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. 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 notable 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 compromise structural integrity, cause vibration issues, or accelerate 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. 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 equipment’s operational life.
Belzona 7111 is approved by:
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American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
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Bureau Veritas (BV)
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Det Norske Veritas (DNV)
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Lloyd’s Register (LR)
Deep-Pour Capabilities for Complex Shimming Scenarios
For installations requiring large-volume pours or deep fills, Belzona 7211 can be used to create strong, void-free chocks in demanding applications. This system is frequently selected when traditional load-bearing shims or high-impact load-bearing shims cannot provide the continuous support needed for heavy-duty equipment.
With its self-levelling characteristics and excellent performance on uneven or irregular foundations, Belzona 7211 ensures consistent load distribution—reducing the risk of mechanical fatigue, vibration-related failures, and alignment drift.
Long-Term Corrosion Protection and Dimensional Stability
A key advantage of polymeric shimming and chocking solutions is 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 by being non-porous and maintaining dimensional stability 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 extend equipment life, reduce maintenance frequency, and prevent costly unplanned downtime.
About Belzona:
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Established in 1952, Belzona has pioneered innovative polymer technology that has revolutionised industrial repair and maintenance procedures.
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Belzona is a leading company in the design and manufacture of polymer repair composites and industrial protective coatings for the repair, protection, and improvement of machinery, equipment, buildings, and structures.
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At Harrogate, the full Belzona product range is manufactured to stringent quality and environmental control guidelines, complying with the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015.
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Belzona has over 159 distributors in more than 120 countries, ensuring not only the availability of Belzona materials but also specification support, project management, application, and supervision services. Distributorships and their teams are supported by Belzona Corporate offices in Europe, North America, and Asia.
For more information, please visit: www.Belzona.com
