Precision is critical wherever alignment, spacing, or load distribution matters. Steel shim stock plays a vital role in achieving accurate tolerances, extending equipment life, and ensuring safe, reliable operation. At Stephens Gaskets, we manufacture and supply high-quality steel shim stock for engineering, industrial, and maintenance applications across the UK.
With over 70 years of experience supplying shims, washers, and gaskets, we support engineers and buyers who need dependable materials, consistent thickness, and fast access to both standard and bespoke shim solutions.
What Is Steel Shim Stock?
Steel shim stock is thin, flat material used to adjust clearances, correct alignment, and compensate for wear in mechanical assemblies. It allows precise positioning of components where machining tolerances alone are not sufficient.
Steel shim stock is commonly supplied in sheet or strip form and can be cut or fabricated to suit specific applications. Its strength and dimensional stability make it ideal for demanding environments where accuracy must be maintained under load.
Why Steel Shim Stock Is Used in Engineering Applications
Shims are often overlooked, yet the wrong shim material or thickness can compromise performance, accelerate wear, or lead to equipment failure. Steel shim stock is widely specified because it offers:
- Excellent strength and durability.
- Consistent thickness control.
- Resistance to deformation under load.
- Suitability for high-temperature environments.
- Long service life in demanding conditions.
When specified correctly, steel shim stock improves assembly accuracy, reduces vibration, and protects critical components.
Steel Shim Materials Available
Different applications require different material properties. At Stephens Gaskets, we supply steel shim stock in a range of grades to suit varied operating conditions.
Common options include:
- Carbon steel shim stock for general engineering use.
- Stainless steel shim stock for corrosion resistance.
- Spring steel shim stock for applications requiring resilience and recovery.
Stainless steel shims are particularly beneficial in corrosive, biological, or chemically aggressive environments, while high-carbon and spring steels are often chosen for load-bearing or high-stress applications.
Applications for Steel Shim Stock
Steel shim stock is used across a wide range of industries where precision matters.
Typical applications include:
- Machinery alignment and levelling.
- Bearing and shaft positioning.
- Tooling and die setting.
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations.
- Industrial plant and production equipment.
By selecting the correct steel grade and thickness, engineers can achieve repeatable accuracy and long-term reliability.
Bespoke Steel Shim Stock and Custom Shims
While standard shim sizes suit many requirements, some applications demand a tailored solution. Stephens Gaskets offers a bespoke shim manufacturing service, producing steel shims to exact specifications.
We can supply:
- Custom thicknesses and tolerances.
- Precision-cut shim washers and profiles.
- Small prototype quantities or large production volumes.
Our modern manufacturing equipment allows us to deliver fast turnaround without compromising accuracy or material quality.
Quality Assurance and Manufacturing Expertise
Stephens Gaskets has been manufacturing and supplying shims for over five decades. All steel shim stock is supplied under ISO 9001-certified quality systems, ensuring consistency, traceability, and confidence in every order.
Our experience and stockholding capability allow us to support urgent requirements while maintaining strict quality standards.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets for Steel Shim Stock?
Customers choose Stephens Gaskets because we combine material expertise with responsive service.
Working with us gives you:
- One of the largest ranges of steel shim stock in the UK.
- Access to experienced technical support.
- Reliable UK-based supply.
- Fast turnaround on bespoke shim requirements.
- Consistent quality across repeat orders.
We support customers across engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, and industrial sectors nationwide.
FAQs
1. Where can I buy steel shim stock in the UK?
You can buy steel shim stock directly from Stephens Gaskets. We supply a wide range of carbon steel, stainless steel, and spring steel shim stock to customers across the UK.
2. What is the best steel shim stock for high-temperature applications?
High-carbon steel and stainless steel shim stock are commonly used in high-temperature environments due to their strength and resistance to deformation.
3. Can Stephens Gaskets supply custom steel shims?
Yes. We specialise in bespoke steel shim manufacturing and can produce shims to exact thicknesses, dimensions, and profiles based on your requirements.
4. What industries use steel shim stock?
Steel shim stock is widely used in engineering, manufacturing, maintenance, tooling, automotive, and industrial plant applications where precision alignment is required.
5. How do I request a quote for steel shim stock?
To request a quote, contact Stephens Gaskets with your material, thickness, quantity, and application details. Our team will provide a tailored quotation and lead time.
Speak to a Shim Stock Specialist
If you are sourcing reliable steel shim stock in the UK, speak directly with Stephens Gaskets.
Our specialists will help you select the right material and provide a solution that delivers long-term accuracy and performance.
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.