Brass Shims, Brass Shim Washers & Shim Rings

Brass Shims, Brass Shim Washers & Shim Rings

Brass and Copper Parts India is a specialist manufacturer and global exporter of precision Brass Shims, Brass Shim Washers, and Brass Shim Rings. These thin, precision-thickness components are indispensable in engineering, toolmaking, automotive, aerospace, hydraulics, electronics, and metrology applications for accurate gap filling, alignment, levelling, and load distribution. With in-house rolling, precision blanking, and laser cutting capabilities, we supply shims in thicknesses as fine as 0.01 mm to your exact specifications.

Our brass shims are manufactured from the finest quality brass strip, ensuring dimensional accuracy, consistent thickness tolerance, and excellent surface finish. We supply standard stock shims as well as custom-cut shims to any shape or size. Contact us at sales@brass-copper-parts.com for catalogues, samples, and quotations.

What Are Brass Shims, Shim Washers, and Shim Rings?

Brass Shims are thin, flat pieces of brass used to fill small gaps or spaces between mating components to achieve precise alignment, adjust clearances, or distribute loads. Brass Shim Washers are circular shims with a central hole, functioning as precision-thickness spacers under bolt heads, bearings, and shaft collars. Brass Shim Rings are annular or ring-form shims used to adjust running clearances in bearings, gearboxes, pumps, compressors, and valve assemblies. All three forms serve the same core engineering purpose — controlling dimensional tolerances with precision.

Types of Brass Shims We Supply

  • Flat Brass Shim Stock – Supplied in sheet or roll form for engineers to cut to size
  • Brass Shim Washers – Precision-blanked round washers with central bore to specific OD/ID/thickness
  • Brass Shim Rings – Narrow-width annular rings for bearing and gearbox clearance adjustment
  • Slotted Brass Shims – U-shaped or slotted for easy installation around shafts without disassembly
  • Laminated (Peelable) Brass Shims – Multiple bonded layers that can be peeled to achieve exact thickness
  • Custom-Cut Brass Shims – Any shape cut from sheet using precision blanking or laser cutting
  • Pre-Assembled Shim Packs – Assorted thickness sets for maintenance and toolroom use

Material Grades & International Equivalents

Brass Grades for Shims

IS (India)BS (UK)DIN (Germany)ASTM (USA)EN (Europe)CompositionKey Properties
IS 410 / Gr. 1CZ108CuZn37C27200CW508LCu 63%, Zn 37%Excellent ductility, cold-forming, standard shim grade
IS 410 / Gr. 2CZ106CuZn30C26000CW505LCu 70%, Zn 30%Cartridge brass – high ductility, thin gauge shims
IS 410 / Gr. 3CZ102CuZn20C24000CW502LCu 80%, Zn 20%Low brass – excellent spring properties, high-precision shims
IS 319CZ121CuZn39Pb3C36000CW614NCu 57–59%, Pb 3%Free-cutting brass – thicker machined shims
IS 291CZ107CuZn33C26800CW506LCu 67%, Zn 33%Yellow brass – general engineering shims

Temper / Hardness Conditions Available

TemperASTM DesignationBS DesignationHardness (Approx.)Suitable For
Soft AnnealedO61M55–70 HRBConformable shims, sealing shims
Quarter HardH011/4H70–80 HRBGeneral-purpose shim washers
Half HardH021/2H80–90 HRBMost shim applications – standard
Three-Quarter HardH033/4H88–95 HRBSpring shims, load-bearing shims
HardH04H93 HRB+High-load, wear-resistant shim rings
Extra HardH06EH100 HRB+Heavy-duty precision components

Dimensional Range

Product FormThickness RangeWidth / OD RangeBore / ID RangeLength / Form
Brass Shim Sheet0.01 mm to 3.0 mmUp to 600 mmSheet or roll
Brass Shim Washer0.1 mm to 3.0 mmOD 5 mm to 150 mmID 2 mm to 100 mmCustom blanked
Brass Shim Ring0.1 mm to 2.0 mmOD 10 mm to 200 mmID 5 mm to 180 mmPrecision turned / blanked
Slotted Shim0.1 mm to 2.0 mmAny shapeSlotted to shaft diaCustom

Why Choose Brass and Copper Parts India for Brass Shims?

  • Ultra-Thin Capability – Shims as thin as 0.01 mm (10 microns) available
  • Tight Thickness Tolerance – ±0.005 mm achievable on precision shim washers
  • Multiple Brass Grades – CZ108, CZ106, CZ102 and more in soft, half-hard, and hard tempers
  • Custom Shapes and Sizes – Precision blanking and laser cutting from customer drawings
  • In-House Slitting and Rolling – Consistent strip width and thickness across full length
  • Laminated Peelable Shims – Available for maintenance and adjustment applications
  • Pre-Assembled Shim Packs – Assorted sets for toolrooms and service workshops
  • Fast Delivery – Standard shim washers and rings dispatched within 7–10 days
  • Competitive Pricing – Direct factory supply for all quantities

Frequently Asked Questions – Brass Shims, Shim Washers & Shim Rings

Q1. What is a brass shim and what is it used for?

A brass shim is a thin, flat piece of brass used in precision engineering to fill gaps, adjust clearances between mating parts, achieve accurate alignment, and distribute loads. Common applications include machine tool alignment, bearing clearance adjustment, gearbox assembly, valve setting, tooling fixtures, mould making, and automotive engine assembly.

Q2. What is the difference between a brass shim washer and a shim ring?

A brass shim washer is a flat, disc-shaped washer with a central bore, used as a precision spacer under bolt heads, between shaft collars, or behind bearings. A shim ring is similar in form but typically has a narrow annular width relative to its diameter, and is specifically designed for clearance adjustment in rotating assemblies such as bearings, gearboxes, pumps, and compressors.

Q3. What is the thinnest brass shim you can manufacture?

We can supply brass shim strip as thin as 0.01 mm (10 microns) in precision rolled form. For shim washers and rings, the minimum thickness we can blank is 0.05 mm (50 microns) depending on the alloy and diameter. Please contact us with your specific thickness requirement for feasibility confirmation.

Q4. What thickness tolerance can you hold on brass shim washers?

For precision shim washers and rings, we can achieve thickness tolerances of ±0.005 mm on the blanked thickness. Strip and sheet shims are supplied to standard rolling tolerances per ASTM B36 or BS 2870, or to tighter tolerances on request. Our capability depends on the specific alloy, temper, and thickness — contact us for a detailed tolerance discussion.

Q5. What brass grade do you recommend for shim washers?

CZ108 (C27200, CuZn37) in Half Hard temper is our most popular recommendation for shim washers — it offers an excellent combination of dimensional stability, machinability, and moderate spring characteristics. For very thin precision shims requiring good elasticity, CZ106 (C26000, 70/30 Cartridge Brass) is preferred. For high-load or high-wear applications, harder temper grades or CZ102 (80/20 brass) are suitable.

Q6. Can you supply laminated or peelable brass shims?

Yes. We supply laminated peelable brass shim packs where multiple thin layers are bonded together. Individual layers can be peeled away one at a time to achieve the precise gap required without changing the shim. These are especially useful in maintenance, toolroom, and production setup applications.

Q7. Do you supply slotted or U-shaped brass shims?

Yes. Slotted or U-shaped shims are available and allow installation around a shaft or stud without full disassembly. We produce these to customer-specified slot width, overall size, and thickness. Send us your drawing or shaft diameter and we will quote accordingly.

Q8. What is the minimum order quantity for brass shim washers?

For standard sizes, our MOQ is 500 pieces. For custom shim washers requiring new tooling, MOQ varies. Shim sheet and strip can be supplied in smaller quantities — email sales@brass-copper-parts.com with your requirements for a specific quote.

Q9. What industries use brass shim washers and shim rings most commonly?

Brass shims are used across a wide range of industries including: automotive and transportation (engine, gearbox, suspension assembly), industrial machinery (pumps, compressors, gearboxes), aerospace and defence (airframe, engine, hydraulic systems), electronics and precision instruments (PCB assemblies, sensor mounts), toolmaking and metrology, printing and packaging machinery, and valve and flow control equipment.

Q10. Can I get brass shim washers with specific OD, ID, and thickness to my drawing?

Absolutely. Custom brass shim washers produced to your exact OD, ID, and thickness dimensions are our core business. We accept DXF, PDF, STEP, or even dimensional specifications via email. Tooling lead time for new custom sizes is typically 2–3 weeks, with production parts following promptly thereafter.

Q11. Are your brass shims supplied with material test certificates?

Yes. Mill material test certificates (MTCs) are available for all brass shim products, confirming alloy grade, chemical analysis, and mechanical properties including hardness and tensile strength. We can also provide dimensional inspection reports and third-party testing certificates if required.

Q12. What is the difference between brass shims and steel shims?

Brass shims offer excellent corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, non-magnetic properties, and are softer and easier to cut or machine than steel shims. Steel shims offer higher strength and hardness but can corrode in humid environments. Brass is the preferred material where corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, or non-magnetic properties are required. Steel (or stainless steel) shims are preferred where higher load capacity or temperature resistance is critical. We supply both — contact us for a comparison for your specific application.

Q13. Do you supply assorted shim washer packs or shim sets?

Yes. Pre-assembled assorted shim packs containing a range of standard thicknesses in a given OD/ID combination are available — very useful for toolrooms, maintenance departments, and service workshops. Specify the OD/ID and we will supply a pack covering the most common thickness range in increments to suit your needs.

Q14. What is the lead time for custom brass shim rings?

Custom brass shim rings with new tooling are typically delivered in 3–4 weeks from drawing approval. Repeat orders on existing tools are dispatched within 7–10 working days. For urgent requirements, contact us — we can often accommodate accelerated schedules for critical production needs.

Customer Reviews

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“We have been ordering custom brass shim washers from Brass and Copper Parts India for our hydraulic pump assemblies for three years. The thickness tolerance they achieve is excellent — consistently within ±0.005 mm which is critical for our bearing clearances. Their pricing and lead times are better than any local alternative. Very reliable partner.”
— Chief Engineer, Hydraulic Equipment Manufacturer | Germany

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“We source brass shim rings in multiple sizes for our gearbox manufacturing line. Brass and Copper Parts India handles our orders efficiently, delivers on time, and provides material certificates with each batch. The parts meet our dimensional requirements without any issue. We are extremely satisfied with the quality and service.”
— Procurement Engineer, Industrial Gearbox Manufacturer | United States

📧 Contact us: sales@brass-copper-parts.com | Brass and Copper Parts India