To guarantee that the gaskets and metal shims you order fulfill your company’s and your application’s requirements, it’s important to choose a manufacturer with material mastery.
Shims are an essential component in numerous industries. They help reduce equipment malfunctions by closing gaps and achieving precise alignment. They are also a cost-effective way to lower tolerance requirements.
Manufacturers with stringent quality control procedures to ensure their items meet or exceed industry standards should be given precedence.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Manufacturer of Gaskets and Metal Shims
Look for a manufacturer with a track record of satisfied customers who have relied on their gaskets and metal shims.
#1. Material
Shims are small, flat pieces of metal and plastic used to fill gaps, occupy mechanical space, and produce more precise alignment. They’re typically cut to specific dimensions and made from stainless steel or brass materials that resist corrosion.
The material used to manufacture a shim is important because it determines how it will respond in an application environment.
For example, a plastic shim is inappropriate for an oil or gas application because it may not withstand high temperatures. However, a carbon or stainless steel shim is effective in this setting.
Similarly, brass has antibacterial qualities that eliminate some bacteria and viruses. Most gaskets and metal shims Houston, TX company, can be customized to suit various applications.
They can fabricate these thin, flat pieces using various processes, such as laser and waterjet cutting. They can also add markings and insertion tabs to make them easier to position.
#2. Size
Shims are small mechanical components that prevent fluids from escaping between two flush surfaces that might not be perfectly straight or flat.
They can also help to even out spacing and alignment, which helps maintain efficiency and reduce wear and tear. Manufacturers offer a variety of shapes, sizes, and compositions of shim materials.
They can also customize texture shims to fit a particular connection point, including grooving, ridging, or tapering. These options enable customers to find the ideal shim for their specific application.
Brass shims are especially useful in industrial settings that use explosive gases or chemical compounds. The copper within them destroys certain bacteria and pathogens, and they are not magnetic—important considerations when working in sterile environments.
For smaller applications, cold-rolled steel shims are often used. They are strong, durable, and easily manipulated. They also come in various thicknesses, making choosing the right product for the job easy.
#3. Tolerances
The design tolerances allow the manufacturer to create a product that meets your specifications. It’s essential to choose a contract manufacturer that understands the importance of tolerances and can provide quality products.
Specifying the right tolerances will save you money, time, and headaches. For example, if a dimension isn’t critical, you can ask for a larger range of tolerance, which will cost less.
But if you fail to specify a tight tolerance for important dimensions, they may not fit together correctly, leading to expensive rework and wasted materials.
#4. Design
The design is a critical factor to consider regarding a custom gasket. The design must consider the environment, deflection tolerances, and water absorption of the materials used.
Also, if there are any regulatory requirements within the industry or specific application, these must be met. For example, in aerospace applications, the materials must meet CMMC and ASTM flame, smoke, and toxicity control standards.
For example, if the gasket is placed in an environment with a lot of chemical flow, the material must not degrade from the chemicals passing through it.
Neoprene and EPDM are good synthetic rubbers that will not degrade in such environments. Teflon is another popular choice, as it is generally non-reactive.
Some environments require a heavy-duty shim that can resist multiple hostile environments. Large industrial machinery often works with corrosives, biologicals, and volatile compounds that can damage the gasket.
Brass shims are popular in these applications because they do not deteriorate under salty conditions.
