Frequently Asked Questions

Metal shims are thin strips of metal used in assemblies to close gaps and meet high tolerances. Depending on the required thickness, they can be cut from metal shim stock using various methods such as laser cutting and water jetting.

Metal shim stocks are rolls or sheets of metal that can be cut into custom shims for specific purposes. The types of metals available include stainless steel, brass, and copper which can be cut and fabricated into shims of different shapes, sizes plus thicknesses, depending on the application.

Shim plates are typically manufactured from stainless steel and they can be custom-made for use in various industrial applications, such as to level areas, fill in gaps for flat surfaces and provide more clearance space between components and high tolerance assemblies.

Metal shims are frequently used for adjustments and support in a variety of applications. Shims can be used to modify clearances, tolerances, and alignments, as well as to fill gaps between worn parts.

 

Metal shims are commonly used for the following purposes:

Filling gaps: A shim can be used to fill gaps between materials and make them flat or level. They can also be used to prevent wear in parts.

Levelling objects: Both plastic and metal shims can be utilised in aligning areas by being placed in the middle of two objects.

Adjusting clearance: In a variety of applications, a shim can be used to reduce the clearance between two objects.

Vehicle manufacturing: When it comes to car parts, shims can also be utilised, namely steel shims, especially in addressing the clearance levels of valves.

Plumbing repairs: Many plumbers utilise shims when aligning pipes.

Computer manufacturing: Aluminium or copper shims can be used to safeguard the CPU of a computer by distancing the heat sink from it.

1. In order to find out the necessary size and thickness of the shim, heavy-thickness feeler gauges will need to be utilised. In some circumstances, you may need to stack shims to reach the appropriate height. Your environment will also need to be taken into consideration.
2. There is the option to use pre-cut shims, or separate shims from a shim sheet can be cut. PP Shim Co also offers a custom shim-cutting service. Once this is complete, the shims can be slotted into place and you can continue with your work.
3. Cut the shim stock. You’ll need to cut individual shims from the roll or sheet unless you’re dealing with a pack of pre-cut shims. Use metal shears for simple shapes. For more complex or intricate shapes, PP Shim Co offers a custom shim-cutting service.
4. Set the shim or shims in place and continue your work.

Depending on the type of shim and where they are used, they can be either permanent or removable. When shims are used to fill gaps or level items, for example, their application is more permanent. When used to verify clearances, such as checking valve clearance in an engine, shims can be temporary.

Shims are used in a wide range of industries, and their uses include aligning parts throughout repairs, while filling openings between components, among other uses. These applications and industries also include:

 

Aerospace: In the aerospace sector, precise tolerances are needed for positioning components in order for repairs to be successful. This is where shims come into use, namely variants that are effective against corrosion.

Automotive: Bronze/brass shims can be used for changing valve clearances and levelling spaces in the middle of parts.

Oil & Gas: Shims are used in pumps and motors to meet tolerances while levelling components.

Medical devices: Shims allow implanted medical devices, prosthetics, and surgical robots to achieve the precise tolerances required.

Marine: In the maritime sector, corrosion-resistant stainless steel and brass shims are utilised for levelling applications.

 

In addition to providing shim stock, PP Shim also offers custom shim fabrication and design services to create custom precision shims.

Stainless steel shim stock is the most common material used for shims due to its strength, hardness, and resistance to corrosion. Available in sheets or rolls, the shim stock is cut to fabricate stainless steel shims and washers which are used to fill gaps between surfaces, equipment, and fastenings.

Grade 304: Grade 304 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel alloy having the same chromium and nickel content as 302, but with a maximum carbon level of 0.08%. Stainless steel 304 is utilised for appliances, commercial food processing surfaces and equipment, outdoor constructions, plumbing, piping, cookware, plus fasteners because of its exceptional corrosion resistance.

Grade 316: Stainless steel 316 has high quantities of chromium and nickel, as well as a high degree of molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance. Chemical production, maritime activities, oil and gas refineries, and medical equipment all benefit from its corrosion resistance in extreme environments.

Stainless steel metal shims have has a variety of advantages depending on the quality, including:

 

Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Due to their high chromium content, stainless steel shims are ideal for industrial applications because they are extremely resistant to corrosion in both oxygenated and non-oxygenated conditions.

Pleasing Aesthetic: Stainless steel has a great visual appeal due to its shiny surface finish. After manufacturing, it can be polished to produce the required quality.

Easy Fabrication: Stainless steel shims can be cut from sheets using a variety of processes, including laser and waterjet cutting, stamping, CNC machining, and more.

Long Service Life: Stainless steel is the ideal choice in applications needing a long operational life due to its corrosion resistance and the fact that it is more durable than other shim materials.

Easy to Clean and Sterilise: Stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and can tolerate repeated washing and sterilisation, making it excellent for applications in the medical plus food sectors that require high levels of cleanliness.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: When compared to other materials, austenitic stainless steel grades are cold worked, resulting in greater strength and reduced material thickness.

100% Recyclable: Stainless steel can be recycled repeatedly. Remelted scrap parts account for more than half of new stainless steel components, saving money and resources.

Applications that demand strong corrosion resistance under extreme working conditions utilise stainless steel shims, such as:

 

• Metal fabrication
• Tool and die spacing and alignment
• Spring clips, retainers, and washers
• Equipment alignment
• Medical and surgical devices and tools
• Food and beverage processing
• Machine repair and maintenance
• Pump and motor mounts
• Prototyping equipment

Brass shims are used in applications where low friction is needed, where heat or electricity needs to be conducted, in extreme environments where corrosion resistance is necessary, or as a decorative finish.

Low Friction; electrical and heat conductor: Brass is a soft metal with minimal friction, making it an excellent choice for situations where sparking is a concern. Brass is also an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.

Corrosion Resistant Shims: Due to being corrosion-resistant, brass shims are commonly used in marine environments for tuning and pipework. Brass has demonstrated excellent resilience in settings involving gasoline, alcohol, fuel, and oil.

High Malleability: Because of their softness and low melting point, brass shims are ideal for a wide range of applications, especially in machinery. They may be used to achieve precise alignments, level surfaces, fill gaps, and more.

Recyclable: Brass is readily recyclable since it is not ferromagnetic. It can be easily separated from other metals using a magnet since it lacks magnetic properties.

Antimicrobial: Brass has antibacterial qualities since it is a copper alloy. Copper naturally kills microorganisms, making it a desirable choice for shims in industries that require sterility, such as the medical and food industries.

Copper shims are thin pieces of copper used to fill gaps between surfaces, equipment plus fastenings, and can also be used to achieve a decorative finish. Due to the corrosion resistance, malleability, heat and electrical conductivity and the aesthetic surface of copper shims, they are used in a range of applications such as heat sinks, switches, terminals, connectors, transformers, and gaskets.

Corrosion-resistant: As copper is a corrosion-resistant metal, it is a metal suitable for high-moisture applications including plumbing, roofing, and outdoor use.

Ductile and Malleable: Copper is one of the easiest metals to connect and fabricate. It is resistant to breaking and can bend into a variety of forms, making it ideal for industrial, architectural, and automotive applications.

Slotted shims come in a range of forms and may be used for a number of applications. An open, generally U-shaped slot is a common feature. They may be used as conventional spacers or can be placed around existing bolts and screws. Some slotted shims have tabs on them to make insertion easier.

Slotted shims are utilised on assembled machine components to maximise alignment and balance. Slotted shims are great for delivering consistent alignment and preventing costly equipment damage.

A plastic shim is a prefabricated plastic component used to level or hold up space in construction applications ranging from precast concrete panels to kitchen cabinet alignment. They provide complete resistance against rot and rust while serving a crucial function in providing a gap in a joint or supporting an object.

Plastic shims are used to level areas, fill in gaps for flat surfaces, give more clearance space between components and high tolerance assemblies, as well as a variety of other industrial purposes.

Plastic shims are more durable and stronger than wood, as well as lighter and less expensive than metal shims.

Plastic shims are made of a tough polypropylene material that can withstand high compression and resist water expansion, plus deterioration from most chemicals.

Packing shims are manufactured plastic or metal components used for levelling or filling gaps, providing more clearance space between components and high tolerance assemblies, alongside a variety of other industrial applications.

Packing shims are used in a variety of applications and industries. They serve the purpose of levelling or filling gaps, providing more clearance space between components and achieving high tolerance assemblies.

Plastic packers are manufactured from a durable polypropylene material, allowing them to withstand a range of extreme conditions without being damaged.

Packers and shims are small pieces of plastic and metal that come in a range of predetermined thicknesses. They are used for filling in gaps, providing more clearance space between components and achieving high tolerance assemblies.

Our stainless steel, mild steel and brass shims range from 0.050mm to 0.508mm thicknesses. Our copper shims range from 0.10mm to 0.25mm and our plastic shims range from 0.025mm to 1.50mm. Our plastic shims come in varying thicknesses, ranging from 0.025mm to 1.50mm and are colour coded for easy identification. We also offer custom shims.

Shims are available in various materials and sizes, being made from metal including stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, and copper, as well as plastic.

Stainless steel shims can be used for a variety of applications such as levelling and aligning machinery, filling in gaps, and are also used as packers plus gaskets.

Shims are thin strips of metal that are used to level and align machinery, fill in gaps and can be used as packers as well as gaskets.

A shim kit is a set of assorted shims that are used for aligning and levelling equipment. PP Shim’s stainless steel shim kit offers a combination of popular shim dimensions and thicknesses.