SKF TMAS 340, 360, 510 and 720 shim kit: how to choose the case and restock it

An SKF shim kit is a case that contains metal shims of precise thicknesses, precut with a slot for the bolt. They are used as alignment shims or spacers to correct the height of a machine on its base. In shaft alignment, the aligner indicates how much a foot needs to be raised or lowered, and you need to have the exact thickness at that moment. Without calibrated shims, time is wasted looking for cutoffs or improvising with unsuitable materials.

Another use is correcting soft foot, the condition in which a foot does not rest evenly on the base. When the bolts are loosened, the foot remains in the air or with little load, which generates vibrations, misalignment, and premature failures in bearings and couplings. You measure the gap under the foot and place the necessary shims to fill the space. Then you retighten and the machine remains firm and aligned.

These kits are assembly and maintenance tools, not spare parts. They are used on electric motors, pumps, gearboxes, fans, and any rotating equipment mounted on feet. Having a case in the workshop or in the maintenance truck avoids long stoppages due to a missing thickness. The shims are identified by their engraved size and thickness, and are stored in order in the case for quick finding.

The SKF TMAS series includes several shim cases, each with its own combination of sizes and thicknesses. The main codes are TMAS 340, TMAS 360, TMAS 380, TMAS 510, and TMAS 720. There are also other kits such as TMAS 50/KIT, TMAS 75/KIT, and TMAS 100/KIT. Each code identifies a different case, and the number is not a shim measurement.

All TMAS cases have in common that the shims come precut with a slot for the bolt. They are arranged by size and thickness inside the case, which makes it easy to find the correct shim. They are flat shims of precise thickness. Because they are slotted, they can be inserted or removed without completely removing the bolt from the foot.

Before choosing a case, it is advisable to request the content details. Each code brings a specific combination of shim sizes and thicknesses, and not all are suitable for any machine. At MR we provide the list of shims included in each case along with the quote. This way you can compare with the measurements of your equipment's feet and choose the one that best suits you.

To choose an SKF shim kit, first survey the machines in your plant. Measure the width of the feet of motors, pumps, gearboxes, and fans, and the diameter of the anchor bolts. The shims in the kit must rest entirely under those feet, without protruding or being too short. The slot must allow the bolt to pass without forcing.

A maintenance crew that services machines of all types needs more variety of shim sizes than a sector with similar equipment. If all your pumps are the same model, perhaps a case that covers that foot width is enough. But if there are small and large motors, a kit with several shim sizes is advisable. The goal is not to run out of the exact thickness and size during alignment.

Do not be guided only by the number of shims in the case. What matters is that the sizes match the feet of your machines. A case with many shims of a size you do not use is not useful. Therefore, before buying, compare the content details with the measurements you have taken. If you have doubts, send us the measurements and we will tell you which one is most convenient.

The shim kit is ideal for aligning frequently and not stopping for a missing thickness. If your crew performs alignments every week, the case saves time on each job. Having everything organized and at hand prevents improvising with sheet cutoffs or washers, which do not provide even support. In addition, the precut shims already have the correct slot and size.

Loose shims are useful for a one-time correction or to replace those that wear out or are lost. They are ordered by their code, which identifies size and thickness, such as TMAS 100-050. If you only need to raise one foot of a specific motor, you can buy a pack of shims of that size and thickness. You do not need to take a complete case.

Many workshops combine both options: they have a base kit and replenish the most used shims with loose packs. This way the case is always complete and thicknesses are not mixed. Loose shims are also useful for building custom kits according to the plant's machines. At MR we quote both cases and individual shims.

The most used shims are replenished with packs of the same size and thickness. Each pack is identified by its code, which indicates those two characteristics. For example, TMAS 100-050 identifies a shim of a certain size and a specific thickness. When one runs out or is damaged, you order that same code and replenish the position in the case.

It is important not to mix shims of different thicknesses in the same compartment. At first glance two thin shims may look the same, but a minimal difference affects alignment. That is why the case has separators and each shim returns to its place after use. If the reference is lost, it can be measured with a micrometer and compared with the content list.

To restock, note the codes of the missing shims or send us a photo of the case with the empty spaces. At MR we quote the replacement packs promptly. Keeping the kit complete is part of preventive maintenance: an alignment cannot wait for a shim to arrive.

Each shim must return to its place in the case after use. If they are mixed, time is wasted looking for the correct thickness and a bad alignment is risked. The shims must be stored clean and flat, without impacts or burrs. A bent shim or one with raised edges does not rest well and falsifies the measurement.

Do not reuse bent or rusty shims. Even if you straighten them, the thickness is no longer uniform and the support is poor. Rusty shims can mark the base or the foot, and they also stick together. If a shim is damaged, discard it and replace it with a new one of the same code.

Use the fewest number of shims possible per foot. Stacking many thin shims increases the risk of them shifting or deforming. If you need a large thickness, look for a thick shim that covers it and complete with thin ones. This way the assembly is more stable and the alignment is maintained over time.

To quote a case, send us the code of the kit you are interested in, for example TMAS 340 or TMAS 720. If you do not know which one to choose, send us the list of machines with the foot width and bolt diameter. With that data we will tell you which case best covers your needs and we will send you the content details.

You can also quote loose shims for restocking. In that case, send the shim code or a photo of the case with the missing shim. If you do not have the code, measure the shim width and thickness with a caliper, and with that we identify it. At MR we sell the TMAS series and distribute replacement packs.

Write to us via WhatsApp or email with the code, measurements, or a photo of the part. We will respond promptly with the quote and content details. We are in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and we work with SKF assembly and maintenance tools for industry.