In modern engineering, precision is not just a preference — it’s a performance standard.
From aerospace turbines to automotive gearboxes, even a minor dimensional deviation can lead to inefficiency, vibration, or complete mechanical failure.
That’s why, at Stephens Gaskets, our custom shim washer production is built on one principle: accuracy you can measure in microns.
Each washer we manufacture plays a vital role in mechanical alignment, spacing, and stability, ensuring every component works in perfect harmony.
For more than 70 years, Stephens Gaskets has combined craftsmanship with advanced technology to deliver shims that engineers across the world trust.
What Are Custom Shim Washers?
Custom shim washers are precision-engineered spacers designed to fill small gaps or create alignment between two mating surfaces.
They are used in countless mechanical assemblies, providing the perfect fit and maintaining critical tolerances under pressure.
Unlike standard washers, custom shims are manufactured to exact specifications — tailored in thickness, diameter, and material to suit your specific engineering requirements.
Shim washers can:
- Compensate for production tolerances
- Correct misalignment between components
- Absorb vibration and noise
- Prevent friction and wear between surfaces
- Improve system performance and reliability
Every washer we produce is designed with one purpose — to maintain performance precision where it matters most.
The Importance of Precision Manufacturing
In engineering, precision isn’t optional. It’s essential to safety, performance, and durability.
A fraction of a millimetre in tolerance variation can mean the difference between a smooth-running assembly and a costly breakdown.
At Stephens Gaskets, our commitment to precision is backed by cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities. We use:
- Laser cutting for ultra-fine accuracy and prototyping flexibility.
- Press tooling for efficient, high-volume production.
- CNC machining for complex profiles and exact repeatability.
Each process is completed under our ISO 9001:2015-certified quality system, guaranteeing consistent accuracy across every production run.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Application
Selecting the right material for your shim washers is crucial to performance, longevity, and safety. Stephens Gaskets offers a wide range of materials to suit every engineering need.
- Stainless Steel: Ideal for durability and corrosion resistance. It’s the top choice for aerospace, medical, and food processing applications.
- Brass: Known for its anti-corrosive and non-sparking properties. Commonly used in marine and electrical environments.
- Copper: Excellent for heat and electrical conductivity, making it perfect for electronics, transformers, and thermal systems.
- Aluminium: Lightweight and cost-effective, often used in transport, motorsport, and energy sectors where weight saving is essential.
- Plastic (PTFE or Nylon): Offers insulation, non-magnetic properties, and chemical resistance. Used in medical and non-metallic applications.
Every washer we produce is fully traceable, giving engineers confidence in quality, compliance, and material authenticity.
Industries That Depend on Custom Shim Washers
Shim washers may be small, but their impact spans multiple industries:
- Aerospace: Used in turbines, engines, and landing systems where precision alignment is mission-critical.
- Automotive: Found in transmissions, brakes, and steering systems to ensure balance, accuracy, and safety.
- Marine: Prevents corrosion and misalignment in harsh saltwater conditions.
- Energy: Used in turbines, pumps, and power systems to maintain performance under thermal and pressure changes.
- Precision Engineering: Supports robotic systems, measuring instruments, and specialist manufacturing where tolerance defines success.
Each washer is engineered to exacting standards so that you can rely on consistent results — every time.
The Stephens Gaskets Difference
As one of the UK’s longest-standing shim manufacturers, Stephens Gaskets offers unmatched experience and technical expertise.
We pride ourselves on:
- Over seven decades of manufacturing heritage.
- In-house tooling and CAD design support.
- Rapid prototyping for research and development projects.
- Large-scale production capacity.
- End-to-end traceability and certification.
Our approach combines traditional precision engineering values with modern efficiency — ensuring every client receives washers built to exact specification, delivered on time, every time.
Quality Control and Certification
Every washer we produce undergoes rigorous testing and inspection. Our quality management system ensures that each component meets the highest standards for dimensional accuracy, material integrity, and performance reliability.
Key checks include:
- Material inspection and verification.
- Thickness and flatness measurement.
- Edge finishing and surface inspection.
- Documentation for full batch traceability.
Our commitment to precision extends beyond manufacturing — it’s built into every stage of our process.
Why Precision Matters in Practice
When a mechanical assembly operates under high load, extreme heat, or vibration, even a small dimensional error can lead to inefficiency or failure.
A poorly fitted shim could cause uneven load distribution, wear on surrounding components, and unexpected maintenance downtime.
A precision-made shim, however, ensures perfect mechanical balance — reducing energy loss, improving performance, and extending equipment lifespan.
That’s why engineers across aerospace, automotive, and industrial sectors continue to trust Stephens Gaskets for accurate, dependable, and certified shim production.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What’s the difference between a custom and a standard shim washer?
A: Custom washers are made to your specific dimensions, tolerances, and materials, ensuring perfect compatibility. Standard washers are mass-produced and may not deliver the precision required for high-performance systems.
Q2: What tolerances can Stephens Gaskets achieve?
A: Depending on material and geometry, our production methods can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.005mm.
Q3: Can Stephens Gaskets handle both prototypes and large orders?
A: Yes — we offer both low-volume prototypes and full-scale production to support every stage of your project.
Q4: Do you offer surface finishing or protective coatings?
A: Yes, we provide polishing, plating, and corrosion-resistant coatings to enhance durability and performance.
Q5: What industries typically use custom shim washers?
A: Aerospace, automotive, energy, marine, and precision manufacturing are our most common sectors, but our washers are used across all mechanical engineering industries.
For world-class precision and performance, partner with Stephens Gaskets — the UK’s leading custom shim washer manufacturer.
📞 Call 0121 544 5808
✉️ sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk
🌐 Visit www.stephensgaskets.co.uk