Slotted Shims
Custom Gaskets for Every Application
Stephens Gaskets is Your Reliable Supplier for Slotted Shims
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Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Global Leaders in Shim Solutions
As a trusted provider of shim solutions, we serve OEMs and businesses globally.
At Stephens Gaskets, we are a proud supplier of Slotted Shims that can be custom made to meet the needs of our customers. Moreover, our experienced team is equipped with the latest technology and machinery to manufacture high-quality washers that are built to last.
If you’re seeking high-quality Slotted Shims with a quick turnaround, look no further.
Our reputation as the best in the business is well-deserved. With over 70 years of experience delivering top-notch products that meet both your budget and timeline. Our commitment to quality and efficiency is unwavering.
What are Slotted Shims?
Slotted shims are thin, flat pieces of material, usually metal or plastic, that have slots or perforations in them. They are used primarily for alignment or spacing purposes in various mechanical applications, such as machinery, equipment, or construction.
The slots in slotted shims allow for precise adjustment of their thickness. By sliding one shim over another, or by stacking multiple shims together, you can achieve the desired thickness needed for alignment or leveling. This makes them useful for compensating for variations in machinery or equipment mounting surfaces, ensuring proper alignment and functionality.
Slotted shims come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different needs, and they are commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and construction.
What are the applications of Slotted Shims?
Slotted shims have a wide range of applications across various industries due to their versatility and ability to provide precise adjustment and alignment. Some common applications include:
Machinery Alignment:
Slotted shims are used to align and level machinery such as motors, pumps, turbines, and shafts. They help ensure that rotating components are properly aligned to minimize wear and vibration, thus improving efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.
Equipment Installation:
During the installation of large equipment or machinery, slotted shims are often used to compensate for uneven surfaces or to achieve the desired alignment. This ensures that the equipment operates smoothly and accurately.
Construction:
In construction projects, slotted shims are used to level and align structural components such as steel beams, columns, and frames. They help ensure that the building’s structure is stable and meets design specifications.
Automotive:
Slotted shims are used in automotive applications for adjusting the alignment of components such as suspension systems, brake systems, and engine mounts. They help optimize vehicle performance and ensure proper functionality.
Aerospace:
In aerospace manufacturing and maintenance, slotted shims are used to align critical components in aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. Precision alignment is crucial for safety and performance in these applications.
HVAC Systems:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems often require precise alignment and leveling of components such as ductwork, fans, and compressors. Slotted shims are used to achieve proper alignment and ensure efficient operation.
Machine Tooling:
Slotted shims are commonly used in machine tool setups to adjust the position and alignment of cutting tools, workpieces, and fixtures. This helps maintain accuracy and precision in machining operations.
Electronics Manufacturing:
In electronics manufacturing, slotted shims are used for aligning and spacing components on circuit boards or electronic assemblies. They help ensure proper alignment and solder joint integrity.
Overall, slotted shims play a critical role in various industries where precise alignment, leveling, and adjustment are required to maintain functionality, reliability, and performance of mechanical and structural systems.
Looking for a Slotted Shims Supplier?
Stephens Gaskets is a leading supplier of high-quality Slotted Shims. With over 70 years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of the needs of our customers. We commit ourselves to providing top-notch products and services for companies nation wide.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our Slotted Shims and how we can help you with your next project.
How to choose Slotted Shim material?
Choosing the right material for slotted shims depends on several factors including the application requirements, environmental conditions, and the properties of the materials available. Here are some considerations to help you select the appropriate material for slotted shims:
Load Bearing Capacity:
Consider the amount of weight or load that the shim will need to support. Choose a material that can withstand the anticipated loads without deforming or failing.
Corrosion Resistance:
If the shims will be exposed to moisture, chemicals, or other corrosive substances, select a material that offers good corrosion resistance. Stainless steel or plastic shims are often chosen for their corrosion-resistant properties.
Temperature Stability:
Determine the temperature range that the shims will be subjected to in the application environment. Ensure that the selected material can maintain its mechanical properties within this temperature range.
Machinability:
Some applications may require the shims to be machined or customized to fit specific dimensions. Choose a material that is easy to machine and work with, such as aluminum or plastic.
Cost:
Consider the cost-effectiveness of the material, taking into account factors such as initial material cost, machining costs (if applicable), and long-term durability. Balance the cost with the performance requirements of the application.
Electrical Insulation:
In applications where electrical insulation is required, choose non-conductive materials such as plastic or composite shims to prevent electrical conductivity and potential shorts.
Chemical Compatability:
If the shims will come into contact with certain chemicals or fluids, ensure that the material is compatible with these substances to prevent degradation or chemical reactions.
Availability:
Consider the availability of the chosen material in the required thicknesses and sizes. Some materials may be readily available in standard sizes, while others may require custom fabrication.
Common materials used for slotted shims include:
– Stainless Steel: Offers good corrosion resistance and strength.
– Aluminum: Lightweight and easy to machine, suitable for non-corrosive environments.
– Brass: Provides good machinability and corrosion resistance.
– Plastic (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene): Non-conductive, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant.
– Carbon Steel: Provides high strength but may be susceptible to corrosion without proper coating or plating.
Ultimately, the selection of slotted shim material should be based on a careful assessment of the specific requirements and conditions of the application to ensure optimal performance and durability.
What material is appropriate for industrial slotted shim applications?
Choosing the appropriate material for slotted shims depends on the specific requirements of the industrial application. Here’s a breakdown of suitable materials for various industrial applications:
Stainless Steel
Machinery Alignment:
Stainless steel shims are commonly used in machinery alignment applications due to their excellent corrosion resistance and high strength. They can withstand heavy loads and provide long-term durability.
Aerospace:
Stainless steel shims are also suitable for aerospace applications where corrosion resistance, strength, and reliability are essential.
Aluminum
Construction:
Aluminum shims are often used in construction applications where weight is a concern, such as in structural steel framing. They are lightweight and easy to install, making them ideal for leveling and alignment.
Automotive:
Aluminum shims are used in automotive applications for components like suspension systems, where weight reduction is critical without compromising strength.
Brass
Machine Tooling:
Brass shims are commonly used in machine tool setups due to their excellent machinability. They can be easily customized to fit specific dimensions and provide reliable support for cutting tools and fixtures.
Electronics Manufacturing:
Brass shims are suitable for electronic applications where electrical conductivity is not a concern but machinability and corrosion resistance are desired.
Plastic (Polyethylene, Polypropylene)
HVAC Systems:
Plastic shims are often used in HVAC systems for leveling and aligning components like ductwork and fans. They are lightweight, non-conductive, and resistant to moisture and corrosion, making them suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Electronics Manufacturing:
Plastic shims are also used in electronics manufacturing for spacing and alignment of components on circuit boards. They provide electrical insulation and are easy to work with.
Carbon Steel
Heavy Machinery:
Carbon steel shims are suitable for heavy machinery applications where high strength and load-bearing capacity are required. They provide reliable support for large equipment and machinery components.
When selecting the appropriate material for slotted shims, it’s important to consider factors such as load-bearing capacity, corrosion resistance, temperature stability, machinability, electrical conductivity, and cost. By matching the material properties to the specific requirements of the industrial application, you can ensure optimal performance and longevity of the shims.
Need Guidance on Slotted Shims?
Stephens Gaskets is a leading supplier of high-quality Slotted Shims. With over 70 years of experience in the industry, we have a deep understanding of the needs of our customers. We commit ourselves to providing top-notch products and services for companies nation wide.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about our Slotted Shims and how we can help you with your next project.
How Stephens Gaskets Manufacture Slotted Shims
At Stephens Gaskets we manufacture Slotted Shims using both modern and traditional manufacturing techniques.
We use both laser, press tooling and guillotines to produce slotted shims.
Our slotted shims are manufactured to drawings, customer dimensions, samples and our own stock range we have developed over the 70 years we have been established.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets for Manufacture and Supply of Slotted Shims?
Stephens Gaskets offers both standard off the shelf slotted shims and bespoke made to order shims. We offer rapid quotation time and lead time of manufacture.
We work to ISO9001 standards and offer 1st class quality slotted shims in all available materials. We can cater for the most complex of requirements.
For more information please call on 0121 544 5808 or email sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk