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When a gap of a fraction of a millimeter throws off your entire assembly, standard shim stock simply won't cut it. Engineers, machinists, and hands-on DIYers who need repeatable, measurable tolerances rely on stainless steel shim foil to get the fit exactly right — without grinding, filing, or guessing.
This stainless steel shim sheet foil is supplied as a 5-meter roll, 12.7 mm (0.5 in) wide, available in 21 thickness options ranging from 0.01 mm (0.0004 in) to 0.60 mm (0.024 in). The material is 304-grade stainless steel, offering a smooth, bright surface finish with consistent caliper-verified thickness across the full roll length.
Typical applications include bearing and shaft alignment shimming in mechanical assemblies, precision gasket fabrication for fluid or pneumatic systems, feeler-gauge calibration checks, and fine-tolerance leveling of CNC fixtures, optical mounts, or electronic enclosures. The narrow 12.7 mm width makes it easy to cut strips for stainless steel shim stock for machinery alignment or to layer multiple thicknesses for custom stack-up shimming.
| Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
|---|---|
| Surface Finish | Bright / smooth rolled |
| Thickness Range | 0.01 mm – 0.60 mm (0.0004 in – 0.024 in) |
| Selected Thickness | See variant options |
| Width | 12.7 mm (0.5 in) |
| Roll Length | 5 meters (approx. 196.9 in) |
| Quantity per Order | 1 roll |
| Hardness | Annealed (soft) — typical for 304 SS foil |
| Corrosion Resistance | Suitable for indoor and light outdoor use |
| Cutting Method | Scissors, tin snips, or utility knife |
| Typical Tolerance | ±10% of stated thickness (foil grades); tighter on thicker gauges |
Measure the gap you need to fill with a feeler gauge or dial indicator, then select the thickness closest to that measurement. For stack-up shimming, you can layer two or more rolls — for example, combining a 0.05 mm and a 0.10 mm roll to achieve 0.15 mm. Start with the thinnest option that gets you within range, then add thicker layers as needed.
304 stainless steel has a tensile strength of approximately 515 MPa (75,000 psi), making it suitable for most light-to-medium load shimming tasks such as bearing alignment, machine leveling, and fixture adjustment. For heavy-press or high-impact applications, consult your assembly's engineering tolerances before selecting foil below 0.10 mm.
304 stainless steel provides good resistance to oxidation and mild corrosion in most indoor environments and light outdoor conditions. It is not recommended for prolonged exposure to chloride-rich environments (such as saltwater or de-icing salts) without additional protective measures. For marine or chemical-process applications, 316 stainless steel would be a more appropriate choice.
Yes. The smooth, flat surface and consistent thickness make this foil well-suited for fabricating custom metal gaskets for low-to-medium pressure fluid or pneumatic joints. Cut to shape with tin snips or a punch, and verify the finished gasket thickness with a micrometer before assembly. It is not a substitute for soft-face or spiral-wound gaskets in high-pressure steam or chemical service.
The variants listed on this page are all 12.7 mm (0.5 in) wide. If you need a wider shim sheet or a different roll length, please use the Contact Us page — we may be able to source alternative dimensions or point you to a suitable product in our catalog.
For straight cuts, a sharp utility knife guided along a steel rule gives the cleanest edge. Tin snips work well for thicker gauges (0.20 mm and above). For very thin foils (0.01–0.05 mm), use sharp scissors in a single smooth motion rather than multiple short cuts, which can cause micro-tears along the edge. Deburr any cut edge with a fine file or emery cloth before fitting.
Ultra-thin foil grades (0.01–0.05 mm) typically carry a tolerance of ±10% of the stated thickness, which is standard for rolled stainless steel foil at these gauges. Thicker options (0.10 mm and above) generally hold tighter tolerances. If your application requires certified dimensional data, contact us before ordering so we can advise on available documentation.
Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 12 - Aug 17
US$40
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