Patriot Bolt cuts specialty shims on our CNC fiber laser in Humble, Texas. We cut slotted shims, ring shims, flat shims with bolt holes and custom profiles straight from your drawing, in carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and titanium.
The laser cuts the profile, holes and slots in one setup, so even one-off and short-run shims don’t need tooling. Send us a drawing, a DXF file or a sample and we will quote it.
Specialty Shims at a Glance
- Process
- CNC fiber laser cutting, 3 kW
- Shapes
- Slotted, ring, flat with bolt holes, custom profiles
- Materials
- Carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and titanium
- Max sheet size
- 5 × 10 ft (60 × 120 in)
- Positioning accuracy
- ±0.002 in
- Max thickness, typical
- Mild steel 1/2 in, stainless 5/16 in, aluminum 1/4 in
- Files
- Drawing, DXF/DWG or a sample part
Shim Types
- Slotted shims: square or rectangular shims with an open slot, so they slide in around a bolt without removing it. They are used to align pumps, motors, gearboxes and other machinery.
- Ring shims: round shims with a center hole, used to set spacing or preload on shafts, bearings and bolted parts.
- Flat shims with bolt holes: plates cut to a bolt pattern for leveling equipment bases, brackets and mounts.
- Custom profiles: any flat shape, with holes, slots and notches cut where your drawing shows them.
Why Laser-Cut Shims
The fiber laser follows the drawing directly, so shim profiles, slots and holes are consistent from the first part to the last. Because no punch or die is needed, a single shim, a short run and a production quantity can all be cut on the same machine.
Shim thickness comes from the sheet or shim stock we cut, and the laser cuts the shape. Tell us the thickness and tolerance you need, and we will confirm the stock before we cut.
Materials and Thickness
We cut shims from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and titanium. Stainless steel is common where corrosion is a concern, and carbon steel is common for general machinery alignment. Typical maximum thicknesses on our laser are 1/2 in for mild steel, 5/16 in for stainless and 1/4 in for aluminum.
Compare alloys in our Fastener Materials Matrix, or see the full laser specs on our Equipment page.
What to Send Us
To quote specialty shims, tell us:
- Shape and size, or send a drawing, DXF/DWG file or sample.
- Thickness and the tolerance you need.
- Material and grade.
- Slot, hole and bolt pattern details.
- Quantity, and how you want the shims packed or labeled.
Specialty Shims FAQ
What are specialty shims?
Specialty shims are thin, flat pieces cut to a set shape and thickness to fill gaps, align machinery, level equipment or set spacing in an assembly. Patriot Bolt cuts them on a CNC fiber laser to your drawing.
What shapes can you cut?
We cut slotted shims, ring shims, flat shims with bolt holes and custom profiles. Any flat shape on your drawing can be cut, including holes, slots and notches.
What materials can you cut shims from?
We cut shims from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, copper and titanium. Typical maximum thicknesses are 1/2 in for mild steel, 5/16 in for stainless and 1/4 in for aluminum.
Do you need a drawing?
A drawing or DXF/DWG file is best. We can also work from a sample shim or a sketch with dimensions.
Do you make small quantities?
Yes. Laser cutting needs no punch or die, so single shims and short runs are practical, as well as production quantities.
Request a Quote
Send us your drawing or DXF file, with material, thickness and quantity. Our team will confirm the details and lead time. Call (281) 581-0176 or request a quote.
Related: Washers · Specialty machined components · Equipment · Fastener Materials Matrix