When it comes to electrical systems and motor assemblies, precision isn’t optional – it’s essential. At Stephens Gaskets, we specialise in custom brass shim washers designed to meet the high tolerances and conductivity requirements of sensitive applications. Whether you’re an OEM, repair technician, or design engineer, our bespoke shim washers offer reliability where it matters most.
In this guide, we explain how custom sizing boosts electrical performance, extends component life, and supports thermal and mechanical stability. We’ll also cover the benefits of brass as a material and why choosing a trusted brass washer manufacturer in the UK is key to your success.
Why Brass Shim Washers Are Ideal for Electrical Applications
Brass is widely used in electrical assemblies for its unique combination of conductivity, machinability, and corrosion resistance.
This makes it the ideal material for shim washers used in:
- Motors and generators
- PCB mounting and contact spacing
- Electrical terminals and connectors
- Switchgear and fuse carriers
Unlike generic materials, brass offers low electrical resistance and excellent wear properties. When precisely machined, it ensures consistent connection quality even in compact or high-frequency assemblies.
What Makes Custom Brass Shim Washers a Better Choice?
1. Tight Tolerance Fit
In electrical systems, even a 0.01mm variation can impact conductivity and component alignment. Our custom brass shim washers are made to exact specifications, ensuring a perfect fit every time.
2. Reduced Assembly Stress
Proper spacing reduces pressure on surrounding parts and minimises stress during thermal expansion or vibration.
3. Improved Reliability
Poor-fitting washers can lead to arcing, short circuits, or mechanical wear. Custom brass shims ensure the contact surfaces remain stable, clean, and safe.
Standard and Bespoke Sizes Available
At Stephens Gaskets, we supply both standard and bespoke brass shim washers.
Our in-house manufacturing capabilities include:
- Thicknesses from 0.05mm to 2mm
- OD and ID to exact tolerances
- Custom shapes: round, slotted, tabbed, and more
- Batch runs from one-off prototypes to bulk supply
We’re a trusted brass components supplier with over 70 years of experience in supplying washers to electrical, automotive, and industrial manufacturers across the UK and internationally.
Why Engineers Specify Brass Shims for Motors
Motors require highly reliable components, especially in tight spaces with continuous heat and motion.
Brass shims for motors offer:
- Thermal conductivity, which helps with heat dissipation
- Consistent contact resistance
- Corrosion resistance in high-humidity or exposed conditions
- Vibration damping to protect from long-term wear
They’re especially effective in starter motors, alternators, solenoids, and AC/DC power systems.
Material Grades and Finishes
We offer brass washers in grades such as CZ108, CZ106, and CZ120 depending on your conductivity and strength requirements.
Optional finishes include:
- Deburring and polishing for smooth surface contact
- Tin or silver plating for enhanced conductivity
- Protective coatings to increase corrosion resistance
Need a custom spec? Let us know.
Our technical team will work with you to select the right brass grade and finish for your application.
Advantages of Choosing Stephens Gaskets
As a leading brass washer manufacturer in the UK, Stephens Gaskets provides:
- UK-based production with fast lead times
- High-precision manufacturing for tight-tolerance jobs
- Engineering support for product development
- Bespoke parts made to your drawings or CAD files
- Quality assurance, with ISO 9001-certified processes
When to Use Custom Brass Shim Washers
You should consider going custom when:
- Your assembly requires tight tolerances
- Standard washers create too much play or stress
- You need a non-standard shape, hole size, or thickness
- The electrical application demands consistent contact pressure
- Corrosion resistance and material conductivity are critical
We can produce custom brass shim washers from your sketch, sample, or technical drawing.
Need help refining your spec? Our team is happy to assist.
Visit our custom brass washers or explore the washer itself to see more about our brass solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can brass shim washers handle high current?
Yes, brass offers low electrical resistance and is suitable for low to moderate current flow in control systems, terminals, and motors.
2. How do you ensure precision in custom parts?
We use CNC punching, laser cutting, and quality-controlled stamping to ensure tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm.
3. Do you offer next-day delivery?
For standard sizes, yes. Custom orders typically have a lead time of 3-5 working days depending on complexity.
4. Are your washers suitable for both AC and DC systems?
Absolutely. Our brass shims are used in both AC and DC electrical applications and designed for high reliability.
Final Thoughts: Precision That Powers Performance
Electrical systems don’t leave much room for error. That’s why the quality and accuracy of your components matter. Our custom brass shim washers are built for high-performance applications where precision, conductivity, and reliability are non-negotiable.
Whether you’re an OEM looking for volume production or an engineer prototyping your next innovation, Stephens Gaskets is the brass components supplier you can rely on.