Thin Shims
Thin Shims for Precision Alignment and Tolerance Control
Call 0121 544 5808 Today
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Bespoke Manufacturing
Instant Quote Service
Worldwide Delivery
Various Gauges/Thicknesses
Stephens Gaskets is a trusted Thin Shims manufacturer with over 70 years of experience. We supply precision-engineered shims used across industries to adjust gaps, align components, and maintain dimensional accuracy.
Our Thin Shims are available in a wide range of materials, sizes, and tolerances, ideal for critical applications in engineering, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
Why Choose Stephens Gaskets?
- UK-based manufacturing.
- ISO 9001-certified quality assurance.
- Fast turnaround on standard and custom orders.
- Extensive material options and thicknesses.
- CAD design support and technical consultancy.
What Are Thin Shims?
Thin shims are extremely thin spacers used to fill precise gaps between components. They improve alignment, reduce wear, and maintain tolerances without the need for re-machining.
Key Features:
- Thicknesses from microns to a few millimetres.
- Manufactured in stainless steel, brass, aluminium, plastics, and composites.
- Accurate to ±0.01 mm or better.
- Available in flat, slotted, laminated, or custom shapes.
Benefits of Thin Shims
1. Precision Alignment
Achieve micron-level spacing without modifying components.
2. Cost Efficiency
Avoid re-machining with fast, affordable tolerance corrections.
3. Time Savings
Quick adjustments reduce downtime and speed up maintenance.
4. Versatility
Available in multiple formats and stackable for on-site tuning.
5. Durability
Improve equipment lifespan by reducing vibration and mechanical stress.
6. Maintenance Friendly
Can be removed or replaced without dismantling full assemblies.
7. Lightweight
Ideal for aerospace, electronics, and tight-space applications.
8. Manufacturing Consistency
Improve repeatability and product uniformity in mass production.
Applications of Thin Shims
1. Engineering & Machinery
- Aligning motors, pumps, and gearboxes.
- Leveling machine beds and rotating equipment.
2. Automotive & Aerospace
- Valve shim adjustment.
- Suspension tuning.
- Transmission and axle spacing.
3. Tooling & Manufacturing
- Die height adjustments.
- CNC machine calibration.
- Fixture setups.
4. Construction
- Leveling windows and doors.
- Panel and structural alignment.
5. Electronics & Optics
- Preventing short circuits.
- Aligning sensitive or thermal-sensitive components.
Industry-Specific Materials
| Material | Benefits | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel (304/316) | Corrosion-resistant, high strength | Machinery, marine, aerospace |
| Brass or Bronze | Conductive, low friction | Automotive, electrical assemblies |
| Aluminium | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant | Aerospace, panels, electronics |
| Spring Steel | High tensile strength | Automotive, tooling, dynamic loads |
| Nylon, PTFE | Non-conductive, chemically inert | Electronics, chemical processing |
| Laminated Shims | Peelable layers for on-site adjustment | Tool and die, aircraft, prototyping |
| Polyimide (Kapton) | Heat-resistant and dielectric | Semiconductor, optics, insulation |
Solving Common Challenges with Thin Shims
1. Handling & Fragility
- Issue: Thin shims can bend, warp, or cut fingers during handling.
- Solution: We provide tabbed, deburred edges and safe-grip designs.
2. Difficult Installation
- Issue: Thin shims are hard to position in tight spaces.
- Solution: Custom slotted or pre-assembled kits ensure perfect fitment.
3. Inventory Complexity
- Issue: Stocking multiple shim types drives up costs.
- Solution: Laminated shims and custom kits reduce SKU count.
4. Material Deformation
- Issue: Soft materials creep or compress under load.
- Solution: We recommend high-performance materials like spring steel or stainless steel.
5. Excessive Stacking
- Issue: Over-stacked shims slip or compromise load distribution.
- Solution: Single-piece custom-cut shims solve the issue efficiently.
6. Corrosion Risk
- Issue: Metal shims corrode in harsh environments.
- Solution: Stainless steel, coated alloys, or corrosion-resistant plastics provide long-term durability.
FAQs
What are thin shims used for?
Thin shims are used for precise spacing, tolerance control, and alignment in machinery, automotive assemblies, aerospace systems, tooling setups, and electronics.
Can you supply custom sizes and shapes?
Yes. We offer slotted, tabbed, laminated, or fully custom shims to meet your exact specifications.
What materials are best for high-temperature environments?
Stainless steel, titanium, and Kapton are ideal for high-temperature or chemically aggressive conditions.
Do you offer laminated or peelable options?
Yes, laminated shims are available for field adjustments and setups requiring incremental thickness control.
What is your lead time?
Standard stock items ship within 2-3 working days. Custom orders typically dispatch in 5-7 working days.
Are your shims certified?
All shims are manufactured under ISO 9001-certified processes, with full traceability and documentation available.
About Stephens Gaskets
Stephens Gaskets is a leading UK-based Thin Shims Supplier, trusted by engineers across manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and electronics industries.
With in-house expertise, rapid response times, and CAD design support, we are here to help you solve tolerance, vibration, and alignment challenges with confidence.
With in-house expertise, rapid response times, and CAD design support, we are here to help you solve tolerance, vibration, and alignment challenges with confidence.
Call: 0121 544 5808 | Email: sales@stephensgaskets.co.uk