AMG Products is a manufacturer of metal gaskets and shims used in applications across a wide range of markets and industries. We are a customer oriented and service driven organization. We value our customers and realize that our success is predicated by your success.
Hardened Metal Shims
What is a Hardened Metal Shim?
A shim may be used for a variety of applications. They are used for leveling as in a motor mount shim, aligning a shaft and a motor as in an alignment shim, or for reducing a gap between two parts as in a differential shim. Whatever your application may be AMG can produce the right shim for your application. A hardened shim is any shim that requires a hardened surface for wear and abrasion resistance. This surface can be produced either through a separate process (heat treating) or choice of material (spring steel). The hardness of the surface provides better wear resistance and durability.
What materials are used in a hardened shim?
There are several different types of material that may be used in hardened shims. Depending on the application, a full hard stainless steel or copper can be used in a corrosive environment whereas a spring steel such as C1075 or C1095 can be used in a noncorrosive environment.
Applications
Hardened metal shims are preferred over other materials like copper or regular steel in various industrial applications due to their superior strength, durability, and resistance to wear and deformation. Here are some applications where Hardened metal shims are particularly well-suited, along with reasons for their preference:
Heavy Machinery and Equipment:
Hardened metal shims are used in heavy machinery and construction equipment for alignment, leveling, and spacing of components. Their high strength and resistance to compression make them ideal for applications where heavy loads and high stress are common.
Automotive Industry:
In automotive applications, Hardened metal shims are used in engines, transmissions, and drivetrain systems. Their ability to withstand high temperatures and pressures without deforming ensures the precise alignment and smooth operation of components.
Aerospace and Aviation:
The aerospace industry requires materials that can withstand extreme conditions, including high pressures, temperatures, and stress. Hardened metal shims are used in the assembly and maintenance of aircraft components for their durability and resistance to wear.
Manufacturing Equipment:
In manufacturing settings, machines and equipment often require precise adjustments to maintain product quality. Hardened metal shims provide the necessary stability and precision for these adjustments, resisting wear and maintaining their shape under constant use.
Mining and Drilling Equipment:
The mining and drilling sectors use Hardened metal shims in machinery that is subjected to abrasive environments and heavy loads. The shims’ hardness and toughness make them suitable for these applications, where other materials might fail or wear out quickly.
Railway and Transportation:
Hardened metal shims are used in the assembly and maintenance of railway equipment, including locomotives and carriages. Their ability to withstand heavy loads and resist deformation is crucial for the safety and reliability of railway operations.
Energy Sector:
In power generation and distribution, Hardened metal shims are used in turbines, generators, and other equipment. Their resistance to high temperatures and pressures is essential for the efficient and safe operation of these systems.
Advantages of Hardened Steel Shims
Strength and Durability:
Hardened steel has a higher tensile strength than copper or regular steel, making it more resistant to bending and deformation under load.
Wear Resistance:
The hardening process increases the material’s resistance to surface wear, abrasion, and galling, extending the lifespan of components in harsh environments.
Temperature Resistance:
Hardened steel can withstand higher temperatures without losing its structural integrity, making it suitable for applications with high thermal exposure.
Cost-Effectiveness:
While there are applications where the unique properties of copper (such as its thermal and electrical conductivity) might be preferred, hardened steel often offers a more cost-effective solution for applications requiring strength, durability, and wear resistance.
In summary, the choice of Hardened metal shims over other materials is driven by the specific requirements of the application, including the need for strength, durability, resistance to wear and deformation, and sometimes cost considerations.
Why Chose AMG Products?
AMG Products has been supplying a wide range of industries with metal shims since 1904. We have extensive experience working with a variety of metals and configurations. Our experience enables us to better understand your requirements and offer a wide variety of tooling configurations to minimize any tooling costs associated with your sealing device needs.
We understand time is critical, let us work with you to develop a custom stocking program to ensure you have parts on the shelf every time they’re needed.