3M, a global leader in innovative solutions, has announced it successfully made and sold more than 300 million Friction Shims across the world. The friction shims are small, thin steel parts, which can increase load and peak torque in bolted connections – but with no need to add fasteners.
To date, the product from 3M has been adapted to various applications, such as shear joints in automotive chassis, torsional joints, flange joints, bolted connections, fastener systems, or joints with central bolts.
The friction shims are a simple solution for stronger and more stable bolted connections as they increase friction coefficients in torsional and static joints, particularly in demanding automotive applications.
They are coated with a Nickel layer and contain partially embedded diamond particles that resist breakage. When put with pressure between two mating surfaces, the diamonds are going to completely connect each surface to create a microform fit.
Therefore, it can bear static friction up to five times more than in a conventional bolted connection. This is also true with electric vehicles, which are designed with heavy lithium-ion battery packs combined with higher torque putting a considerable strain on critical chassis and battery mount joints.
In addition, the Friction Shims are developed to fit within most engineering tolerances, allowing for lightweight, compact designs, and can also be used as a drop-in solution to stabilize joints further down the manufacturing chain.
These friction shims are also manufactured in various grades to meet many friction coefficients and shear or torque requirements.
Furthermore, engineers can also use friction shims to optimize the design for multi-material automotive structures to withstand higher force loads without changing parts or part sizes. They also help to secure critical joints in chassis, battery mounts, suspensions, and other critical areas in internal combustion and electric vehicles.
Using fewer smaller and lighter mechanical fasteners can allow for achieving light-weighting goals while dampening micromovements in bolted joints can offer better passenger experiences and increase joint life.
Moreover, these friction shims cannot only be used in ultra-thin torsional crankshaft or camshaft assemblies to create form fits even through either e-coatings or rough surfaces.
Based on the sales, 3M has a winning product on its hands.
