A4 Stainless Steel Peel-Away Laminated Shims are supplied to Trade series (laminated peelable shim). The grade provides superior, including marine and chloride environments and is largely non-magnetic; the practical service range is approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint. Property data, grade comparison and the full size table follow.
Why Choose A4 Stainless Steel for Peel-Away Laminated Shims
Specified for marine, coastal and chemical applications. For peel-away laminated shims, this matters when superior, including marine and chloride environments is the primary requirement.
Mechanical & Physical Properties
| Grade designation | ISO 3506 group A4 (316 / 1.4401), commonly supplied A4-80 |
|---|---|
| Magnetic response | Largely non-magnetic |
| Service temperature | approx. -200 °C to +400 °C, subject to the property class and the joint |
| Corrosion characteristic | Superior, including marine and chloride environments |
Corrosion Behavior in Service
A4 (316) adds 2–3% molybdenum to the A2 (304) composition, which dramatically improves resistance to chloride-pitting corrosion. For Peel-Away Laminated Shims in marine, coastal, swimming-pool or food-processing environments, A4 is the default selection.
Galvanic & Galling Considerations
For stainless peel-away laminated shims the compatibility question is galvanic rather than galling: joined to aluminum or galvanized steel in wet service, stainless drives corrosion of the less-noble metal. Isolate with a coating, sleeve or non-conductive washer where the joint sees moisture. Note also that stainless is softer than hardened carbon steel, so where the part carries a wear or shear duty, check the load against the grade before substituting.
Using Stainless Fasteners in Aluminum
Expect the aluminum to corrode, not the fastener — stainless sits higher in the galvanic series, so the aluminum is the one that gives up material. A small fastener in a thick section spreads the loss over a large area and is usually fine; a large fastener in thin sheet concentrates it and is not. Keep water out of the joint, or isolate the two metals with a nylon or coated washer and a sealant.
Sizes of Peel-Away Laminated Shims Available in A4 Stainless Steel
| Total thickness t (mm) | Laminate thickness (mm) | Number of laminates | Width A (mm) | Length (mm) | Material | Bond | Adjustment step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 0.05 | 20 | 50 | 50 | Stainless 302 | Adhesive laminated | 0.05 mm |
| 2.0 | 0.05 | 40 | 50 | 50 | Stainless 302 | Adhesive laminated | 0.05 mm |
| 3.0 | 0.05 | 60 | 75 | 75 | Stainless 302 | Adhesive laminated | 0.05 mm |
| 2.0 | 0.10 | 20 | 75 | 75 | Stainless 302 | Adhesive laminated | 0.10 mm |
| 3.0 | 0.10 | 30 | 100 | 100 | Stainless 302 | Adhesive laminated | 0.10 mm |
| 5.0 | 0.10 | 50 | 100 | 100 | Stainless 302 | Adhesive laminated | 0.10 mm |
