Functional Shims

Functional shims are fitting, compensating, or friction washers with special coatings designed to specifically increase or decrease the coefficient of friction.

Depending on the requirements, diamond and dispersion coatings enable either the transmission of higher forces and torques or low-wear sliding motion.

That depends on the function of the connection. DIAGRIP friction shims are used when forces and torques need to be transmitted. They allow torques to be transmitted up to four times more efficiently.

If a component needs to move, DIAGLIDE thrust shims and washers are used. As running-in, fitting, and compensating washers, they enable sliding motion and precise adjustment of axial tolerances.
In short: Friction shims hold, thrust shims allow sliding.

For friction shims, thicknesses ranging from 0.1 mm to 50 mm are possible. We manufacture small and medium-sized shims up to approximately 200 mm in diameter as stamped parts in production runs of up to millions.

Large-format friction shims are used with diameters exceeding 2,000 mm. Here, we use segmented discs with retaining profiles in the segments to ensure they are easy to handle during assembly.

For friction discs, we use copper, copper with an insulating interlayer, steel, and spring steel in thicknesses ranging from 0.05 mm to several millimeters. For foils, we use C75 S steel or GRP.

We supply thrust shims in various steel and light metal materials, as well as in copper and nickel, for example. Special materials are available upon request.

Yes. At DIAGRIP, we can manufacture non-magnetic and electrically insulating discs using GRP foils. For thrust shims, non-magnetic, conductive, or insulating versions are also possible

We manufacture according to your specifications. The contours are created using waterjet cutting, laser cutting, or punching. This allows us to produce a wide variety of custom shapes.

Different batch sizes are also possible, ranging from a single prototype to large-scale production.

For DIAGRIP friction shims, a minimum surface pressure of 50 MPa applies. Micro-interference fit is achieved when the diamond particles penetrate the mating surface. Its effectiveness depends, among other factors, on the material, surface, and contact pressure of the mating surfaces.

The maximum operating temperature is 400 °C for steel foils and 200 °C for GRP foils. Thin oil films or preservatives do not affect the performance of DIAGRIP.

The best way is to send us a drawing or sketch of the mounting surface, along with details on the material, load, and installation conditions.

Using our contact form or by phone, we’ll work with you to determine whether friction or thrust shims are suitable for your application and which design is the best fit.