Shims

A shim is a thin piece of metal that fits between two surfaces to align or otherwise adjust their fit. United Western Enterprises offers a precision etching process to create shims without burns or other deformation, as flat as possible.

We can produce a wide range of custom metal parts, thanks to an advanced and affordable photochemical etching process. It allows us to create different types of shims, including:

• Thin Shims: Parts as thin as .0003” with complex geometries can be produced without stamping or other tools.
• Single Shims: Individual orders with the raw materials of your choice, with tight tolerances for specific production processes (all requirements can be met at low costs).
• Flat Shims: Flat shims and washers (down to .001” flat) can be produced in any complexity; single, laminated, and edge-bonded configurations are available.
• Custom Shims: We can manufacture shims with rectangular shapes and simple outside and inside dimensions, to complex, non-symmetrical configurations in any quantity.

Typical Applications

Shims are used in a wide range of applications, including the most advanced engineering and industrial settings. Some of the most common applications include:

• Electronic equipment: Often used with printed circuit boards, to protect the CPU during heat-sink installation.
• Medical equipment: Ultra flat, tight tolerance parts for medical electronics, instruments, and devices.
• Military and aerospace: Used for everything from damping to integration with fuel tank and fuel injection systems.

We offer shims in many different materials, including:

• Brass
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminum
• Beryllium Copper
• Phosphor Bronze

To learn more or place an order for custom shims, call (800)964-6461 or request a quote today.