SPIROL offers a comprehensive range of part marking methods for Shims tailored to meet specific customer requirements. Whether you need permanent or temporary markings, human-readable text, or machine-readable codes, SPIROL’s advanced technologies and broad expertise ensure that your Precision Shims are accurately and clearly identified.

We also offer MIL-STD-130 compliant markings to meet military and aerospace standards.

Types of Part Marking

Permanent Part Marking Methods

Standard Laser Part Marking

Standard Laser Part Marking method uses a standard or fiber laser to etch graphics or text approximately 0.13mm (.005”) into the Shim surface. A slight burr or texture is typical, and the etch is permanent on the Shim.

Carbonized / Annealed Laser Part Marking

Utilizing advanced laser technology, a carbon / anneal laser provides high-resolution markings including logos, QR codes, barcodes, and Data Matrix Codes (DMC), with the major benefit of not marring the surface of the Shim.

Electrochemical Etching

Electrochemical etching is the preferred method for aerospace Shims. This process applies a permanent mark to conductive metal surfaces using an electrical current passed through a template / stencil and an electrolytic solution.

Rubber Stamping with Acid Etch

Rubber stamping with an acid etch uses a custom rubber stamp and an acid-based ink to create a mild - but permanent – etch on the Shim. Non-acid inks are used for military specs or customer-specific requirements.

Metal Stamping

Metal Stamping is a robust and traditional method that embosses symbols or text directly into the Shim. This can be done during, or after, production for lasting identification.

Vibra Peening

Vibra peening is an engraving technique which uses a vibrating diamond-tipped pen to "hammer" markings into the Shim. This method is occasionally required, depending on the customer's part-marking requirements.

Temporary Part Marking Methods

SPIROL offers a variety of temporary part marking methods for Shims and the ability to vary how temporary the marking is to meet your specific requirements.

Inkjet Part Marking

High-speed inkjet marking is ideal for high-volume production (up to 2,000 parts/hour). It offers flexibility in fonts and characters, and is used for non-permanent identification.

Rubber Stamping with Temporary Ink

This method uses a customizable rubber stamp to apply temporary ink for short-term identification needs.

Aerosol Spraying + Stenciling

In this process a custom stencil is placed over the Shim, and aerosol spray paint is used to apply the marking. This is considered semi-permanent, suitable for visual identification without permanence.

Color Coding

Color coding process involves using marking fluid, such as Dykem^® marking fluid where parts are color-coded—often by thickness—to aid in easy assembly, particularly when parts are packaged in Shim kits.

Bagging and Tagging

Bagging and tagging consists of unmarked Shims packaged individually or in kits, and an identification tag attached to the bag (not the part).

Tagging

Tagging is when a label (paper or metal) is physically attached to the Shim with wire or string. Tagging is used when the Shim cannot or should not be directly marked.

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