Shim washers, DIN 988
Nuts and washers
Shim washers to DIN 988 are thin spacers used to set axial play on shafts, bearings and gears in fine steps. The category covers 262 versions with inside diameters from 16 to 30 mm, outside diameters from 22 to 42 mm and thicknesses from 0.15 to 2 mm in plain steel.
Selection follows the shaft diameter, the space available for the outside diameter and the gap to be closed. Because the thicknesses are graded, play can be set by stacking several washers instead of reworking the adjacent parts.
Shim washers are fitted in gearboxes, bearing seats and spindles where a defined axial play is required. In jig making they take up tolerances between stops and locators. During assembly they are placed against shaft shoulders, bearing inner rings or retaining rings.
