How do you calculate the amount of shim stock needed to align a pump coupled to a motor?

Calculating the amount of shim stock needed to align a pump and motor involves determining how much spatial adjustment is necessary to ensure that the two components are properly aligned. By measuring the gap between the pump and motor, you can identify how much shim stock will be required to compensate for the misalignment.

Dividing the measurement in half is the correct approach because alignment adjustments typically need to account for the fact that shimming affects both sides of the gap. For instance, if there is a specific gap that needs to be filled to achieve alignment, using half of that measurement allows you to place the correct amount of shim on each side evenly, thereby promoting balanced and effective alignment of the pump and motor. This technique helps to avoid over-corrections that could lead to additional problems such as vibration or premature wear.

Thus, determining the gap and dividing it allows for precise and accurate alignment using shim stock, ensuring efficient operation of the pump and motor system.