Shims for Electrical and Electronics Applications
Insulating and Conductive Components for Precision Assemblies
PP Shim supplies precision-cut shims and packers for the electrical and electronics industries – both non-conductive plastic for insulation applications and conductive metals for grounding, spacing and alignment. We work with design engineers, OEM manufacturers, electronics assemblers and repair technicians across Australia.
We supply these shims in engineering plastics, copper, brass and stainless steel, as standard sizes, custom cuts or pre-sorted kits. PP Shim also supplies precision shims across a wide range of other industries.
Why Electrical Engineers Trust PP Shim
Non-Conductive and Conductive Options
Plastic shims for electrical insulation and isolation alongside copper, brass and stainless steel for conductive, grounding and structural applications.
Precision-Cut to Tolerance
Manufactured to tight dimensional tolerances for use in compact assemblies, fine-pitch component layouts and clearance-critical installations.
Bulk Supply for Manufacturing
Consistent quality across high-volume production runs for OEM lines, contract manufacturers and panel builders. Batch traceability is maintained.
Custom Sizes & Specifications
Shims cut to your drawings and specifications for OEM production, prototype development or repair applications. Any stocked material, any profile.
Fast Turnaround, Australia-Wide
Short lead times with reliable nationwide shipping. From inner-city commercial sites to remote regional projects, we keep your programme moving.
Where Shims Are Used in Electrical Assemblies
Shims control spacing, insulation clearances and alignment in electrical systems where precision directly affects safety and performance. Common applications include:
- PCB Assembly and Spacing: Maintaining clearances between circuit board layers, component stacks and heat sinks. Plastic shims specified for insulation; thin-gauge metal shims for grounding and EMI shielding.
- Switchgear and Panel Insulation: Non-conductive plastic shims isolating live components and busbars within switchboards, distribution panels and high-voltage enclosures to prevent short circuits and maintain safe clearances.
- Motor and Generator Alignment: Shimming rotor-to-stator air gaps, bearing housings and mounting feet to reduce vibration, correct alignment and maintain operating clearances during assembly and repair.
- Connector and Terminal Alignment: Controlling spacing and contact pressure in electrical connectors, terminal blocks and relay assemblies where consistent contact is required.
- Prototyping and Custom Electronics: Aligning components and fine-tuning tolerances during design validation, prototype assembly and short-run production.
Non-conductive packers matter around live equipment; our overview of the role of shims and packers covers material choice for electrical work.
Types of Shims for Electrical & Electronics Applications
| Shim Type | Materials | Use Case | Features |
| Flat Precision Shims | Stainless steel, brass, plastic | PCB spacing, switchboard builds | Ultra-thin, custom cut, non-conductive or metal |
| Slotted Shims | Stainless steel, mild steel | Quick installs in tight assemblies | Easy to fit around fasteners or bolts |
| Thin Gauge Shims | Plastic, stainless, brass | Delicate components, low-clearance assemblies | Fine tolerances, flexible or rigid materials |
| Tab Washers | Mild steel, stainless | Locking electrical components in position | Prevents loosening in vibration-heavy systems |
Not too sure about which shim product is right for you? Reach out to our team, and we’ll guide you in selecting the right material, thickness, and format for your electrical project.
Compliance and Quality Assurance
Shims supplied for electrical and electronics applications are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality management systems. Our products align with relevant Australian and international standards including:
- AS/NZS 3000:2018 – Wiring Rules
- IEC standards where applicable to component-level electrical assemblies
All shims are dimensionally inspected before dispatch to ensure consistent sizing and material integrity. For applications requiring specific material certifications or test reports, contact our team to discuss your compliance requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials are suitable for insulating shims?
We supply non-conductive engineering plastic shims in a range of grades for insulating and spacing live components. Material selection depends on the voltage rating, operating temperature and mechanical load of your application. Contact our team if you need help specifying the right grade.
What materials are available for conductive shims?
Copper shim stock and brass shim stock for applications requiring electrical conductivity, grounding or EMI shielding. Stainless steel and mild steel also available for structural and magnetic applications.
Do you supply shims for high-volume electronics manufacturing?
Yes. We regularly produce bulk orders for OEMs, contract manufacturers and panel builders across Australia. Production runs are quality-controlled for dimensional consistency across every batch.
Can you produce ultra-thin shims for PCB applications?
Yes. We manufacture thin-gauge plastic and metal shims for compact PCB assemblies, microelectronics and low-clearance component layouts. Specify your required thickness and material and we will confirm capability.
Are your products compliant with Australian electrical standards?
Our shims are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality systems and align with AS/NZS 3000:2018 (Wiring Rules) and relevant IEC standards. For applications with specific certification or test report requirements, contact our team to discuss.
Where can I buy insulating shims in Australia?
Directly from PP Shim. We deliver insulating and conductive shims Australia-wide with fast turnaround on both standard and custom orders. Contact our team for a quote.
Testimonials
Order Shims for Electrical and Electronics Applications
Speak to our technical team about your shim requirements for electrical work. Whether you need insulating plastic packers for panel work, copper shim stock for conductive applications or custom-cut shims for an OEM production line, we’ll confirm the right material, thickness and quantity.