The Coefficient of Friction in Robotics

Robotics in the manufacturing sector has reached unprecedented levels of adoption. From automotive production lines to advanced electronics and precision packaging systems, robotic arms, lifts, and motion systems are doing more work than ever before. These machines are expected to perform thousands—if not millions—of precise movements repeatedly, often with tolerances within fractions of a millimeter.

But in such high-precision environments, even being off by a millimeter can trigger a chain reaction of issues—misaligned parts, reduced system accuracy, defective products, or even equipment failure. That’s why every aspect of robotic design matters, and why engineers pay close attention to an often-overlooked factor: the coefficient of friction.

What Is the Coefficient of Friction in Robotic Assemblies?

In simple terms, the coefficient of friction is a number that describes how much resistance one surface has when sliding against another. In robotics, this is incredibly important. Imagine a robotic arm bolted to a base—if the mating surfaces have too little friction, the arm may slip slightly under repeated load. Even a tiny shift, over time, can result in misalignment that affects the entire production process.

To counteract these risks, engineers work to increase surface friction between mechanical joints, bearings, or structural interfaces within the robotic assembly. One of the most effective ways to do that? Friction shims.

What Are Friction Shims?

Friction shims are ultra-thin layers of material placed between two metal surfaces to increase friction and prevent slippage. These shims are typically coated with micro-scale surface textures or treatments—such as diamond particles or other abrasives—that create a stronger grip when compressed between metal components.

Used in critical bolted joints or torque-transmitting interfaces, friction shims help ensure that once components are tightened together, they stay exactly where they’re supposed to be—despite vibrations, repeated movements, or heavy loads.

How Friction Shims Improve Robotic Precision

In robotic applications, friction shims provide several key benefits:

1. Increased Stability – Prevents minor shifts or creeping at mechanical joints over time.
2. Enhanced Safety – Reduces the risk of loose components in high-speed or high-force operations.
3. Improved Accuracy – Keeps robotic movements true to design, even under repeated stress.
4. Lower Maintenance – Less slippage means fewer adjustments and better reliability over the machine’s lifetime.

As robotic systems become more complex and tightly integrated, custom metal shims like these become essential design elements, not just optional add-ons.

Leading Manufacturers of Friction and Custom Metal Shims

Several companies are pushing the boundaries of friction shim technology to support high-performance robotic systems:

1. 3M Company
Known globally for their innovation, 3M friction shims use precision-applied coatings with embedded diamond particles to significantly increase static friction between surfaces. They’re commonly used in automotive and aerospace, but also in industrial robotics where torque transmission and stability are critical.
2. Surface Technology Inc. (New Jersey)
This U.S.-based company specializes in wear resistant coating for metal parts and friction-enhancing technologies. Their solutions are trusted across manufacturing sectors and are often tailored to meet exact tolerances and performance requirements.
3. SPIROL International Corporation
Another leader in custom metal shims, SPIROL provides engineered solutions for mechanical fastening and alignment. They offer precision shims in various thicknesses, materials, and finishes to meet exacting requirements in robotics and automation.

For engineers looking for a diamond coating manufacturer, many friction shim suppliers, including 3M and STI, apply diamond-like particles to their shims to enhance grip strength between components. These micro-scale abrasives create a mechanical lock between surfaces, improving joint integrity without requiring oversized fasteners or higher torque.

Summary: Small Parts with Big Impact

In today’s manufacturing landscape, where robotic systems must be faster, smarter, and more precise than ever before, seemingly small factors—like surface friction—can have a huge impact. The coefficient of friction plays a vital role in the performance and longevity of robotic assemblies, influencing everything from positional accuracy to mechanical safety.

Friction shims offer a simple yet effective way to control surface friction and prevent unwanted movement in robotic joints. With solutions like friction shims from 3M, custom metal shims from STI, and specialized composite diamond coatings, manufacturers can ensure their robotic systems deliver consistent performance with minimal maintenance.

As robotics continues to advance, working with experienced shim suppliers ensures that every detail—down to the micron—is engineered for success. Because in high-precision robotics, there’s no room for slip-ups.