In the aerospace industry in particular, precision and reliability are of utmost importance. Every component, no matter how small, plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and performance of an aircraft. One of the smaller, less thought about components is the shim, which is used to fill gaps, adjust clearances, and align various parts. Traditionally, shims were made from metals like aluminum or steel. However, with advancements in materials science, thermoset composites have emerged as an excellent alternative for aerospace shims. In this blog, we will explore the advantages offered by thermoset composites in the aerospace industry.

1. Lightweight: Weight reduction is a primary concern in aerospace engineering as it directly impacts fuel efficiency and overall performance. Lamitex thermoset composites, such as those listed in the Mil-i-24768 & NEMA specification(s), are known for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. Compared to metal shims, thermoset composites are significantly lighter, allowing for weight savings without compromising structural integrity. The reduced weight of thermoset composite shims contributes to fuel efficiency and extends the range and payload capacity of aircraft.
2. High Strength and Stiffness: Despite being lightweight, thermoset composite shims exhibit impressive strength and stiffness properties. The reinforcing fibers in the composite matrix provide exceptional tensile and flexural strength, enabling them to withstand high loads and stresses. This inherent strength makes thermoset composites ideal for aerospace applications, where components often experience extreme operating conditions, including temperature variations and vibrations.
3. Corrosion Resistance: Aircraft are exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including moisture, various chemicals, and temperature fluctuations, which can lead to corrosion in metal components. Unlike metals, thermoset composites are inherently corrosion-resistant, offering superior durability and longevity. This resistance to corrosion ensures that the shims retain their dimensional stability and mechanical properties over extended periods, reducing maintenance and replacement costs.
4. Design Flexibility: Thermoset composites offer unparalleled design flexibility, allowing engineers to create complex shapes and geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional materials. Shims often require customization to fit specific gaps or irregularities in aircraft structures. Thermoset composites can be molded into intricate shapes and can be tailored to meet the precise requirements of each application. This versatility enables optimized shim designs, improving overall assembly precision and reducing assembly time.
5. Thermal Stability: Aerospace shims are subjected to a wide range of temperatures, especially in high-performance engines and aircraft structures. Thermoset composites exhibit excellent thermal stability, withstanding extreme temperatures without compromising their mechanical properties. They have low coefficients of thermal expansion, ensuring minimal dimensional changes in response to temperature fluctuations. This stability makes thermoset composite shims reliable and suitable for demanding aerospace environments.
6. Enhanced Fatigue Resistance: Aircraft components, including shims, undergo cyclic loading and can experience fatigue failure over time. Thermoset composites have excellent fatigue resistance compared to traditional metals, making them highly reliable under repeated stress and load conditions. The superior fatigue properties of thermoset composite shims contribute to the overall safety and longevity of aerospace structures.

The aerospace industry demands materials that can withstand rigorous operational conditions while offering weight savings and reliability. Lamitex thermoset composites excel in all these areas, making them an excellent choice for aerospace shims. The advantages of using thermoset composite shims include their lightweight nature, high strength and stiffness, corrosion resistance, design flexibility, thermal stability, and enhanced fatigue resistance. As technology continues to advance, thermoset composites are likely to play an increasingly significant role in aerospace applications, improving efficiency, performance, and safety in the aviation industry.