Stephens Gaskets are steel shim manufacturers developing products to meet the needs of our clients, supplying to many industries, including the engineering and automotive sectors. What are steel shims used for? Typically, they enhance machinery and other applications by either aligning components or reducing gaps between two parts.
Therefore, they play an integral role in the performance of a structure. In today’s article, we’re going to look into the key uses and benefits of steel shims to address how powerful these small elements can be. For over six decades, we have built our business on the notion of helping our customers save time and money. This is done by manufacturing metal parts that can instantly fix and optimise machinery. And with steel shims, it’s no exception.
What are steel shims used for?
As you can see above, a steel shim’s main purpose is to align or fill unwanted gaps within a piece of machinery or other contraption.
Alignment
An example of aligning two components could be levelling a motor and a shaft within a vehicle. So, by aligning such parts, there is a huge reduction of unwanted friction, noise or potential for damage or breakage.
Filling Gaps
When it comes to filling gaps, the design and manufacture of shims must be to specific dimensions. This ensures that both opposing parts are secured together again. Moreover, by filling gaps between two elements, you are eliminating the risk of movement, wear and tear, noise. In addition, reducing even detrimental damage to the surrounding parts or the machine itself.
Related: Pre-Cut Steel Shims Vs Manually Cutting: Which is Better?
What are a steel shim’s benefits?
Now that we’ve addressed what are steel shims used for, it’s vital to understand why. And there are a number of benefits, being such a versatile metal. Here’s an insight:
Long Lasting
Not only is a steel shim long-lasting, but the machine will also hold a longer lifespan when fitted with one. This type of shim has an immense amount of strength and durability, especially due to ours containing a large amount of chromium. This level of chromium produces a protective layer on the surface. This in turn, reduces the risk of corrosion and keeps the part fully formed and optimally performing for years.
Optimum Precision
Secondly, a steel shim gives us a much better opportunity of achieving precision. They offer a greater thickness than most other materials, and can, therefore, be in use for a wider range of purposes. By offering an undistorted and flat surface area, this thickness will be completely even throughout too.
Leading Steel Shim Manufacturers in the West Midlands
Looking for shims to suit your needs? You’re in the right place. Stephens Gaskets can create steel shims under the guidelines you deliver us. We will pre-cut the shims to your desired thickness and size, and deliver them in packs or cans sized at the amount you require.
Related: Pre Cut Shim Packs At Stephens Gaskets
Furthermore, if you’d like to learn more about our shims or other products and how we undergo batch production, get in touch with us today at sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk.