In high-performance environments – where both thermal and electrical efficiency are critical – copper shim washers provide unmatched functionality. As a leading copper shim washers supplier, Stephens Gaskets supplies precision-manufactured shims that excel under demanding conditions, whether you’re working with motors, electronics, or heat-intensive systems.
This guide explains how copper’s natural properties make it an ideal material for shims. We’ll also explore common applications, available specifications, and why customisation is key to performance. Whether you’re looking to buy copper shims or need a bespoke solution, we’re here to help you make the right choice.
Why Choose Copper for Shim Washers?
Copper is one of the most thermally and electrically conductive materials available. This makes it the go-to material for industries that require:
- Superior heat transfer
- Low electrical resistance
- Excellent malleability and formability
- Corrosion resistance
When pressed into a washer or shim, copper helps dissipate heat, maintain contact, and conduct current efficiently – all while fitting snugly into tight assembly tolerances.
Key Benefits of Copper Shim Washers
1. Thermal Conductivity
Copper’s thermal conductivity is second only to silver. This makes copper shim washers ideal thermal conductive washers in applications where heat needs to be spread or dissipated.
2. Electrical Conductivity
Copper has low contact resistance, meaning energy flows efficiently through connections. In electrical assemblies, it prevents energy loss and overheating.
3. Precision Spacing
When you need exact spacing in assemblies, copper shim washers provide fine adjustments with the added benefit of thermal or electrical support.
4. Durability Under Stress
Copper resists deformation and corrosion, maintaining its shape and effectiveness even in harsh or high-vibration environments.
Applications for Copper Shim Washers
Our clients across the UK and internationally rely on copper washers for applications such as:
- Electrical motors and transformers.
- Heat sinks and cooling assemblies.
- Power distribution panels.
- Aerospace and automotive systems.
- Electronics and PCBs.
Whether you’re working with low-voltage devices or high-load current systems, copper is a reliable and versatile solution.
Standard and Custom Sizes Available
Stephens Gaskets supplies copper shim washers UK-wide in both standard and custom sizes. Options include:
- Thicknesses from 0.05mm to 2mm.
- Inside and outside diameters to suit British and international standards.
- Non-standard shapes such as slotted, tabbed, or oval.
- Custom specs made from drawings or reverse-engineering.
Need a unique shape or tight tolerance? Our custom copper shim washers are designed and manufactured to meet your exact needs.
Learn more about bespoke copper washers and the washer itself on our main copper landing page.
Why Go Custom?
While standard washers suit many applications, custom shims provide:
- A perfect fit in tight or irregular assemblies.
- Material control: choose between C101, C106 or other copper grades.
- Performance tuning: align thickness, spring force, and conductivity.
- Design freedom: create washers that fit around other components or fasteners.
As an experienced copper shim washers supplier, we manufacture to tolerances as fine as ±0.01mm and can finish your components with deburring, plating, or polishing where required.
The Stephens Gaskets Advantage
As a UK-based brass and copper washer manufacturer, Stephens Gaskets brings over 70 years of engineering experience to every order.
When you choose us as your copper shim washers supplier, you get:
- Made-to-order manufacturing.
- Expert technical guidance.
- UK production and fast lead times.
- ISO 9001-certified quality control.
- In-house cutting, stamping, and finishing.
We work across industries and understand the critical role of reliable, repeatable components in high-value systems.
When to Specify Copper Shim Washers
Not sure if copper is the right choice? Use copper washers when:
- Your assembly involves heat-sensitive components.
- You need high-conductivity materials for electrical circuits.
- You require thin yet strong spacers for tight-fitting assemblies.
- Your application demands custom profiles or tolerances.
And if your needs are unique, we’re ready to create a solution. Our team will help you design the perfect custom copper shim washer, no matter how niche your specification.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What grade of copper do you use?
We typically use C106 (phosphorus deoxidised copper), known for its excellent formability and conductivity. C101 and C110 are also available.
2. Can copper shim washers handle high temperatures?
Yes, copper performs exceptionally well in high-temperature environments, up to 300°C or more depending on the grade.
3. Do you offer small batch or prototype runs?
Absolutely. We support low-volume, high-precision projects as well as bulk production.
4. How quickly can I receive my order?
Standard items are usually dispatched within 24-48 hours. Bespoke orders typically take 3-5 working days, depending on complexity.
Final Thoughts: Reliability in Every Connection
In heat-intensive and electrically active systems, every component must perform perfectly – and copper shim washers deliver on both fronts.
Whether you’re managing temperature, controlling current, or spacing sensitive parts, Stephens Gaskets supplies high-quality thermal conductive washers you can depend on.
From standard sizes to custom copper shims, we’ve got the experience and capabilities to help you stay cool, connected, and compliant.