Summary. At Stephens Gaskets, we specialise in custom shim washers, utilising materials such as brass, aluminium, and shim steel to cater to unique industrial applications. Our shims are designed to improve machinery functionality by filling voids, reducing wear, and cutting down on upkeep, with each material providing distinct advantages to meet different operational demands.
Each shim washer acquires properties that support its ability and effectiveness to optimise machinery depending on the material. With a wide range of materials used for these impressive components, shim washer properties differ. Today’s article will outline the key materials and properties that work together to produce the most commonly used shim washers.
Nationwide, we are renowned for our gasket and shim washer production at Stephens Gaskets. We have produced long-lasting relations with our clientele by sourcing and using only the finest materials available. Delivering them with parts that exceed their expectations allows them to uphold their reputation as businesses.
What Are Shim Washers?
Before we delve into shim washer properties, let’s quickly run through the uses of shims. Also known as support washers, shim washers are primarily in use to fill spaces, particularly between two components found in a machine. They are highly sought after in the manufacturing and industrial sectors for their high tolerance and friction absorption rate.
Most often, machine components are not specifically manufactured to fit together perfectly. This is due to the increased costs and time wasted to meet these criteria. However, this allows shim washers to become the solution to ensuring machinery performs optimally. Furthermore, they reduce the need for maintenance due to withstanding high levels of wear and tear.
What Types Of Materials Are Used For Shim Washers?
As previously mentioned, shim washer properties depend on the material used. Shim washer materials can include shim steel, stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminium, felt, leather and polyester plastic, among many others. The properties paired with each material allow for various performance levels, so it is crucial to initially understand what you need from the properties.
Examples Of Shim Washer Properties
Aluminium Shim Washers
Different applications require specific shim washer properties. For example, aluminium is a favoured material used for shim washers. It is non-magnetic, is somewhat nonflammable, reflects well, and has excellent thermal and electrical conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
Brass Shim Washers
Secondly, brass is also popular for its shim washer properties. Brass is known for its non-spark properties, which, unlike many other metals, makes it ideal for applications that involve chemicals or explosive gases. It is also malleable and has immaculate acoustic properties, which is why brass shim washers are often in use for electrical appliances, plumbing and bearings.
Copper Shim Washers
The last example we will cover today is copper. Copper shim washer properties include conducting heat and electricity without expansion. Additionally, it is a soft and malleable material that is pure in form—making it versatile in its use.
Shim Washers From Stephens Gaskets
At Stephens Gaskets, we are leading shim washer manufacturers in the West Midlands. We produce shim washers in various materials, including brass, aluminium and copper, three of the most commonly used. Furthermore, we can meet your exact needs, no matter the size, thickness or type of gauge needed.
Every shim washer has different internal and external diameters, so we make it our mission to match this every time. No matter the material or shape, by choosing Stephens Gaskets, you choose quality assured shim washers.
Established in 1947, Stephens Gaskets is based in Oldbury. As well as manufacturing shim washers with various properties, we can also produce and supply gaskets, exhaust gaskets, cylinder head gaskets, Novus gaskets, graphite gaskets, ring shims, precision washers many other parts. If you’d like to find out more information, call us on 0121 544 5808.
Furthermore, if you found this blog useful, why not read a previous one: Everything You Need To Know About Our Precision Engineered Washers