Measure the gap or clearance you need to fill with a feeler gauge, then select the foil thickness closest to that measurement. For stacked shims, you can combine two or more strips — for example, two 0.05 mm strips to achieve 0.1 mm total. Start with the thinnest gauge that still provides structural support for your load.

304 stainless steel has a typical tensile strength of 515–690 MPa, which is adequate for most shim and gasket applications under moderate compressive loads. For high-stress or high-temperature environments (above approximately 400°C / 750°F), consider 316 or 321 stainless instead. For standard machinery alignment, bearing housings, and flange shimming, 304 performs reliably.

304 stainless steel resists rust in most atmospheric and freshwater environments due to its chromium oxide passive layer. It is not fully immune to corrosion in chloride-rich environments (such as marine saltwater or de-icing salt exposure) — for those conditions, 316 stainless is a better choice. For indoor, light outdoor, or mildly humid applications, 304 foil performs without surface treatment.

Yes. Gauges up to 0.1 mm can typically be cut with heavy-duty scissors, a craft knife, or a rotary cutter against a metal straightedge. For gauges of 0.2 mm and above, tin snips or a bench-mounted metal shear will produce cleaner, burr-free edges. Avoid standard paper scissors, which will dull quickly and produce ragged cuts on thicker gauges.

304 stainless steel is weldable using TIG or MIG processes with appropriate 308L filler wire. Very thin gauges (0.01–0.05 mm) are extremely difficult to weld without burn-through and are generally used as non-welded shims or gaskets. Soldering is possible with stainless-compatible flux, though adhesion is weaker than welding. Contact us to confirm suitability for your specific joining method.

Choose the width that is equal to or slightly wider than the widest dimension of your target part, so you can cut your piece in a single pass without a seam. For narrow shims or gasket strips (under 80 mm wide), the 100 mm roll minimizes waste. For larger flange faces or heat shields, the 200 mm or 300 mm roll avoids the need to join multiple strips side by side.

Calculate the total linear length of all pieces you plan to cut, then add 15–20% for trimming waste and test cuts. If your total comes to under 0.85 m, the 1 m roll is sufficient. For ongoing or repeat-use projects, the 2 m or 3 m roll offers a lower per-meter cost and reduces the need to reorder. Contact us if you need quantities beyond 3 m.