carrying case, designed for field service work. Each case contains 140 pre-cut stainless steel shims across two profiles and seven thicknesses.
- Shimcase ESC-AB — Profile A and B shims in a compact case (260 × 240 × 130 mm, approx. 4 kg)
- Shimcase ESC-CD — Profile C and D shims in a larger case (410 × 350 × 180 mm, approx. 10 kg)
Having a full set of thicknesses on site means you can carry out alignment corrections immediately without waiting for individual packs to be delivered.
Do you offer custom sizes?
Yes. If your equipment requires shims outside of our five standard profiles, we can manufacture custom-cut shims to your exact specifications. The same stainless steel material and quality standards apply.
Contact us with your dimensions and requirements for a quote.