Machinery rarely sits perfectly level or in line on its own, and shims are how maintenance teams close the gap. Choosing shim stock UAE buyers can source locally means matching format and material to the job, not just picking a thickness. This guide covers the formats, materials and ordering steps Genesis-MFG lists.
What Shim Stock Does and Where It Is Used
Shim stock is thin, precision-rolled metal sheet or foil with a tightly controlled thickness. It is cut into shims, thin pieces placed between parts to fill gaps, correct alignment or set a precise distance. They matter wherever machinery must sit exactly level or in line, such as pump and motor bases, gearboxes, turbines, bearings and structural joints. Genesis-MFG lists these typical applications:
- Machinery alignment: pumps, motors, compressors, gearboxes and fans
- Oil and gas: rotating equipment, skids and wellhead assemblies
- Power generation: turbines and generators
- Construction and steel structures: levelling base plates and bridge bearings
- Marine: engine and shaft alignment
- Manufacturing plants: machine tool set-up and fixture spacing
Note which of these matches your equipment before you pick a format.
Choosing the Right Product Format
Genesis-MFG supplies six formats:
- Sheets and rolls: precision-thickness material for cutting shims on site
- Pre-cut slotted shims: U-slotted machinery shims that slide around bolts without removing the equipment
- Custom shim plates: cut to your drawing by laser, waterjet or CNC, with holes, slots and any outline
- Laminated (peelable) shims: bonded layers that peel off to adjust thickness on site
- Shim washers and spacers: round shims for shafts, bearings and bolted joints
- Shim kits: assorted thicknesses for maintenance and alignment teams
The main difference is who does the cutting. Shim stock is sheet or roll material you cut yourself, while slotted shims come pre-cut with a U-shaped slot, so they fit around bolts without lifting the machine. When you request shim stock suppliers can deliver, decide whether your team wants to cut on site or fit ready-made pieces.
Matching Material to the Environment
Genesis-MFG pairs materials with typical uses. Stainless steel 304 and 316 resist corrosion, so they suit marine, offshore and outdoor equipment. Carbon or spring steel is a cost-effective choice for general machinery alignment. Brass is easy to cut and non-sparking, which suits electrical and precision equipment. Special alloys are available on request, and material certificates can be supplied on request.
Start from the environment, then weigh cost. A shim in a salt-laden marine setting calls for a different material than one under a gearbox in a dry plant. Write the environment on your enquiry so the supplier can recommend a material. Ask your shim stock UAE supplier to confirm available thicknesses in writing, since the range depends on the material.
Custom Shims, Spare Parts and Delivery
When no standard shim fits, Genesis-MFG works as a custom shim manufacturer in Sharjah. Send a drawing, a sample or the dimensions, and it cuts shims by laser, waterjet or CNC, depending on the material and tolerance. It deburrs every shim so it sits flat and marks the thickness for easy identification. Orders can be a single shim or a large batch for a shutdown, and urgent shutdown and breakdown orders can be prioritised. The facility is ISO 9001 certified and based in Hamriyah Free Zone, with delivery to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and across the UAE.
Alignment work often exposes worn parts. Genesis-MFG also operates as a CNC machined spare parts manufacturer, making shafts, bushings, flanges and other components from a drawing, a CAD file or a worn sample, with no minimum order. Ordering both from one supplier can simplify a shutdown.
Conclusion
Pick the format by how your team works, match the material to the environment and give the supplier a drawing or dimensions for anything non-standard. For worn parts found during alignment, a CNC machined spare parts manufacturer can supply replacements to your drawing or sample. Genesis-MFG's spare parts page lists what it makes, and sending your requirements is enough to request a quote.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between shim stock and slotted shims?
Shim stock is sheet or roll material that you cut yourself. Slotted shims are pre-cut with a U-shaped slot, so they fit around bolts without lifting the machine.
2. Which shim material should I use?
Stainless steel suits corrosive or outdoor environments. Brass is easy to cut and non-sparking. Carbon steel is a cost-effective choice for general machinery alignment.
3. Can shims be made to my drawing?
Yes. Genesis-MFG makes custom shims in any outline, with holes and slots, from your drawing, sample or dimensions.
4. Does Genesis-MFG also work as a CNC machined spare parts manufacturer?
Yes. It makes replacement parts such as shafts, bushings and flanges from a drawing, a CAD file or a worn sample.
