Aluminum shims maintain an advantage over those made from other material because they're lightweight and rustproof, and help contain thermal and electrical conductivity. Shim applications include industrial, automotive, aeronautical and electrical to mention a few.

Buy aluminum shim stock or shims based on thickness, width and height/length, with tapered, circular, rectangular or other special shapes. Get special laminated shims to lessen the need for inventorying many sizes. When looking for shims consider the following:

1. Order pre-cut aluminum shim material to save money over special designs.

2. Find shim stock and have the manufacturer cut it or do it yourself.

3. Get laminated aluminum shims to save job time by peeling shims to the right thickness.

4. Speak with aluminum shim manufacturers for solutions or production run requirements.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Order pre-cut aluminum shim material for extra savings

These companies and some manufacturers sell shims already fabricated to popular sizes.

I recommend: Scroll down the page to “Aluminum” and order .002 to .06 inch in four sizes with various slot widths at Mr. Shims. When building codes restrict plastic shims, go to C. R. Laurence Co., Inc. for horseshoe shims in three sizes and quantity pricing; click “Pricing and Order Information Sign In Here.”

Get aluminum shim stock to make your own shims

Keep the stock ready for in-shop use. Shim stock offers a price break over pre-fabricated shims.

I recommend: Go to Reliance Steel & Aluminum Co. for aluminum shim stock 1100 and fill out the “Quote Inquiry”; then follow instructions to select products. Scroll to “Shim in a Can” available in type 1100 aluminum with .001 to .010 thickness, 6 x 100 inches at Daemar, Inc. Click “Contact Us” for pricing. Fill in the form for color-coded aluminum shim stock in assortment packages (.002 to .031), 10 sheets of one thickness in standard sheet sizes ( 8 x 12, 6 x 22 and 12 x 24 inches) or custom sizes at Artus Corp.

Buy laminated aluminum shims for ease of use

Peelable aluminum shims reduce inventory and feature adjustable thickness with removal of each foil layer.

I recommend: Fill out the “Enquiry Form” for aluminum peelable shims at Bolsan Company, Inc.; click “Products” to view shim specifications. Get a quote by filling in the form at McGaskets & Ptfe Specialties, Inc. Click “Products” then “Laminated Shims” for composition, types and classes. Fill out the “Contact” form at Laminated Shim Co., Inc., or click “Materials” for specs.

Contact an aluminum shim manufacturer for special orders

Order custom shims designed for numerous applications or in-stock common sizes. These companies offer solutions from design to delivery.

I recommend: Click “Online Quote” or call/fax for aluminum shims in ultra-thin .0005, .001 and .002 inch sizes at Phoenix Specialty Manufacturing. Go to Mercer Gasket & Shim, Inc. and click “Request a Quote” for thicknesses ranging .0005 to 8 inch. Click “Get Quote” or “Contact Us” from Industrial Gasket and Shim Company, Inc., offering prototype, short or long production runs of .001 to 6 inches thick.

Find aluminum spacers for manufacturing or repair work

Spacer products include stock and custom sizes typically for industrial, electronic, medical and telecommunication applications.

I recommend: See “Thin Wall Telescopic Aluminum Tubular Spacers,” then click the drop down menu to select the OD size at Accurate Screw Machine Corp. Go to Daven Screw Products and click “Outer Diameter” or “Hole Size” for specs and prices. Choose a part number for type 2011-T3 aluminum spacers with tiered pricing at Small Parts, Inc.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Laminated shims come in partially solid/laminated (1/2 solid or 3/4 solid) and semi-solid. Ask the company for further information on applications of the aluminum peelable shims, if needed, to meet your requirements.