Frequently Asked Questions

Metal shims are thin metal strips used to close gaps and achieve high tolerances in assemblies. They can be cut from shim stock using methods like laser cutting or water jetting.

Metal shim stock refers to rolls or sheets of metal, such as stainless steel, brass, or copper, which can be fabricated into custom shims in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses for various applications.

Shim plates are typically made from stainless steel and used in industrial applications to level areas, fill gaps, and provide clearance between components or high-tolerance assemblies.

Metal shims are versatile tools used for adjustments and support in various applications. They are ideal for modifying clearances, tolerances, alignments, and filling gaps between worn parts.

Common uses for metal shims include:

Filling gaps: Shims fill gaps to create level surfaces and prevent part wear.

Levelling objects: Metal or plastic shims align areas by positioning between objects.

Adjusting clearance: Shims reduce clearance between components for precise fit.

Vehicle manufacturing: Steel shims adjust valve clearance in car parts.

Plumbing repairs: Shims help align pipes during installations.

Computer manufacturing: Aluminium or copper shims protect CPUs by spacing heat sinks

1. To determine the correct size and thickness of the shim, use heavy-thickness feeler gauges. In some cases, stacking shims may be necessary to achieve the right height, and the environment must be considered.
2. You can use pre-cut shims or cut individual shims from a shim sheet. PP Shim Co offers custom shim-cutting services. Once ready, slot the shims into place to proceed with your work.
3. Cut individual shims from shim stock using metal shears for simple shapes. For more intricate shapes, PP Shim Co offers custom-cutting services.
4. Position the shim(s) in place and continue your work.

Shims can be either permanent or removable, depending on their type and application. When used to fill gaps or level items, they are typically permanent. For applications like verifying clearances, such as engine valve clearance, shims are often temporary.

Shims are widely used across various industries for tasks such as aligning parts during repairs and filling gaps between components. Key applications include:

Aerospace: Shims help achieve precise tolerances for component positioning, with corrosion-resistant variants.

Automotive: Bronze and brass shims are used for valve clearance adjustments and levelling parts.

Oil & Gas: Shims ensure correct tolerances in pumps and motors while levelling components.

Medical Devices: Shims enable precise tolerances in implanted devices, prosthetics, and surgical robots.

Marine: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel and brass shims are used for levelling in marine applications.

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

Stainless steel shim stock is commonly used for its strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Available in sheets or rolls, it is cut to create stainless steel shims and washers for filling gaps between surfaces, equipment, and fastenings.

Grade 304: Grade 304 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel alloy with 0.08% maximum carbon. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, it’s used in appliances, food processing equipment, plumbing, cookware, and outdoor construction.

Grade 316: Grade 316 stainless steel contains high chromium, nickel, and molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance. It’s ideal for chemical production, maritime applications, oil and gas refineries, and medical equipment in harsh environments.

Stainless steel metal shims offer several key advantages:

Corrosion Resistance: High chromium content makes them ideal for industrial use, resisting corrosion in both oxygenated and non-oxygenated environments.

Aesthetic Appeal: Stainless steel’s shiny surface can be polished to achieve a premium finish.

Ease of Fabrication: Can be cut using processes like laser cutting, waterjet cutting, stamping, and CNC machining.

Long Service Life: Durable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for long-term applications.

Easy to Clean: Resistant to corrosion, easily cleaned, and sterilised, perfect for medical and food sectors.

High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: Cold working increases strength, reducing material thickness.

Recyclable: 100% recyclable, reducing costs and conserving resources.

Stainless steel shims are essential for applications that require exceptional corrosion resistance in harsh working conditions, including:

• 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 ideal for applications requiring low friction, heat or electricity conduction, corrosion resistance in harsh environments, or as a decorative finish.

Low Friction, Electrical and Heat Conductor: Brass’s softness reduces friction, making it ideal where sparking is a concern. It is also an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.

Corrosion-Resistant: Brass shims are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for marine environments and applications involving gasoline, alcohol, fuel, and oil.

High Malleability: Brass’s softness and low melting point make it ideal for precise alignments, leveling surfaces, and filling gaps in machinery.

Recyclable: Brass is easily recyclable and non-ferromagnetic, allowing it to be separated from other metals using magnets.

Antimicrobial: Brass has natural antibacterial properties, making it a preferred material in industries requiring sterility, such as medical and food sectors.

Copper shims are thin pieces used to fill gaps between surfaces and equipment or for decorative finishes. Known for their corrosion resistance, malleability, and heat and electrical conductivity, copper shims are commonly used in heat sinks, switches, terminals, connectors, transformers, and gaskets.

Corrosion-resistant: Copper’s natural resistance to corrosion makes it ideal for high-moisture applications like plumbing, roofing, and outdoor use.

Ductile and Malleable: Copper is easily fabricated, resistant to breaking, and can bend into various forms, making it perfect for industrial, architectural, and automotive uses.

Slotted shims are available in various forms and are commonly used with an open, U-shaped slot. They function as spacers or can be placed around bolts and screws. Some feature tabs for easier insertion.

Slotted shims are used in assembled machine components to enhance alignment and balance, ensuring consistent positioning and preventing costly equipment damage.

A plastic shim is a pre-made component used to level or support spaces in applications like precast concrete panels and cabinet alignment. It resists rot and rust, providing essential gap filling or support in joints.

Plastic shims are used to level surfaces, fill gaps, increase clearance between components, and for various other industrial applications requiring high tolerance and precision.

Plastic shims are stronger and more durable than wood, yet lighter and more cost-effective compared to metal shims.

Made from tough polypropylene, plastic shims resist water expansion, chemical deterioration, and can withstand high compression.

Packing shims are plastic or metal components designed to level surfaces, fill gaps, and provide additional clearance between components and high-tolerance assemblies, as well as for various other industrial applications.

Packing shims are used across various industries to level surfaces, fill gaps, provide additional clearance between components, and achieve high-tolerance assemblies.

Plastic packers are made from durable polypropylene, enabling them to endure a variety of extreme conditions without sustaining damage.

Packers and shims are small plastic or metal pieces available in various predetermined thicknesses. They are used to fill gaps, provide clearance between components, and ensure high tolerance assemblies.

We offer shims in stainless steel, mild steel, and brass, ranging from 0.050mm to 0.508mm in thickness. Copper shims range from 0.10mm to 0.25mm, while plastic shims range from 0.025mm to 1.50mm and are colour-coded for easy identification. Custom shims are also available.

Shims come in various materials, including stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, copper, and plastic, and are available in different sizes.

Stainless steel shims are used for a wide range of applications, including levelling and aligning machinery, filling gaps, and as packers and gaskets.

Shims are thin metal strips designed to level, align machinery, fill gaps, and function as packers and gaskets.

A shim kit contains a selection of shims in various sizes and thicknesses, used for aligning and levelling equipment. PP Shim’s stainless steel shim kit includes commonly used dimensions and thicknesses.