Plastic Shims

Plastic shims refer to plastic objects that are used to fill gaps or join things together. Polypropylene, or pp, is one of the commonly used materials for plastic shims. Serving as a flexible filler, a plastic shim has a wide range of applications in various fields. In terms of interior decoration, it can be inserted into a narrow space between two ceramic tiles on the floor so as to separate them well. Also, it is considered a durable support attached to the bottom of an object. Doing that is to lift the object and thus decrease the friction between the object and the surface that it touches. Compared with metal shims, plastic shims are relatively lighter and cheaper. In the practical term, plastic shims show better resistance to water and air when they are contrasted with wood shims.

U-shaped plastic shims

Plastic shims have been made in the shape of the letter U. A shim, which is thicker at one end than the other, can pass through the hallow part of a U-shaped plastic shim. It means that a U-shaped plastic shim can be kept in position by other shims when it is partly inserted into a gap. In addition, U-shaped plastic shims function as horseshoe shims. A horseshoe is usually in the U shape. When the surface of a horse's foot does not fit a horseshoe, a U-shaped plastic shim comes to be used to fill the gap.

Circular plastic shims

With a circular cavity in the middle, a circular plastic shim is easy to cross pipes or other round objects. Serving as a shock absorber between objects, it helps to reduce the risk of getting damage. In addition, when two pieces of equipment are fixed together too tightly, there is a risk of breaking and falling. Putting a circular plastic shim between them will create a space to relieve tightness.

Rectangular plastic shims

Plastic shims can be shaped into plastic boards, looking like cuboids with rectangular sides. With smooth surfaces and right angles at each end, they are easy to insert into gaps, big and small. Also, there are rectangular plastic shims with different sizes and colors. Some are thicker than five centimeters, while some are as thin as one centimeter. Generally speaking, thicker rectangular shims would be better for big gaps. In addition, they are widely used in the furniture industry. Being useful and decorative, rectangular colored plastic shims contribute to more delicate interior décor. When filling the cracks between hinges and uneven surfaces, rectangular plastic shims are suitable to function as hinge shims. Under the circumstances, they can also serve as window shims.