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Custom Metal Shims

When you require custom metal shims, you need precise, tailor-made solutions designed to meet unique specifications and tolerances.

As the trusted partner for precision metal shims, we manufacture custom metal shims of all shapes and sizes, spacers, and thin washer shims, which can be supplied flat or formed to your design specification. With our commitment to cost-efficient, high-quality manufacturing, we produce both affordable and precise shims, perfect for a wide range of applications.

With our flexible chemical etching, material expertise, and technical know-how, we can deliver custom shims that are manufactured quickly using low-cost digital tooling.

Whether it’s simple spacers or complex metal shims, our precision process manufactures custom metal shims that are flat and burr-free (to not interfere with other mating components) and accurate to 0.020mm.

What are Custom Metal Shims?

Custom metal shims, or precision shims, are specialty washers built specifically to serve as thin spacers between mechanical components, effectively absorbing impact, minimizing “play” or movement, and safeguarding material surfaces in advanced high-tech applications.

Commonly crafted from materials like stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or copper, these custom shims or custom washers are crucial in achieving precision alignment and spacing within machinery and assemblies. Their tailored design allows for fine adjustments, compensating for tolerances and irregularities to ensure proper fit and functionality.

Available in multiple thicknesses, these shims offer versatile solutions for diverse applications in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, where precise alignment is essential for maintaining efficiency and reliability.

Specialty Shims - Applications Across Industries

Custom shims are used in a wide range of applications, including the most advanced engineering and industrial settings. They play a critical role in various industries by enabling precision, stability, and efficiency in the manufacturing and operation of equipment.

Some of the most common applications include:

Aerospace Industry

Used for aligning and adjusting components in aircraft and spacecraft assemblies.

Automotive Manufacturing

Employed to fine-tune alignment and spacing in vehicle components, ensuring optimal performance.

Industrial Machinery

Utilized for precision alignment in machinery and equipment, reducing wear and improving efficiency.

Electronics

Applied in electronic devices and circuitry for fine adjustments and spacing.

Medical Equipment

Used for aligning and spacing medical devices and equipment components.

Oil and Gas

Employed in the manufacturing and assembly of equipment for the oil and gas industry to ensure proper alignment.

Construction

Required for aligning structural components during construction projects.

Power Generation

Used in power plants and utilities to align generators and turbines precisely.

Telecommunications

Utilized for spacing and aligning components in communication equipment and infrastructure.

Renewable Energy

Used in constructing renewable energy systems, such as wind turbines and solar panels.

Here at E-Fab, our specialized team of engineers and materials experts, well-versed in photochemical etching, collaborates to craft optimal solutions for custom metal shim requirements. Our proven process and stamping methods are executed with meticulous attention to detail and utmost precision to ensure these intricate components are delivered to exact specifications and boast both corrosion resistance and wear resistance.

Precision Engineering with Custom Shims

Custom metal shims are pivotal in precision metal manufacturing, ensuring accuracy and reliability in machinery and systems.

They are primarily used to align and space intricate machinery and assemblies precisely. Shims ensure a precise fit and functionality by compensating for tolerances and irregularities.

Shims play a significant role in reducing wear, enhancing efficiency, and ultimately maintaining the precision of modern machinery, whether in aerospace, automotive manufacturing, electronics, or any other industry.

The Material Science and Performance of a Metal Shim

Directly impacting the performance and longevity of the components, the material selection in custom shim manufacturing is a crucial science.

The specific application requirements drive the choice of materials, such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or copper. Each material brings unique properties to the table, influencing factors like strength, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. For instance, stainless steel shims may be preferred in environments with high corrosion potential for their resistance and resilience. 

It is important to consider the material properties of custom shims in order to ensure they can not only meet the immediate alignment requirements but also endure the harsh conditions of their operational environment.

Whether you need stainless steel shim washers or aluminum shims, we manufacture custom metal shims in any shape and size between 0.010mm and 1.5mm thick.

Our etching service is a comprehensive solution that caters to an extensive array of material types. This includes a wide spectrum of sheet metals, both ferrous and non-ferrous. We also specialize in working with metals that pose a challenge due to their corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant properties, or those that are traditionally considered hard-to-etch. Our expertise ensures that no material is beyond our reach.

Your Proven Partner for Custom Metal Shim Manufacturing

With our commitment to cost-efficient, high-quality manufacturing, and its material expertise, E-FAB is an ideal partner for clients seeking custom shims.

Our continuous investment in cutting-edge technology and top-tier talent ensures we can effectively serve the custom metal shim needs of a diverse range of industries.

With our flexible chemical etching, material expertise, and technical know-how, we can deliver custom shims that are manufactured quickly using low-cost digital tooling.