Etched stainless steel shims are manufactured using chemical etching technology to achieve high precision, burr-free edges, and complex geometries. Compared with stamping or laser cutting, chemical etching shims offer superior accuracy and consistency, especially for ultra-thin materials. Etched shims are widely used in precision applications such as electronics, optics, and high-end mechanical assemblies.

What Is an Etched Shim

An etched shim is a precision metal shim produced through chemical etching (photo etching), a process that removes material without mechanical force. This allows for extremely fine details, sharp edges, and consistent thickness across the entire part.

Key features:

• Burr-free edges 
• High dimensional accuracy 
• No mechanical stress or deformation 
• Suitable for ultra-thin materials 

Chemical Etching vs Other Processes

✔ Chemical Etching (Recommended)

• No burrs or sharp edges 
• Ideal for ultra-thin materials (0.01–0.1mm) 
• Supports complex shapes and fine features 
• High consistency in batch production 

⚠️ Stamping

• Burrs and edge deformation 
• Not suitable for very thin materials 
• Limited for complex geometries 

⚠️ Laser Cutting

• Heat affected zone 
• Possible micro distortion 
• Less suitable for ultra-thin precision parts 

👉 For precision etched shim applications, chemical etching is the best solution.

Key Advantages of Etched Shims

✔ Burr-Free & Smooth Edges

No secondary deburring required, ideal for sensitive assemblies

✔ Complex Geometry Capability

Supports:

• Multi-hole designs 
• Micro slots 
• Fine patterns 
• Irregular shapes 

✔ Ultra Thin Capability

• Thickness down to 0.01mm 
• Excellent flatness and stability 

✔ High Precision & Repeatability

• Tight tolerance control 
• Consistent quality across batches 

Typical Applications

Etched shims are widely used in high-precision industries:

🔹 Electronics & Micro Components

• PCB spacing 
• Micro connectors 
• Sensor positioning 

🔹 Optical & Measurement Systems

• Lens alignment 
• Laser positioning 
• Imaging systems 

🔹 Precision Mechanical Assemblies

• Fine adjustment 
• Micro spacing 
• High accuracy positioning 

🔹 Industrial & OEM Applications

• Custom precision parts 
• Complex assembly structures 
• High-end equipment 

Available Specifications

Material Options:

• Stainless Steel 304 / 316 
• Brass / Copper (optional) 

Thickness Range:

• 0.01mm – 0.5mm 

Tolerance:

• Up to ±0.002mm (depending on design) 

Structure Options:

• Flat shims 
• Shim washers 
• Slotted / notched shims 
• Multi-hole / custom shapes 

Custom Etched Shim Service

We provide custom etched shim solutions based on your drawings:

• Complex shapes and fine features 
• Ultra-thin precision parts 
• OEM and batch production 
• Engineering support for optimization 

👉 Send us your design, and we will recommend the best etching solution.

Why Choose Etched Shims

• Best solution for high precision and ultra-thin requirements 
• No burrs → safer for sensitive assemblies 
• More flexible for complex designs 
• Stable quality for mass production 

👉 Etched shims are the preferred choice for high-end applications.

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👉 Looking for high precision etched shims?
Send us your drawings or requirements for a fast quotation and professional support.

FAQ

Q1: Why choose etching instead of stamping?
A: Etching produces burr-free edges and is more suitable for ultra-thin and complex designs.

Q2: What is the minimum thickness for etched shims?
A: Typically down to 0.01mm, depending on material and design.

Q3: Can etched shims include complex features?
A: Yes, including micro holes, slots, and intricate patterns.

Q4: Is etching suitable for large production?
A: Yes, it provides high consistency and repeatability in batch production.