Zimmerit history and vehicle application.
Waffle Iron pattern on Stugg IIIG
Standard raked pattern: Most commomly used
zimmerit pattern on AFV's and SP guns.
Tiger I Mid & Late / Sturmtiger/ Tiger II / Jagdtiger /
Elephant / Panzer IV H & J (early) / Brummbar /
Jagdpanzer IV 70A / Jagdpanzer IV L70 / StugIII/IV
zimmerit pattern on AFV's and SP guns.
Tiger I Mid & Late / Sturmtiger/ Tiger II / Jagdtiger /
Elephant / Panzer IV H & J (early) / Brummbar /
Jagdpanzer IV 70A / Jagdpanzer IV L70 / StugIII/IV
Tile pattern: Also seen on some vehicles with
only horizontal grooves.
Panther A & G (early). Also with 45deg
cross-hatch on some late Panther D's / early A
models giving diamond like pattern
only horizontal grooves.
Panther A & G (early). Also with 45deg
cross-hatch on some late Panther D's / early A
models giving diamond like pattern
Tile pattern without raked effect.
Panther D and early A models. Early Jagdpanther.
Also with smaller cross-hatch on early
Jagdpanthers. Seen on some StugIII G's.
Panther D and early A models. Early Jagdpanther.
Also with smaller cross-hatch on early
Jagdpanthers. Seen on some StugIII G's.
Waffle Iron pattern
Mostly associated with Stug III G and early
Stug IV
Mostly associated with Stug III G and early
Stug IV
Developed by the Berlin company C.W.Zimmer AG, Zimmerit first appeared on German
tanks and SP guns in the summer of 1943. It's purpose was to combat the use of "sticky
bombs" and magnetic mines. The thickness of the of the zimmerit put distance between the
vehicle surface and warhead thus preventing magnetic contact with a shaped charged
mine whilst the irregular texture reduced surface adhesion for 'sticky bombs".
Zimmerit was a mixture of barium sulphate, polyvinyl acetate, zinc sulphide and saw dust.
Ochre pigment was added to mix giving it a dark yellow colour. Applied at the factory,
the mixture was smoothed over a vertical surfaces and a shaped tool used to rake in the
texture. Additionally, a knife was used cut grooves before the mix hardened.
By the middle 1944 the application of zimmerit was phased out. Reasons vary but it was
more than likely a combination of a number of factors. Time consuming to apply at a time
when AFV's were in desperate need at the front, the extra weight added to already
underpowered heavy tanks and the increased effectiveness of AT weapons. There is also
the belief that rounds hitting the vehicle caused the zimmerit itself to ignite.
tanks and SP guns in the summer of 1943. It's purpose was to combat the use of "sticky
bombs" and magnetic mines. The thickness of the of the zimmerit put distance between the
vehicle surface and warhead thus preventing magnetic contact with a shaped charged
mine whilst the irregular texture reduced surface adhesion for 'sticky bombs".
Zimmerit was a mixture of barium sulphate, polyvinyl acetate, zinc sulphide and saw dust.
Ochre pigment was added to mix giving it a dark yellow colour. Applied at the factory,
the mixture was smoothed over a vertical surfaces and a shaped tool used to rake in the
texture. Additionally, a knife was used cut grooves before the mix hardened.
By the middle 1944 the application of zimmerit was phased out. Reasons vary but it was
more than likely a combination of a number of factors. Time consuming to apply at a time
when AFV's were in desperate need at the front, the extra weight added to already
underpowered heavy tanks and the increased effectiveness of AT weapons. There is also
the belief that rounds hitting the vehicle caused the zimmerit itself to ignite.
