3M Friction Shims

Get a grip on design

Strengthen static joints and maximize torque transfer in torsional joints with 3M™ Friction Shims.

TRY A SAMPLE SHIM

3M™ Friction Shims for optimal reliability and performance

Strengthen critical joints, increase power density and enable more compact and lightweight designs. 3M™ Friction Shims are a simple, efficient and highly effective solution to help guard against high shear forces in static joints and maximize torque transfer in torsional joints.

From automotive chassis and powertrains to precision robotics to wind energy and aerospace applications, you can boost coefficients of static friction by up to 5× while downsizing components by using smaller and lighter bolts and fasteners. Strengthen and streamline your design with 3M.

< Previous Next >

How do they work? Watch a 3M™ Friction Shims demo with one of our expert application engineers.

3M™ Friction Shims consist of a nickel-coated steel substrate with partially embedded diamond particles. When placed between two components in a bolted connection – such as a battery mount or e-coated frame – the diamonds “bite” into each surface to create a microform fit. This allows for a static coefficient of friction up to 5× greater than in a conventional bolted connection.

3M™ Friction Shims are ultra-thin, compact, highly reproducible and tailored to customers’ precise design requirements. They help substantially strengthen and stabilizes critical joints and provide long-term reliability by protecting against bolted joint fatigue, loosening and failure.

Message a 3M Expert with Questions or Sample Requests

All fields are required unless indicated optional
Describe Your Bolted Application
Where Are You in Your Development Stage?
Do You Have a Preferred Friction Shim Size? (optional)
Business Email Address
First Name
Last Name
Job Role
Please Specify Your Job Role (optional)
Business Phone
Company Name
Industry Type
Please Specify Your Industry Type (optional)
Address
City
State or Province
Zip or Postal Code
Country/Region
I would like to receive email communications from 3M Advanced Materials.
3M™ Friction Shims are intended for industrial applications and manufactured to industrial specifications. 3M Advanced Materials Division (3M) will assess the intended use of 3M™ Friction Shims and reserves the right not to sample, sell or supply if 3M determines that it is not in a position to support the intended use of 3M™ Friction Shims.

3M takes your privacy seriously. 3M and its authorized third parties will use the information you provided in accordance with our Privacy Policy to send you communications which may include promotions, product information and service offers. Please be aware that this information may be stored on a server located in the U.S. If you do not consent to this use of your personal information, please do not use this system.
Submit

Our apologies...

An error has occurred while submitting. Please try again later...

Thank You For Your Request

A 3M representative will contact you to discuss your needs in more detail.

Industry applications

< PREVIOUS VIDEO NEXT VIDEO >

Automotive

Modern vehicles are under a lot of stress. Chassis and axles must support heavy, highly sophisticated components while powertrains must accommodate high torque from ever-more-powerful engines and eMotors. By spec’ing in 3M™ Friction Shims, you can protect static joints against shear forces and maximize torque transfer in torsional joints for increased power density. Design flexibility, weight management and NVH reduction are just a few additional benefits.

3M™ Friction Shims for automotive applications (PDF, 621.19 KB)
Robotics

Robotics requires compact designs, low weight and high reliability. 3M™ Friction Shims help reduce component size and weight while guarding against high vibration to enhance safety buffers. They are ideal for wrists, end-effectors, joints, links, grippers and other precision systems in which low inertia and quick, nimble movements in multiple directions are essential. 3M™ Frictions Shims fit narrow engineering tolerances and can be used as design-in or drop-in solutions.
Wind Energy

In the dynamic world of wind energy, every little bit counts. Maximize torque transfer in wind turbines while minimizing component size and weight with 3M™ Friction Shims. Whether it’s flanges, shaft-collar connections or other joints, you can downsize components by combining smaller bolts and fasteners with lightweight, powerful 3M friction shims. They help you meet restrictive size requirements, facilitate transport and reduce costs.

3M™ Friction Shims for wind energy (PDF, 1.01 MB)
Aerospace

Guard against shear and torsional forces under the toughest conditions on Earth – and beyond. 3M™ Friction Shims help secure critical joints in aircraft structures and engines, helping protect bolted connections against loosening, fatigue, slippage and failure. In satellite systems, 3M™ Friction Shims can be used in the satellite bus, rotary actuators, robotic arms, antenna systems and more.