Plastic Shims
- We create custom shim sheets and packers to meet your needs.
- Fast shipping across Australia, with overnight options available.
- We ensure durable, reliable shims and packers
Colour-Coded Plastic Shims
Colour-coded from polyester films (‘Melinex’, ‘Mylar’, ‘Hostaphan’) to meet the particular demands of the engineering, electrical and electronic industries, our plastic shim is remarkably tough with very high compression and dielectric strengths, very low water absorption and excellent dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures, with good resistance to most chemicals, ozone, direct sunlight, etc. Our plastic shim sheet is available in packets or rolls.
For thicker gauges from 0.015″ to 0.080″, we supply colour-coded sheet in specially reinforced polypropylene copolymer PP4, an excellent engineering material offering high impact strength, no brittle failure and very low water absorption. Together, the two materials cover the full range from 0.001″ to 0.080″.
Material Specification A
Produced colour coded from polyester films to meet the particular demands of the engineering, electrical and electronic industries. Remarkably tough with very high compressive and dielectric strengths, very low water absorption, excellent dimensional stability over a wide range of temperatures and good resistance to most chemicals, ozone and direct sunlight.
| Property | Value | Test method |
| Relative density | 1.40 kg/m2 | ASTM D 1505 |
| Water absorption | 0.60% (1 week at 24°C) | |
| Tensile strength | 2000 kgf/cm2 (MD), 2600 kgf/cm2 (TD) | ASTM D 882 |
| Yield strength | 1000 kgf/cm2 (MD), 1000 kgf/cm2 (TD) | ASTM D 882 |
| Elongation at break | 125% (MD), 80% (TD) | ASTM D 882 |
| Ultimate compressive strength | 28,500 psi (250A) | ASTM D 695-3T |
| Dielectric strength | 6.4kv (23mic), 16kv (125mic), 23kv (250mic) | ASTM D 149 |
| Surface resistivity | >10¹³ Ω/sq | |
| Service temperature | -70°C to 130°C | |
| Melting point | 265°C | |
| Coefficient of thermal expansion | 19 x 10⁶ cm/cm/°C (MD and TD), between 20°C and 50°C | |
| Shrinkage | 3% (MD and TD) after 5 mins at 190°C |
MD = machine direction, TD = transverse direction. The above properties are typical and no warranty is given or implied with respect to this information.
Resistant to: dilute acids and alkalis, grease, oils, fats, organic solvents, alcohols, hydrocarbons, ketones, esters and chlorinated compounds.
Material Specification B
Produced colour coded from specially reinforced propylene copolymer PP4, an excellent engineering material. High impact strength with no brittle failures, very low water absorption and strong electrical insulation properties.
| Property | Value | Test method |
| Tensile strength at yield | 3560 lbf/in2 | BS 2782 301 G |
| Ultimate compressive strength | 4000 to 8000 psi | |
| Elastic modulus in tension | 200,000 lbf/in2 | ASTM D790 59T |
| Izod impact strength | 8 ft lbf/in notch, 430 J/M notch (1.00mm notch) | BS 2782 306A |
| Brittle failures | None | |
| Brinell hardness | 9.5 | BS 240 |
| Softening point | 144°C | BS 2782 102D |
| Coefficient of linear expansion | 11 x 10⁵ per °C | |
| Surface resistivity | >10¹⁵ Ω | BS 2782 203A |
| Volume resistivity | >10¹⁶ Ω cm | BS 2782 202A |
| Electrical strength | 19 kv/mm | BS 2782 206B |
| Specific gravity | 0.91 to 0.95 | |
| Water absorption | 0.3 mg (<0.02%) | BS 2782 502D |
The above properties are typical and no warranty is given or implied with respect to this information.
Resistant to: aqueous solutions of non-oxidising or inorganic compounds, most alcohols, ketones and mineral oils. Affected by concentrated solutions of oxidising agents, ethers, esters, chlorinated hydrocarbons, some aromatic compounds, petrol and paraffin.
Plastic Shim Material: Shim Sheets
All sheets 600mm x 1200mm. The Spec column shows which material specification applies to each gauge.
| Micron | Inch | Colour | Spec | Part # (600 x 1200mm) |
| 23mic | .001" | Purple | A | PS025 |
| 36mic | .0015" | Pink | A | PS037 |
| 50mic | .002" | Dark Blue | A | PS050 |
| 65mic | .0025" | Black | A | PS063 |
| 75mic | .003" | Green | A | PS075 |
| 100mic | .004" | Amber | A | PS100 |
| 125mic | .005" | Brown | A | PS125 |
| 150mic | .006" | Clear | A | PS150 |
| 175mic | .007" | Peacock Blue | A | PS175 |
| 190mic | .0075" | Hazy | A | PS190 |
| 200mic | .008" | Tint Blue | A | PS200 |
| 225mic | .009" | Silver | A | PS225 |
| 250mic | .010" | White | A | PS250 |
| 275mic | .011" | Gold | A | |
| 300mic | .012" | Dark Green | A | PS300 |
| 350mic | .014" | Natural | A | PS350 |
| 375mic | .015" | Red (MX polish) | A | PS375 |
| 375mic | .015" | Matt Red | B | |
| 500mic | .020" | Yellow | B | PS500 |
| 635mic | .025" | Light Grey | B | PS625 |
| 760mic | .030" | Light Blue | B | PS750 |
| 1000mic | .040" | Tan | B | PS1.00 |
| 1270mic | .050" | Charcoal Grey | B | PS1.25 |
| 1500mic | .060" | Cream | B | PS1.50 |
| 2000mic | .080" | Natural | B |
** .008″ (200mic) is a polyester laminate and may perform differently in some applications. Data sheets are available upon request.
Plastic Shim Material – Packets
| Part # | Packaged |
| PSASS12 |
200mm x 300mm x 12 piece packet 2 x .05mm, .075mm, .125mm, .25mm 1 x .50mm, .625mm, .75mm, 1.00mm |
For a quote or for more information on our plastic shim options and plastic shim sheets, contact us today on 02 4646 1166.
Ordering Plastic Shims is simple
1. Get in touch
Let us know what plastic shims you need.
2. A quote is given
We’ll provide you with a price for your plastic shim order.
3. Delivery
We can ship your plastic shims or you can pick it up from our head office.
Plastic Shim FAQs
What is a plastic shim?
Plastic shims are prefabricated plastic components used to level or hold up space in applications ranging from precast concrete panels to kitchen cabinet alignment. They provide complete resistance to rot and rust while serving a crucial function in providing a gap in a joint or supporting an object.
What are plastic shims used for?
Plastic shims are used to level areas, fill in gaps for flat surfaces, and give more clearance space between components and high-tolerance assemblies, as well as for a variety of other industrial purposes.
Can plastic shims be cut or modified?
Yes, plastic shims can often be cut or modified to fit specific applications, but it’s important to ensure that any modifications do not compromise their effectiveness or integrity. If you have particular measurements or requirements, get in touch with our team for expert advice and assistance.
What are the benefits of using plastic shims over metal shims?
Plastic shims provide several key benefits over metal shims: they resist corrosion, are non-conductive for electrical insulation, and are lighter in weight, making them easier to handle and reducing the overall weight of the assembly.
Are plastic shims durable?
Plastic shims are more durable and stronger than wood, as well as lighter and less expensive than metal shims. Their versatility makes them suitable for a wide range of applications, including electrical and industrial use.
How strong are plastic shims?
Plastic shims are made of a tough polypropylene material that can withstand high compression and resist water expansion, plus deterioration from most chemicals.
Can plastic shims be used outdoors?
Yes, many plastic shims are designed to be weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use, but it’s essential to check the specifications of the shim for its suitability in various environmental conditions. For specifications on different types of shims, you can call us on 02 4646 1166, and we’ll assist you in finding the perfect match for your requirements.
