Shim Stock

Shim stock is thin precision stock material from which custom shims can be cut for a specific application. This versatile and easy-to-use material can be easily cut to fit specific needs. Depending on the thickness and material, it can be cut with scissors or metal shears for quick, easy adjustments and is typically used for support, leveling, and fit adjustment. Some common applications include electrical insulation, seal joints, and adjusting valve spring pressure.

When selecting the appropriate metal shim stock for a particular application, several essential factors should be taken into account:

Application Space Requirements: Since shims are a precision product with tight tolerances, it's important to know the exact dimension of the space that needs filled in your application. You can use a feeler gauge to take this measurement.

Size and Shape: Some spaces will simply need a section of the metal sheet cut to a basic shape, while others may have more detailed specifications that require stamping or other manufacturing capabilities. Make sure you know what size and shape you will need to meet the requirements of the application.

Application Environment: Consider the conditions in which the shim will be used. Will it be exposed to high temperatures, chemicals, or harsh elements? This will impact the material type.

Material Selection: Metal shim stock is available in various materials, such as stainless steel, blue tempered steel, brass, low carbon steel, nickel, and more. Choosing the right material will depend on the specific application requirements, including environmental conditions, temperature, and corrosion resistance. Huyett also offers non-metal shim stock in PVC and PETP Mylar.

This stock offers several advantages to machinery and equipment applications that require precise alignment:

Precise Adjustment: It allows for precise adjustments in machinery and equipment to maximize optimal performance and alignment.

Load Distribution: By filling gaps and distributing loads evenly, the stock prolongs the machinery's lifespan by helping to reduce stress and wear on components.

Cost-Effective: It allows you to craft multiple shims from a bulk product instead of having to buy separate shims at a higher cost.

Versatility: Metal shim stock can be easily cut, shaped, and stacked to accommodate various applications, making it a versatile solution for engineers and technicians.

Corrosion Resistance: Opting for the right material, such as stainless steel, provides excellent corrosion resistance, ideal for applications in harsh environments.

It can be as thin as 0.0005". However, every company is going to offer different ranges of thicknesses. Huyett offers shim stock between 0.001" - 0.0165" and 0.05mm - 0.80mm.

If the stock is not damaged and it retains its material thickness, it can be reused. However, since it is a precision product, it's important to check it for damage before reusing it. Look for deformation, wear and tear, or corrosion.

This stock is typically used to create a shim, which is a small piece of material that takes up precise space in machinery or equipment and positions, prevents axial movement, aligns, and levels machinery components. It is ideal for situations that require custom shim solutions, whether that happens in the field by cutting it with shears or by manufacturing specific shapes through stamping or cutting.

Along with stock, Huyett offers a variety of pre-made shim products, including arbor, round, slotted, and variable shims.