Stainless Steel Shim Sheet — Precision Foil for Tight-Tolerance Shimming & Gasket Work
Machinists, engineers, and serious DIYers know the frustration of a gap that's just a fraction of a millimeter off — a misaligned bearing housing, a leaking gasket surface, or a machine bed that won't sit level. Off-the-shelf hardware rarely solves sub-millimeter problems. This stainless steel shim sheet is designed specifically for those situations where precision matters and standard stock won't cut it.
Each piece is a single strip of precision-rolled stainless steel foil, 25mm (≈1") wide and 1 meter (≈39.4") long, available in 23 thickness options ranging from 0.01mm (≈0.0004") to 1.5mm (≈0.059"). The material is consistent in gauge across the full length, making it suitable for stacking, layering, or cutting to exact shapes. Select your thickness from the variant options above.
Typical applications include machinery leveling and alignment shimming, precision gasket fabrication for pumps and flanges, calibration spacers in optical and electronic assemblies, and thin stainless steel sheet metal work in model engineering and prototyping. The 25mm width is particularly well-suited for use as stainless steel gasket shim stock around standard bolt patterns.
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Compatibility Note: This shim stock is flat, unthreaded material compatible with any metric or imperial fastener system. It can be cut, punched, or shaped to fit M3–M20 bolt patterns or SAE equivalents. Verify your required thickness with a micrometer or feeler gauge before ordering.
✅ Key Features of These Stainless Steel Shim Sheets
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📏23 Precision Thickness Options — From 0.01mm (≈0.0004") to 1.5mm (≈0.059"), covering the full range needed for fine calibration shimming through structural spacer applications.
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🔩Consistent Gauge Across Full Length — Precision-rolled to maintain uniform thickness along the entire 1-meter strip, critical for reliable stacking and layered shimming in tight-tolerance assemblies.
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🛡️Corrosion-Resistant Stainless Steel — Performs reliably in humid, oily, and mildly corrosive environments — a clear advantage over plain steel or aluminum shim stock in long-term installations.
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✂️Easily Cut to Shape — Thin gauges (under 0.3mm) cut cleanly with scissors or a craft knife; thicker gauges respond well to metal shears. No special tooling required for most workshop applications.
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📐25mm Fixed Width for Bolt-Pattern Work — The 25mm (≈1") width is a practical size for fabricating custom gaskets and shims around standard fastener patterns without excessive material waste.
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🔄Stackable for Incremental Adjustment — Multiple thin sheets can be layered to achieve intermediate thicknesses not available as a single gauge — a standard technique in precision machine alignment and thin stainless steel sheet metal fabrication.
📐 Technical Specifications — Stainless Steel Shim Foil
| Material |
Stainless steel (typically 304 grade — contact us to confirm for your order) |
| Thickness Range |
0.01mm–1.5mm (≈0.0004"–0.059") — see variant options |
| Width |
25mm (≈1") |
| Length |
1 meter (≈39.4") per piece |
| Packing Quantity |
1 piece per order (as selected) |
| Surface Finish |
See variant options |
| Tolerance |
Contact us to confirm for critical applications |
| Temper / Hardness |
Contact us to confirm |
| Tensile Strength (typical 304) |
Typically ≈515 MPa (75,000 psi) |
| Compatible Fastener Systems |
Metric (M-series) and Imperial (SAE) — flat stock, no threading |
| Recommended Cutting Method |
Scissors or craft knife (≤0.3mm); metal shears or laser (0.4mm+) |
| Country of Origin |
Contact us to confirm |
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Spec Confirmation: For safety-critical, food-contact, or chemical-exposure applications, please contact us before ordering to confirm the exact alloy grade, temper, and surface finish of your specific thickness.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right thickness for my application?
Measure the gap you need to fill with a feeler gauge or micrometer. For fine shimming and calibration work, thicknesses of 0.01–0.1mm are typically used. For structural spacers or gaskets, 0.2–1.5mm is generally more appropriate. When in doubt, order one step thinner than your measured gap — sheets can be stacked to reach the exact dimension needed.
What grade of stainless steel is this shim sheet made from?
This precision foil is generally manufactured from 304 stainless steel, which offers a good balance of corrosion resistance and formability. If your application requires higher corrosion resistance (e.g., marine or chemical environments), contact us to confirm the exact grade before ordering.
Can this stainless steel shim stock be used outdoors or in wet environments?
Stainless steel is inherently corrosion-resistant and performs well in most outdoor and humid environments. For prolonged exposure to saltwater or aggressive chemicals, 316-grade stainless is typically recommended. Contact us to confirm the material grade for your specific use case.
What is the tensile strength and load capacity of this shim foil?
304 stainless steel shim stock typically has a tensile strength of approximately 515 MPa (75,000 psi) and a yield strength of around 205 MPa (30,000 psi). Actual values may vary slightly by thickness and temper. For load-bearing or safety-critical applications, please verify with your engineer.
Is this shim sheet compatible with metric and imperial fastener systems?
Yes. Because this is flat shim stock (not a threaded component), it is compatible with any fastener system — metric or imperial. Simply cut or punch to the required shape to fit around M-series or SAE bolts as needed.
Can I cut or shape this stainless steel foil myself?
Yes. Thinner gauges (0.01–0.3mm) can generally be cut with sharp scissors or a craft knife. Thicker gauges (0.4–1.5mm) typically require metal shears, a rotary cutter, or a laser/waterjet for clean edges. Always deburr cut edges before handling to avoid injury.
How do I convert the thickness from mm to inches?
Divide the mm value by 25.4. Quick reference examples:
- 0.01mm ÷ 25.4 ≈ 0.0004" (0.4 thou)
- 0.1mm ÷ 25.4 ≈ 0.004" (4 thou)
- 0.5mm ÷ 25.4 ≈ 0.020"
- 1.0mm ÷ 25.4 ≈ 0.039"
- 1.5mm ÷ 25.4 ≈ 0.059"
What is the best way to store unused shim stock to prevent warping?
Store flat in a dry location away from direct sunlight and moisture. For very thin foils (under 0.1mm), rolling loosely and securing with a rubber band is generally recommended to prevent creasing. Avoid stacking heavy objects on top of thin sheets.
🛒 Select your thickness and length above, then add to cart — ships from our US warehouse.
