Polymeric Shimming and Chocking Systems Protect Assets Against Corrosion
Pourable shimming and chocking systems are used worldwide in marine, offshore, and many other industrial environments. They provide reliable alignment, reduced vibration, and long-term corrosion protection.
Avoid Asset Failures with Effective Precision Alignment Within heavy-duty industries, precision alignment is essential for ensuring safe and efficient operation. Shimming provides fine adjustments to correct uneven interfaces and achieve precise alignment; while chocking fills larger gaps and creates a continuous, load-bearing contact surface capable of supporting engines, propulsion systems, compressors, generators, gearboxes, and other critical assets.
Shimming system, Belzona 7111, flows easily into the application area. Photo credit: Rezitech.com.au
When executed correctly, these processes help prevent costly failures caused by mechanical stress, misalignment, and vibration.
Drawbacks of Conventional Solutions
Conventional solutions such as steel plates, metal wedges, or cementitious grouts have their limitations. Metallic bearing shims and load bearing shims are vulnerable to corrosion and distortion, while cement-based products can shrink, crack or degrade under repeated thermal or dynamic loads. Over time, these weaknesses can lead to compromised structural integrity, vibration issues, or accelerated wear.
Benefits of Polymeric Technology
Polymeric alternatives have proven to be highly effective in overcoming these challenges. Designed for resilience in demanding industrial environments, they offer excellent dimensional stability, high compressive strength, and long-term protection against corrosion.
Shimming System for Demanding Conditions
The shimming material, Belzona 7111, is widely used across the marine and industrial sectors. This 100% solids, two-component system is formulated for high-load, precision chocking applications. Its self-levelling, pourable properties allow it to flow easily into complex geometries, ensuring uniform contact between equipment and its foundation. Once cured, Belzona 7111 forms a solid, monolithic block that resists deformation under static and dynamic loads alike. Because it is non-metallic and corrosion-resistant, it avoids the long-term deterioration seen with metal-based shims and wedges. This stability helps maintain proper alignment, reduce vibration and protect mounting hardware throughout the life of the equipment.
Belzona 7111 is approved by:
– American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
– Bureau Veritas (BV)
– Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
– Lloyd’s Register (LR)
Deep-Pour Capabilities for Complex Shimming Scenarios
For installations that require large-volume pours or deep fills, Belzona 7211 can be used to create strong, void-free chocks in demanding applications. This system is frequently used when traditional load bearing shims or high impact load bearing shims cannot provide the continuous support required for heavy-duty equipment. With its self-levelling characteristics and excellent performance in uneven or irregular foundations, Belzona 7211 ensures consistent load distribution – reducing the risk of mechanical fatigue, vibration-related failures, and alignment drift.
Equipment support created with Belzona 7211
Long-Term Corrosion Protection and Dimensional Stability
A key advantage of polymeric shimming and chocking solutions lies in their ability to prevent corrosion at the equipment interface. Metal-based bearing shims and cementitious grouts can trap moisture, leading to crevice corrosion or cracking. Polymeric materials eliminate these vulnerabilities. They are non-porous and remain dimensionally stable in aggressive environments, including marine atmospheres, offshore platforms, and high-moisture industrial settings.
By maintaining stable geometry and resisting corrosion, polymeric systems, such as Belzona 7111 and Belzona 7211, help to extend equipment life, reduce maintenance frequency, and prevent costly unplanned downtime.
For more information, please visit: www.Belzona.com
