Shim Stock & Material Types Guide

Choosing the right shim material is essential for performance, longevity, and code compliance. This guide covers all common shim stock materials used in industrial and pipeline applications.

Stainless Steel Shim Stock

The most popular choice for pipeline shimming. Stainless steel shims (304 and 316 grades) resist corrosion, withstand high temperatures, and meet most pipeline specifications.

Carbon Steel Shims

Cost-effective option for indoor and non-corrosive environments. Carbon steel shims (A36 and 1018 grades) provide excellent load-bearing capacity at lower cost than stainless.

Brass Shim Stock

Used where non-sparking properties are required, such as in refineries and petrochemical plants. Brass shims also provide galvanic isolation between dissimilar metals.

Aluminum Shim Stock

Lightweight shim material for low-load applications. Aluminum shims are easy to cut and form but have lower load capacity than steel shims.

Composite and Plastic Shims

Composite shims provide electrical isolation, vibration dampening, and corrosion resistance. Used in specialized applications where metal shims may cause galvanic corrosion.

Shim Stock Forms

• Flat sheets in standard sizes
• Rolls for cutting custom shapes
• Pre-cut shim packs in assorted thicknesses
• Slotted shims for easy installation around bolts
• Peelable shim stock for precision adjustment

Track Shim Materials with ShimSheet

ShimSheet lets you record the material type, grade, and certification for every shim in your project. Ensure specification compliance and maintain complete material traceability.