For more than seven decades, Stephens Gaskets has been one of the UK’s leading shim manufacturers, delivering precision components from our facility in the West Midlands.
Founded in 1947, we’ve built our reputation on craftsmanship, innovation, and reliability, supplying industries worldwide – from automotive and aerospace to marine and manufacturing.
We combine traditional engineering knowledge with state-of-the-art laser cutting and press tooling to produce shims, gaskets, and washers that meet the highest standards of accuracy and durability.
What We Manufacture
Our shims are precision-cut components designed to adjust clearances, align parts, and ensure accurate tolerances between mating surfaces.
We manufacture both standard and bespoke shims in a variety of materials, including:
- Stainless steel, mild steel, and brass.
- Aluminium and copper.
- Plastic, nylon, and PTFE.
- Foam, felt, and composite materials.
Whether you need a single prototype, a short run, or high-volume production, we deliver consistent results – every time.
Precision Laser Cutting and Bespoke Engineering
Stephens Gaskets was among the first UK shim manufacturers to integrate laser cutting technology into production.
Our advanced systems cut metals and polymers into complex shapes and thicknesses with micron-level accuracy, allowing for rapid prototyping and zero-burr finishes.
This precision cutting process ensures:
- Exact dimensional repeatability.
- Minimal material waste (for lower cost and sustainability).
- Short lead times on urgent orders.
- Clean, ready-to-fit components.
Every shim is produced under our ISO 9001:2015 quality system, guaranteeing traceable materials and verifiable performance.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets as Your Shim Partner
We’re not just a supplier – we’re a manufacturing partner trusted across the engineering supply chain.
- Established expertise: 70+ years in precision component manufacturing.
- Tailored production: Custom sizes, shapes, and materials to suit your design.
- Rapid delivery: UK and international shipping, with priority options for MRO projects.
- Sustainability commitment: Waste-minimising manufacturing processes and recyclable materials.
- Customer-first service: Dedicated engineers providing technical advice on material selection and tolerances.
Our goal is to help you reduce downtime, control costs, and improve mechanical performance.
Industries We Supply
Our precision-cut shims are used across a range of global industries:
1. Automotive
Engine calibration, gear alignment, and transmission assemblies.
2. Aerospace
Structural alignment and turbine spacing under high-temperature stress.
3. Marine
Corrosion-resistant components for propulsion and hydraulics.
4. Energy & Power
Alignment and insulation in generators and turbines.
5. Manufacturing & Robotics
Assembly jigs, presses, and high-speed automation systems.
Each application demands tight tolerance control – a standard we meet with every batch we produce.
Sustainability and Cost Efficiency
Our manufacturing process is designed to reduce waste, energy use, and environmental impact. By optimising material sheets and cutting paths, we reduce scrap by up to 30%.
The result?
Lower production costs and greener manufacturing – benefits we pass directly on to our customers.
Stephens Gaskets is also committed to recycling all offcuts and utilising UK-sourced materials to reduce transport emissions.
Quality You Can Measure
From design consultation to delivery, our quality assurance system ensures every shim meets specification.
We conduct rigorous checks on:
- Material hardness and composition.
- Flatness and thickness consistency.
- Edge finishing and burr removal.
- Surface cleanliness and dimensional accuracy.
All products are shipped with full batch traceability and certification upon request.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy precision shims directly from a UK manufacturer?
You can order directly from Stephens Gaskets – the UK’s longest-established shim manufacturer based in the West Midlands. We offer next-day delivery for stock items and fast turnaround for custom orders.
2. Do you manufacture bespoke laser-cut shims to drawing or CAD files?
Yes. Our engineering team produces custom shims from your technical drawings, with tolerances as fine as ±0.005 mm using laser or press-cutting methods.
3. What materials do you recommend for corrosion-resistant shims?
304 or 316 stainless steel and brass are ideal for corrosion-resistant applications, while PTFE or nylon offer non-metallic alternatives for insulation and chemical exposure.
4. Are Stephens Gaskets’ shims certified and traceable?
Every shim is manufactured under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001 certification, with full batch traceability and certificates of conformity supplied on request.
5. Can you supply bulk and prototype quantities?
Absolutely. We supply everything from one-off prototypes to high-volume runs, with rapid lead times for maintenance, repair, and production environments.
Conclusion
For precision shims built on 70 years of engineering excellence, trust Stephens Gaskets – the UK’s premier shim manufacturer.
Contact Stephens Gaskets
Phone: +44 (0)121 544 5808
Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk
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