There is no difference between using sheets, rolls, or precut shim stock in the general process.

1. Calculate the thickness of the shims. To determine how large a shim is needed, use feeler gages of increasing thicknesses. 
2. Based on the previous measurement, you can determine what size shim stock is ideal for your application. Stacking shims may be necessary in some cases, but be cautious when combining more than four shims or gaps larger than 0.15 inches. Choosing the right type of metal for your setting is also important. Choose stainless steel shim stock sheets if you live in a corrosive environment. 
3. You must cut individual shims from the roll or sheet unless you have a set of pre-cut shims. Use metal shears for simple shapes. A stamping kit or a dedicated press is recommended for complex shapes.
4. Shim or shims should be positioned. The shims should be inserted into place, and the process should be completed.

A wide range of metals can be used to make metal shims, and the best material depends on the application requirements.

• The versatility of stainless steel means it is a metal with high strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance. It is distinguished from carbon steel because it contains chromium as an alloying element, which makes it corrosion-resistant. The stainless shim stock produces strong, durable shims that withstand harsh conditions and outdoor and marine applications.
• Certain steel alloys called “electrical steels” have beneficial magnetic and electrical properties. Silicon can increase permeability and resistivity while decreasing magnetostriction when added in varying proportions. The production method of these alloys determines whether they are grain-oriented or not.
• The magnetic properties of grain-oriented electrical steel are only optimized in the direction the steel was rolled.
• Electrical steel that is not grain-oriented: Non-grain-oriented steel is magnetic in all directions, not just in the direction in which it is rolled.

Carbon steel: 

Unlike stainless steel, carbon steel alloys contain carbon as their primary alloying element rather than chromium. There are three types of steel: low-carbon, medium-carbon, and high-carbon. High-carbon steel is harder, but it is less malleable than low-carbon steel.

Blue tempered steel: 

Steel with blue tempering has a high yield strength and fatigue strength, a form of high-carbon steel. As well as being thermally and electrically conductive, it has excellent corrosion resistance.

1095: 

The 1095 steel is a high-carbon steel with good toughness, strength, and durability. A very tight tolerance can be achieved when grinding it for precision applications.

1075: 

Despite its lower carbon content, 1075 carbon steel has similar properties to 1095 carbon steel. It is, therefore, slightly softer but more formable as a result.

Aluminum: 

The strength-to-weight ratio of aluminum is one of its best characteristics. Furthermore, it is corrosion-resistant and highly formable, so that it can create intricate shapes. When weight is a significant factor, aluminum shim stock is the best choice.

Brass: 

In addition to being non-corrosive, non-magnetic, and highly formable, brass is also non-magnetic. Shim stock made from brass is popular for technical applications and electrical conductivity. 

Bronze: 

Bronze is a copper alloy that is strong, ductile, and formable. Shim stock made of bronze is popular for electronic applications because of its corrosion, fatigue resistance, and good electrical properties.

Copper: 

Corrosive environments. Due to its ductility, electrical conductivity, and thermal conductivity, copper is also a popular material used in electronics. Furthermore, copper shim stock is highly corrosion-resistant, making it suitable outdoors and in Aerospace and aircraft applications.

Titanium: 

The strength-to-weight ratio of titanium is extremely high for such a low-density metal. Additionally, it resists corrosion from various chemicals, including colorspace and aircraft applications.

Our product guide provides a complete list of materials that you can use to determine which shim stock is right for you. 

Among their many uses are filling small gaps between components, elevating materials for machining, aligning parts during repair, and more. Therefore, shims are used across a wide range of industries.

Aerospace: 

Several aerospace components must be positioned for repair or to achieve tight tolerances. Shims are frequently used to achieve these tight tolerances. Shims must be corrosion-resistant and strong in these environments. 

Automotive: 

Shims are used both in manufacturing and maintenance in the automotive industry. Using them, valve clearances can be adjusted, or other spaces between parts can be adjusted. Bronze and brass shims with high nickel content are particularly suitable for electric vehicles.

Oil & Gas: 

The purpose of shims is to absorb accumulated tolerances in pumps and motors, align mated components, and act as thrust washers.

Medical devices: 

Surgical robots, implants, prosthetics, imaging equipment, and medical devices require precise tolerances. Shims provide this. 

Marine: 

A corrosion-resistant stainless or brass shim is ideal for aligning and positioning applications in the marine industry.

Metal fabrication techniques such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting, machining, and stamping are available to customize shims for these diverse applications. Besides providing shim stock and tooling, Pearlshims.com crafts precision shims using comprehensive metal fabrication services.

Shims are important in achieving proper positioning and alignment for their projects. Shim stock is useful to fabricators, who use it to create custom shims, and end users, who can stamp or cut shims on-site. We are committed to supporting both types of users at Pearlshims.com.

Learn more about our product guide to learn about our full selection of standard and hard-to-find materials with custom-cut dimensions. We at Pearlshims.com have the experience and network to meet your demands no matter what you are looking for. In addition to catering to small and large distributors, we offer competitive pricing on orders ranging from several pounds to several metric tons.