paikoituslevy

Paikoituslevy is a plate used in mechanical engineering and fabrication to position and locate workpieces or components during assembly, machining, welding, or inspection. The term comes from paikoitus (positioning) and levy (plate). It functions as a locating element that helps establish a reference plane, edge, or datum and can be used temporarily or as part of a fixture.

In practice, paikoituslevy serves to position parts at a precise distance or alignment relative to other components. It may be placed between surfaces, against edges, or in conjunction with dowel pins, screws, or clamps to maintain stability while work is performed. Sets of paikoituslevy plates, often called shims or locating plates in broader terms, allow fine adjustments of spacing and level. They are common in alignment of machine tools, welding jigs, assembly fixtures, and inspection setups.

Materials and tolerances vary by application. Common materials include steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, with thicknesses ranging from fractions of a millimeter to several millimeters. Surfaces are typically finished to reduce imprinting on parts and to ensure consistent contact. Some paikoituslevy plates feature predrilled holes or threaded inserts to facilitate fastening and datum establishment.

See also: shim plate, locating plate, fixture, jig, datum surface, dowel pin.