FAQs
Metal Shim FAQs
What is a metal shim?
Metal shims are thin metal strips used to close gaps and achieve high tolerances in assemblies. They can be cut from shim stock using methods like laser cutting or water jetting.
What is metal shim stock?
Metal shim stock refers to rolls or sheets of metal, such as stainless steel, brass, or copper, which can be fabricated into custom shims in different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses for various applications.
What is the purpose of a shim plate?
Shim plates are typically made from stainless steel and used in industrial applications to level areas, fill gaps, and provide clearance between components or high-tolerance assemblies.
What adjustments are metal shims used for?
Metal shims are versatile tools used for adjustments and support in various applications. They are ideal for modifying clearances, tolerances, alignments, and filling gaps between worn parts. Common uses for metal shims include:
- Filling gaps: Shims close spaces between components for a precise fit.
- Plumbing repairs: Shims help align pipes during installations.
- Computer manufacturing: Aluminium or copper shims protect CPUs by spacing heat sinks.
How should metal shims be used?
To determine the correct size and thickness of the shim, use heavy-thickness feeler gauges. In some cases, stacking shims may be necessary to achieve the right height, and the environment must be considered. Learn more about choosing the right shims for your application.
You can use pre-cut shims or cut individual shims from a shim sheet. At PP Shim, we offer custom shim-cutting services. Once ready, slot the shims into place to proceed with your work. Cut individual shims from shim stock using metal shears for simple shapes. Position the shim(s) in place and continue your work. For detailed guidance, see our guide on installing packers and shims for support.
Are shims intended to be permanent?
Shims can be either permanent or removable, depending on their type and application. When used to fill gaps or level items, they are typically permanent. For applications like verifying clearances, such as engine valve clearance, shims are often temporary.
Steel Shims FAQs
Which industries use shim stock?
Shims are widely used across various industries for tasks such as aligning parts during repairs and filling gaps between components. Key applications include:
- Aerospace: Shims help achieve precise tolerances for component positioning, with corrosion-resistant variants.
- Oil & Gas: Shims ensure correct tolerances in pumps and motors while levelling components.
- Medical devices: Shims enable precise tolerances in implanted devices, prosthetics, and surgical robots.
- Marine: Corrosion-resistant stainless steel and brass shims are used for levelling in marine applications.
In addition to shim stock, PP Shim offers custom shim fabrication and design services for precision shims.
What is stainless steel shim stock?
Stainless steel shim stock is commonly used for its strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. Available in sheets or rolls, it is cut to create stainless steel shims for filling gaps between surfaces, equipment, and fastenings.
What are the differences between the stainless steel grades?
Grade 304: Grade 304 stainless steel is an austenitic chromium-nickel alloy with 0.08% maximum carbon. Known for its excellent corrosion resistance, it is used in appliances, food processing equipment, plumbing, cookware, and outdoor structures.
Grade 316: Grade 316 stainless steel contains high chromium, nickel, and molybdenum for superior corrosion resistance. It is ideal for chemical production, maritime applications, oil and gas refineries, and medical equipment in harsh environments.
What are the advantages of stainless steel metal shims?
Stainless steel metal shims offer several key advantages:
- Corrosion resistance: High chromium content makes them ideal for industrial use, resisting corrosion in both oxygenated and non-oxygenated environments.
- Aesthetic appeal: Stainless steel’s shiny surface can be polished to achieve a premium finish.
- Ease of fabrication: Can be cut using processes like laser cutting, waterjet cutting, and CNC machining.
- Long service life: Durable and resistant to corrosion, making it ideal for long-term applications.
- Easy to clean: Resistant to corrosion, easily cleaned, and sterilised, perfect for medical and food sectors.
- High strength-to-weight ratio: Cold working increases strength, reducing material thickness.
- Recyclable: 100% recyclable, reducing costs and conserving resources.
In which applications are stainless steel shims used?
Stainless steel shims are essential for applications that require exceptional corrosion resistance in harsh working conditions, including: metal fabrication, tool and die spacing and alignment, spring clips and retainers, equipment and machinery alignment, medical and surgical devices and tools, food and beverage processing, machine repair and maintenance, pump and motor mounts, and prototyping equipment.
Brass Shims FAQs
What are the applications of brass shims?
Brass shims are ideal for applications requiring low friction, heat or electricity conduction, corrosion resistance in harsh environments, or as a decorative finish.
What are the advantages of using brass shims?
- Low friction, electrical and heat conductor: Brass’s softness reduces friction, making it ideal where sparking is a concern. It is also an excellent conductor of electricity and heat.
- Corrosion-resistant: Brass shims are resistant to corrosion, making them suitable for marine environments and applications involving gasoline, alcohol, fuel, and oil.
- High malleability: Brass’s softness and low melting point make it ideal for precise alignments, levelling surfaces, and filling gaps in machinery.
- Recyclable: Brass is easily recyclable and non-ferromagnetic, allowing it to be separated from other metals using magnets.
- Antimicrobial: Brass has natural antibacterial properties, making it a preferred material in industries requiring sterility, such as medical and food sectors.
Copper Shims FAQs
What are copper shims?
Copper shims are thin pieces used to fill gaps between surfaces and equipment or for decorative finishes. Known for their corrosion resistance, malleability, and heat and electrical conductivity, copper shims are commonly used in heat sinks, switches, terminals, connectors, transformers, and gaskets.
What are the advantages of copper shims?
- Corrosion-resistant: Copper’s natural resistance to corrosion makes it ideal for high-moisture applications like plumbing, roofing, and outdoor use.
- Ductile and malleable: Copper is easily fabricated, resistant to breaking, and can bend into various forms, making it perfect for industrial and architectural uses.
Slotted Shims FAQs
What are slotted shims?
Slotted shims are available in various forms and are commonly used with an open, U-shaped slot. They function as spacers or can be placed around bolts and screws. Some feature tabs for easier insertion.
What are the applications of slotted shims?
Slotted shims are used in assembled machine components to enhance alignment and balance, ensuring consistent positioning and preventing costly equipment damage. Learn more about installing packers and shims for support.
Plastic Shims FAQs
What are plastic shims?
A plastic shim is a pre-made component used to level or support spaces in applications like panel levelling and cabinet alignment. It resists rot and rust, providing essential gap filling or support in joints.
What are the applications of plastic shims?
Plastic shims are used to level surfaces, fill gaps, increase clearance between components, and for various other industrial applications requiring high tolerance and precision. Understanding the role of shims and packers helps in selecting the right solution.
How durable are plastic shims?
Plastic shims are stronger and more durable than wood, yet lighter and more cost-effective compared to metal shims. Learn about the differences between metal and plastic shims to make an informed choice.
How strong are plastic shims?
Made from tough polypropylene, plastic shims resist water expansion, chemical deterioration, and can withstand high compression.
Packers and Shims FAQs
What are packers and shims?
Packers and shims are small plastic or metal pieces available in various predetermined thicknesses. They are used to fill gaps, provide clearance between components, and ensure high tolerance assemblies.
What sizes are available for shims?
We offer shims in stainless steel, mild steel, and brass from 0.050mm to 0.508mm in thickness. Copper shims run from 0.10mm to 0.25mm, and plastic shims from 0.05mm to 1.00mm across eight colour-coded thicknesses for quick identification on site. Where a stock size doesn’t suit, custom shims are cut to your specification.
Shim Stock FAQs
Are metal shims available?
Shims come in various materials, including stainless steel, mild steel, brass, copper, and plastic, and are available in different sizes.
What are the uses of stainless steel shims?
Stainless steel shims are used for a wide range of applications, including levelling and aligning machinery, filling gaps, and as packers and gaskets.
What is a shim?
Shims are thin metal strips designed to level, align machinery, fill gaps, and function as packers and gaskets.
Stainless Steel Shim Kit FAQs
What is a shim kit?
A shim kit contains a selection of shims in various sizes and thicknesses, used for aligning and levelling equipment. PP Shim’s stainless steel shim kits include commonly used dimensions and thicknesses.
Why Choose PP Shim Co?
Industry-Leading Quality
We source premium materials from trusted suppliers in the UK and Asia.
Custom Solutions
Custom shims cut to your exact specifications.
Reliability You Can Trust
Decades of experience in providing durable and precise components.
