Laminum® Peelable Shims for Precision, Flexibility, and Efficiency in Modern Assembly
Laminum® peelable shims are layered spacers that enable precise adjustment of gaps between components. They reduce the need for re-machining and achieve accurate alignment across a wide range of industrial assemblies.
Laminated shims in the Laminum® range appear solid but are fully layered over their entire surface. For precise on-site adjustments, the individual thin layers can be peeled off by hand. Removed layers are not intended for any other use.
To support your selection process, our documentation provides detailed material specifications, foil thickness options, total thickness ranges, and available sizes. Refer to the Laminated Material List (PDF) and Solid Material List (PDF), or submit an enquiry for tailored assistance.
Choice of Initial Thickness
Begin by determining the maximum gap between components. Obtain this from the design tolerance calculations or, in the case of an existing assembly, by measuring the gap with a feeler gauge. Once the initial peelable shim is selected, adjust the fit by peeling layers off.
The choice of base material for your laminated shim stock depends on the surrounding components. Common options include stainless steel, mild steel, wrought aluminium, brass, and composites. Each material is available in three different foil thicknesses. The minimum and maximum total thickness for each material is listed in the Laminated Material List.
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Handling
Laminum® peelable shims are engineered to securely bond thin metal layers while allowing safe peeling when required. The peel strength is defined in technical guidelines such as ASTM D903. Shim Solution has achieved the balance that safeguards firm bonding with the minimal force of peel needed during assembly and intended use.
Follow these steps for safe and efficient handling of your peelable shims:
- Place the shim on a flat, stable surface such as a table
- Hold it firmly with one hand to keep it in position
- Let it extend slightly over the table edge and lift the foils
Use the patented M-Tech® Peeling File and wear cut-resistant M-Tech® safety gloves when handling thin metal films to ensure controlled and safe peeling.
Both the gloves and the peeling file are available as accessories, along with detailed instructions.
Processing
The processing of laminated shim stock varies depending on the base material. To supply ready-to-use peelable shims tailored to your requirements, we request that you send us your drawings. We will prepare the shims accordingly and provide any additional information as required.
Mark Your Laminum® Shim
Shim Solution strongly recommends marking your laminated shims with your article number. A marking enables you to identify your shims and indicate the correct side from which to start peeling.
Depending on the material and thickness, you can choose from the following marking methods:
- Laser marking (for thickness of 0.2 mm and above)
- Inkjet
Include the marking definitions on your drawings and reference Georg Martin GmbH as the source. We provide high-quality products tested by a governmental laboratory in Germany to safeguard the quality of your assemblies.
Contact us to mark the thickness of your Laminum® peelable shim for quick and easy use.
Structuring of Joints
Peelable shims are generally not suitable for curved surfaces. Film particles may detach under unfavourable long-term load conditions.
Refer to the following section on pressure types for further guidance.
Load Notes
Load Conditions & Testing Recommendations
Laminum® laminated shims are installed under initial tension and are suitable for static and swelling loads, while strength values are defined for static conditions only.
Highly dynamic load situations, such as impact strokes where preload may be temporarily absent, are not recommended. In such cases, shear forces should be absorbed by a securely fixed, solid single-layer Lamisol® shim.
An overview of base materials for solid single-layer shims is available in the Solid Material List.
Load testing should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, particularly above 80 degrees Celsius for Laminum® PET and above 120 degrees Celsius for other Laminum® materials.
For further information, contact our Sales Team.
Material Properties & Performance
All materials begin to yield gradually once a certain temperature is reached, even conventional solid shims.
Compared to solid shims, laminated shim stock offers greater flexibility and provides a damping effect in several cases. The elasticity limit (Rp0.2) is slightly lower than that of hard-rolled sheet steel of the same thickness, allowing use in most applications and under heavy loads.
Sample materials can be provided. Contact our Customer Support for further assistance.
Material strength test results are provided in the Laminated Material List table, subdivided by individual metal film thickness.
Overview of Shim Solution Products
We are a development partner, series and process consultant for built-to-print precision shims, sub-assemblies, components, and more.
Precision Shims
Shims to compensate for variable tolerance in component assemblies:
Ready to Fine-Tune Your Assembly with Precise, Layer-by-Layer Adjustment?
Laminum® peelable shims make it easy to achieve the exact fit you need. By removing individual thin layers from your laminated shim stock as required, you can adjust thickness directly during assembly and ensure accurate alignment without additional machining.
For detailed specifications and available options, download the PDFs below: Laminated Material List (PDF) | Solid Material List (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions About Laminum® Peelable Shims
What are peelable shims?
Peelable shims are laminated spacers made up of many thin bonded metal layers. Individual layers can be peeled away on site to fine-tune the total thickness without removing the assembly or remachining components. The Laminum® range offers peelable shims in a variety of materials and foil thicknesses. View the full Laminated Material List for specifications.
What is peelable shim stock?
Peelable shim stock refers to the raw laminated material from which peelable shims are cut or formed. Shim Solution supplies peelable shim stock in multiple base materials including stainless steel, mild steel, wrought aluminium, brass, and composites, each available in three foil thickness options.
What is the difference between peelable shims and solid shims?
Solid shims have a fixed thickness and cannot be adjusted after manufacture. Peelable shims are built from multiple bonded layers that can be individually removed on site to reach the precise thickness required. Peelable shims are ideal where quick on-site adjustment is needed, while solid shims suit permanent fixed-thickness applications. Learn more about the Lamisol® Solid Shims range.
What materials are available for laminated shim stock?
Laminated shim stock is available in stainless steel, mild steel, wrought aluminium, brass, and composite materials. Each material is available in three foil thickness grades. Full specifications are listed in the Laminated Material List (PDF).
Can laminated shims be used under dynamic loads?
Laminum® laminated shims are suitable for static and swelling loads. Highly dynamic situations where preload may be temporarily absent are not recommended. In those cases, a solid single-layer Lamisol® shim is the correct choice to handle shear forces.
At what temperatures can Laminum® peelable shims be used?
Load testing should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, particularly above 80 degrees Celsius for Laminum® PET and above 120 degrees Celsius for other Laminum® materials. Contact the Shim Solution sales team for guidance specific to your application.
Can peelable shims be used on curved surfaces?
Peelable shims are generally not suitable for curved surfaces, as film particles may detach under unfavourable long-term load conditions. Contact Shim Solution to confirm the correct shim type for your joint geometry.
How do I order custom peelable shims?
Send your drawings in DXF, PDF, CAD, or STP format to Shim Solution. The team will review your requirements, prepare the laminated shims to specification, and provide a personalised quotation.
Contact Information
For product selection, pricing, or sales assistance in your region, contact Shim Solution.
Technical Sales - Management
Michael Köstner
Tel. +49 6074 4099 34
E-mail
Technical Sales
Nadine Berz
Tel. +49 6074 4099 17
E-mail
Technical Sales
Thorsten Schäfer
Tel. +49 6074 4099 66
E-mail