Metal Shims and Spacers
Manufactured to Your Print
Precise Metal Shims & Spacers
Precision metal shims and spacers are often more than simple washers or stock thickness fillers. Many applications require thin metal components with controlled thickness, complex geometries, fine internal features, and repeatable dimensional consistency. Etchit manufactures precise metal shims and spacers from customer-supplied prints using photochemical etching, producing burr-free parts without hard tooling or mechanical stress. Etching allows shim geometries to be integrated directly into the part rather than relying on secondary machining or stamping operations.
Precision Metal Shims for Tight-Tolerance Assemblies
Our chemical milling process can produce thin metal shims and spacers with intricate profiles, fine features, and consistent repeatability across production runs. Whether your design requires simple alignment shims or complex geometries with slots, tabs, identification marks, or tight spacing between features, Etchit provides a flexible and cost-effective manufacturing solution. We support projects from prototype through production quantities.
With our controlled photochemical milling process, we can etch down material to precise thicknesses not readily available through traditional metal suppliers to meet your precise spacing needs.
Materials & Thicknesses For Shims & Spacers
Etchit manufactures precision shims and spacers from a variety of thin metal materials.
Common materials used include:
- Stainless Steel (301, 302, 304, 316)
- Copper and Copper Alloys
- Brass
- Nickel and Specialty Alloys
- Phos Bronze
- CRS 1008-1010
Looking for a raw material not listed above? Contact our sales team, we may still be able to help. Thickness capability typically ranges from 0.001” to 0.032”, with many precision shim applications falling below 0.020”.
Tolerance depends on material type, thickness, and geometry. Our team can review your print and provide manufacturability feedback based on the etching process.
Why Use Photochemical Etching for Shims & Spacers?
Photochemical etching is ideal for metal shim manufacturing because it produces clean, accurate parts without introducing mechanical stress into the material. Photochemical etching offers multiple benefits including:
Burr-Free Edges
No secondary deburring required.
No Hard Tooling
Ideal for prototypes, revisions, and ongoing design changes.
Part Marking & Identification
Ability to have half-etch or full-etch part markings without additional tooling.
Complex Geometries
Fine internal features, intricate outlines, and tight feature spacing.
Excellent Flatness
No distortion from punching or mechanical cutting forces.
Cost-Effective Thin Metal Processing
Especially efficient for thinner gauges and precision features.
Etchit is Your Experienced Metal Shim & Spacer Manufacturer
Etchit supports a full print-to-production workflow for precision shim and spacer applications. Our process allows for rapid iteration during development while maintaining repeatability for ongoing production requirements. Our knowledgeable team will partner with you to understand your design specifications, ensuring your finished part meets your application requirements. Have a shim or spacer design ready for review? Get a personalized quote now!
Want more information?
Request a quote to start your project today.