MM1018 Liquid Shim vs
Machined Fitted Bolts
A structural engineer's comparison
A precision mechanical fit vs an engineered polymer fill — see which is the correct specification for your connection.
Technical comparison
Which one is right for your project?
Machined fitted bolts close a connection gap mechanically, to a tolerance set by the bolt and hole manufacturing process itself, and address a different part of the interface than a bearing seat or baseplate gap. MM1018 FL is used where the requirement is full-surface load transfer across a seat or plate interface — a distinct engineering problem from bolted connection fit-up.
Where a project uses both, Kubri Engineered Solutions can advise how MM1018’s fatigue-tested (10 million cycles, ibac RWTH Aachen) full-contact fill and a fitted-bolt connection are specified together correctly.
Frequently asked questions
They typically address different parts of the same connection rather than substituting for one another — MM1018 fills the bearing/seat interface, while fitted bolts secure the mechanical connection. Send us your project details and a KES engineer will advise on the correct combined specification.
Yes. Send your current specification and interface details through the contact form below and a KES engineer will respond with a formal technical comparison within one business day.
Talk to a KES engineer
Send us your connection details. A KES engineer will respond within one business day with the correct product selection and a formal comparison against your current specification.