Slotted shim washers provide a fast, practical solution for spacing and alignment where dismantling machinery would increase downtime and cost. Designed with a precision-cut slot, these washers can be installed or removed without fully withdrawing bolts or shafts. At Stephens Gaskets, we manufacture high-quality slotted shim washers in a wide range of materials, thicknesses, and profiles to suit demanding industrial environments.
With more than 70 years of experience producing shims, washers, and gaskets, we understand how dimensional accuracy and material performance directly affect machine reliability and service life.
What Are Slotted Shim Washers?
A slotted shim washer is a precision washer featuring an open slot that allows it to slide into position around an existing fastener. This design makes it ideal for alignment adjustments, spacing corrections, and machinery set-up where full disassembly would be time-consuming or impractical.
They are typically used for:
- Correcting alignment issues.
- Compensating for wear or tolerance variations.
- Reducing movement between components.
- Improving fixture adjustment accuracy.
Why Use Slotted Shim Washers?
Unnecessary gaps between machine components can cause vibration, friction, and accelerated wear. Over time, this reduces performance and may compromise safety.
By installing a correctly sized slotted shim washer, engineers can:
- Eliminate unwanted movement.
- Improve component stability.
- Reduce friction and wear.
- Extend machinery lifespan.
- Restore operational efficiency.
The slotted design ensures these adjustments can be made quickly and safely.
Available Materials for Slotted Shim Washers
At Stephens Gaskets, slotted shim washers are manufactured in multiple materials to suit different environments and performance requirements.
Common materials include:
- Stainless steel for corrosion resistance and durability.
- Carbon steel for high strength applications.
- Brass for non-sparking and conductive environments.
- Aluminium for lightweight applications.
- Plastic for electrical insulation and corrosion resistance.
- Rubber for cushioning and vibration damping.
Material selection is based on load, environment, and adjustment requirements.
Stainless Steel Slotted Shim Washers
Stainless steel remains one of the most popular materials for slotted shim washers due to its strength and resistance to corrosion. It is particularly suited to washdown environments, outdoor applications, and industrial settings where long-term durability is essential.
Bespoke Slotted Shim Washer Manufacturing
While standard sizes are available, many applications require custom solutions. Stephens Gaskets specialises in bespoke slotted shim washer manufacturing.
We can supply:
- Custom internal and external dimensions.
- Tight thickness tolerances.
- Prototype quantities or high-volume production.
- Rapid turnaround for urgent breakdown situations.
Our precision cutting processes ensure consistent quality across every batch.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets for Slotted Shim Washers?
Customers choose Stephens Gaskets because we combine material expertise with precision manufacturing capability.
Working with us gives you:
- One of the UK’s most experienced shim manufacturers.
- Wide material availability.
- Bespoke slotted shim washer production.
- ISO 9001-certified quality systems.
- Fast quotation and rapid production turnaround.
We support maintenance teams, OEMs, and engineers across industrial and heavy-duty sectors.
FAQs
1. What are slotted shim washers used for?
Slotted shim washers are used for spacing, alignment, and fixture adjustment without fully removing fasteners or dismantling machinery.
2. Why choose slotted shim washers instead of solid washers?
Slotted shim washers allow faster installation and adjustment, reducing downtime and labour costs during maintenance.
3. What materials are available for slotted shim washers?
They can be manufactured from stainless steel, carbon steel, brass, aluminium, plastic, and rubber depending on application requirements.
4. Are stainless steel slotted shim washers corrosion resistant?
Yes. Stainless steel offers excellent resistance to rust and corrosion, making it ideal for harsh or wet environments.
5. Can Stephens Gaskets manufacture custom slotted shim washers?
Yes. We manufacture bespoke slotted shim washers in custom sizes, thicknesses, and materials with rapid turnaround times.
Speak to a Slotted Shim Specialist
If you require precision slotted shim washers for alignment or maintenance applications, speak directly with Stephens Gaskets.
Our team will help you specify and manufacture a solution that delivers durability, accuracy, and reduced downtime.
Contact Our Team
Phone: +44 (0)121 544 5808
Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk to discuss your requirements.
Visit Our Website
Address: Stephens Gaskets Ltd, 19 Hainge Road, Tividale, Oldbury, West Midlands B69 2NR.