Shimming machine

Types of shimming machines

A shimming machine is any machinery or equipment used to produce or install shims. Shims are small, thin pieces of wood, plastic, or metal used to fill gaps or can support or stabilize objects. They are usually wedge-shaped and employed to level equipment, change clearances, provide support where there is none, or fit together a set of objects that wouldn't otherwise fit. There are different types of shimming machines based on how they are created, and they can be categorized into the following:

• Manual shimming machines

  The simplest type is the manual shimming device, which produces shims by hand. It entails the traditional practice of gathering materials and cutting them to size to create shim-shaped objects. This machine is not really a machine but an idea that refers to any situation in which human intervention is the primary driving force behind the production of shims. Other tools may be necessary for this method to include a measuring tape or ruler to measure gaps as well as the material to be shimmed, a pencil for marking material to be shimming on, and a utility knife or saw for cutting the material into shim shapes. This type of machine can sometimes work when very few shims are required, but it doesn't provide enough speed, efficiency, or quality control to satisfy most commercial needs for shims.

• Automated shimming machines

  Automated shimming devices produce shims at an industrial scale with a higher level of precision than manual ones. Although no gaps need be filled, all that is required is to slide an object smoothly on a nearly perfect flat surface, and different shim materials may be used for other purposes. Some automated shimming devices include laser cutting machines, CNC (computer numerical control) routers, CNC milling machines, and CNC plasma cutters. These are all highly automated, efficient devices that can produce multiple identical shims with varying thicknesses and shapes to accommodate different needs. These machines also have the added advantage of creating shims quickly in any quantity.

• Specific-purpose shimming machines

  Some machines are designed for a specific purpose, such as making shims for windows, doors, or uneven floors. Many of these machines already have the shim built-in and can thus save time by eliminating the need to search for additional resources or tools further down the line. The kind of shimming machine one chooses will depend on their specific needs and what they are looking for in a shimming machine.

Specification and Maintenance of Shimming Machines

Shimming machines provide unsponsored specifications, including material, voltage, weight, dimension, and shim types.

• Material: Stainless steel shimming machines can produce stainless steel shims; plastic shimming machines can produce plastic shims.
• Voltage: 220 V is the standard voltage for shimming machines, whether plastic or stainless steel. However, 110 V is an option for some models, as are some other voltages.
• Weight: The weight of a shimming machine ranges between 30 and 70 kg, depending on the model and whether it is an electric or manual device.
• Dimension: Dimensions of shimming machines are about 50 x 80 x 110 cm on average.
• Shim types: variable: stainless steel shims, plastic shims, aluminum shims, ceramic shims…

Shimming machine maintenance is either manual or electrical, as machines with motors usually require some electricity to function. Electric machines may require the following maintenance:

• Clean the parts: Fixing or removing the damaged part and carefully cleaning the components with a cleaning cloth is an excellent idea.
• Motor lubrication: Lubricating the shimming machine motor at regular intervals may be required.
• Electrical repairs: Only professional electricians can repair electrical parts.

Manual maintenance operations include repairing movable parts, screws, bolts, edges, blades, etc. Manual repairs usually involve lubricating parts and oiling movable and running sections. In some cases, the entire machine is cleaned and oiled,.

Applications of shimming machines

Shimming machines are used to manufacture shims in various industries in different applications. The following are some key applications of shimming machines:

• Manufacture of stainless steel shims: Shimming machines are used to produce shims from stainless steel materials to achieve corrosion resistance and a long-lasting lifespan in a wide range of applications.
• Manufacture of copper shims: Shimming machines help to manufacture copper shims extensively used in electrical, thermal, or engineering applications for the excellent conductive properties of copper.
• Manufacture of plastic shims: The machines are used to manufacture shims from plastic materials to provide a cheap solution that is lightweight and resistant to most chemicals.
• Automotive industry: In the automotive industry, shimming machines are used in gearboxes, engine mounts, and differential cases. For instance, in the assembly of the motorcycle industry, precision shimming is often required between the gearbox and engine cases to ensure proper alignment and reduce the risk of noise and excessive wear. Other applications include wedges, alignments, bearing clearance, and suspension components.
• Electronics and Electrical Industry: In the electrical industry, shimming machines are for guiding gaps and alignment in electrical devices such as circuit breakers, transformers, and connectors. These electrical devices often require precise alignments to ensure their proper functioning. Shims help achieve the desired clearance and alignment, ensuring good performance.
• Construction and Infrastructure Industry: In the construction industry, shimming machines produce shims that help level and align structural components in building construction. Examples include machine bases, structural frames, and equipment foundations. Shims are used to adjust, level, and align structural elements in machine bases and equipment foundations. They help support and stabilize heavy machinery and equipment, ensuring proper alignment and weight distribution.
• Industrial Equipment and Machinery: Industrial equipment shimming machines are used to realign and level equipment such as pumps, compressors, and conveyor systems. Shims aid in aligning shafts and couplings and compensating for wear and tolerances in moving machinery. Shimming is an important process in the maintenance of industrial equipment and helps to reduce vibration, wear, and noise in machines.
• Packaging and Printing Industry: In the packaging and printing industry, shimming machines are used to make shims for print presses, packaging equipment, and conveyor systems. Shims are used to adjust and align components in precision printing and packaging operations. For example, in the printing industry, shims are often used in the print press between cylinders to establish the proper gap. This is particularly common in gravure and offset print presses. Shimming machines help achieve precise tolerances, reduce printing costs, and improve print quality.

How to choose shimming machines

Investors and business buyers need to consider several factors before purchasing a shimming machine or shimming machines for sale.

• Build materials: The performance and lifespan of a shimming machine are largely dependent on the materials used in its construction. This includes the frame, shim block, cutter, and any other parts of the machine. All build materials should be strong, durable, and able to withstand constant use without breaking or wearing out too quickly.
• types of shims: Different types of shimming machines produce different types of shims. Some shimming machines produce tapered shims, while others produce flat shims. Buyers must choose a shimming machine that produces the type of shim applicable to their industry or the type of shim their customers demand.
• Production capacity: A shimming machine's production capacity is the number of shims it can produce in a given period. This is usually expressed in shims per hour or shims per minute. Buyers should consider how much production capacity they need based on their current and projected demand for shims. If buyer demand is expected to grow in the near future, buyer should choose a shimming machine with a higher production capacity to meet future demand. It's better to choose a shimming machine with a higher production capacity than one that is already at its maximum.
• Ease of operation: An easy-to-use shimming machine can be set up, operated, and maintained with little training and experience. This type of shimming machine usually comes with clear instructions and minimal but effective safety features. Machines that are easy to operate help to reduce training costs and downtime and increase production efficiency.
• Energy efficiency: An energy-efficient shimming machine uses less energy to produce more shims. This kind of machine reduces the cost of electricity and helps to maximize production output.

Shimming machine Q&A

Q1: How does the hydraulic shimming machine work?

A1: The hydraulic shimming machine works by applying pressure on the hydraulic system to cut shims. First, set the desired shim size, then the material is fed into the machine. The hydraulic press will then cut the material into shims of the desired size.

Q2: How does the shimming machine differ from the shim-making machine?

A2: A shimming machine is used to produce shims, whereas a shim-making machine can make shims and shims are usually placed to fill in gaps in joint areas.

Q3: What are the types of hydraulic shimming machines?

A3: The hydraulic shimming machines include hydraulic press shimming machines and hydraulic block shimming machines. The hydraulic press shimming machine presses material into different shapes, while the block machine also cuts blocks into shims mostly used for wood materials.

Q4: How are shims different from gaskets?

A4: Shims are usually placed around the edges of mechanical parts that experience friction, whereas gaskets are placed around the edges of mechanical parts that experience leakage.