Shims and Washers are both important components in air compressors that help maintain optimal performance and reliability. They each serve different but complementary functions in ensuring the proper alignment, operation and longevity of the compressor system.
Function of Shims in an Air Compressor:
Shims are thin, flat pieces of material (usually metal, but sometimes plastic or other materials) that are used to fill small gaps, provide precise spacing or correct alignment issues in mechanical assemblies. In air compressors, shims are used in the following ways:
- Adjusting Alignment:
- Shims are often used to adjust or correct the alignment of parts in the compressor, such as aligning the motor with the compressor pump or aligning other moving parts. Misalignment can cause uneven wear, vibrations or inefficiencies.
- Compensating for Wear:
- Over time, parts in the compressor may wear down, causing gaps or misalignment. Shims can be added to compensate for this wear, maintaining the proper spacing and alignment between parts.
- Controlling the Clearance:
- In compressors with rotating or moving parts (like pistons, rotors, or shafts), shims are used to set the correct clearance between components. This helps ensure that parts move freely without friction, but also without too much gap that could lead to inefficiency or damage.
- Fine-tuning Pressure Settings:
- Shims are sometimes used in regulating the pressure settings in certain compressor designs. By adjusting the thickness of the shim, the load on springs or other pressure-control components can be modified, fine-tuning the performance.
Example:
- In a screw compressor, shims can be placed between the rotor and the housing to adjust the clearance and ensure smooth operation.
Summary of Shims:
- Used for aligning components, adjusting clearances and compensating for wear in the compressor.
- Ensures proper spacing and alignment of rotating or moving parts, contributing to efficient operation.
