At Stephens Gaskets, we’ve built a reputation for excellence over more than four decades in precision manufacturing. As one of the UK’s leading shim, washer, and gasket suppliers, we support clients across countless industries — from engineering and aerospace to food processing and automotive. One of our most popular and versatile products is our aluminium shim stock.
In this guide, we explore the unique properties of aluminium, its suitability for various applications, and how our team supports clients with both standard and custom aluminium shims.
Choosing the Right Shim Material
Every project is different. Selecting the best shim material depends on several operational factors, including:
- Working temperature
- Exposure to chemicals or moisture
- Pressure levels
- Environmental conditions
At Stephens Gaskets, we offer over ten different shim materials. Our team is always on hand to guide you through the selection process — helping you choose a material that delivers on both durability and performance.
Why Aluminium Shim Stock?
1. Corrosion Resistance
Aluminium naturally forms a protective oxide layer, making it highly corrosion resistant. This is particularly valuable in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or frequent washdowns.
2. Lightweight Strength
As a lightweight shim material, aluminium offers the strength of metal without the weight. This makes it ideal for aerospace, automotive, and any system where reducing weight is critical to efficiency.
3. Low Reactivity
Aluminium’s low reactivity makes it suitable for sensitive applications — especially in the food and drink processing industry where chemical resistance and cleanliness are essential.
4. Ease of Customisation
With excellent workability, aluminium can be cut into intricate shapes without losing its structural integrity. This makes it perfect for laser cut shim stock and complex machine assemblies.
Applications of Aluminium Shim Stock
Aluminium shims are used across a variety of industrial applications, including:
- Machine assemblies – For accurate alignment and load distribution
- Tool and die setups – Ensuring precise tool positioning
- Prototyping – For trial-and-error fitting before final production
Whether you’re retrofitting equipment or building something new, aluminium is often the ideal material for achieving consistent, long-term performance.
Custom Aluminium Shims
At Stephens Gaskets, we understand that no two jobs are the same. That’s why we offer a bespoke shim service using powerful laser cutters for tight tolerances and unique sizes. Whether you need:
- A one-off prototype
- High-volume production
- Precision shims for critical fit
We tailor every order to your exact needs — with fast turnaround and expert quality assurance throughout.
FAQs
Why choose aluminium over other shim materials?
Aluminium is corrosion-resistant, lightweight, easy to machine, and suitable for a wide range of applications. It’s especially useful where weight matters.
Can I order shims in custom shapes or thicknesses?
Yes. Stephens Gaskets specialises in custom aluminium shims using precision laser cutting technology.
Are aluminium shims suitable for food industry use?
Absolutely. Aluminium’s low reactivity makes it safe for food processing applications, provided it meets the project’s hygiene standards.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. We offer nationwide delivery and fast lead times on both stock and custom orders.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for versatile, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight shim material, aluminium shim stock is a reliable and proven solution. At Stephens Gaskets, we offer both standard and bespoke laser cut shim stock to suit a wide range of industrial needs.
With decades of industry experience, a commitment to quality, and the capacity for custom manufacturing, we’re proud to be your trusted UK aluminium shim stock partner.
Contact Us
📞 Tel: 0121 720 8512
Let Stephens Gaskets help you choose the right shim for the job — engineered for accuracy, performance, and reliability.