Washers
Washers are thin, flat metal rings, used in order to make something, such as a bolt, fit more tightly or to prevent rubbing and slippage. Due to the flexibility of the photo etching process complex designs, including external and internal tab / location washers, can be manufactured quickly using Etch Tech's in-house low cost tooling capabilities.
Shims
Shims are thin pieces of metal that are used to fill the small gaps or spaces between objects, providing support or balance. Typical uses for shims include adjustments for a better fit, increased support, or in order to provide a level surface. Alternatively, a shim can also be used as a spacer in order to fill a small gap between parts, subject to wear.
Customers requiring aeronautical hydraulic and spacer shims consistently specify manufacture from aircraft-grade stainless steels. These shims are then plated or passivated in accordance with customer requirements and specifications.
Photo chemical etching is the perfect solution for high volume production of shims and washers. Stress and burr-free, Etch Tech shims and washers guarantee durability and ease of fit and no rough edges. Etch Tech's etched metal shims can be tabbed into a sheet in order to provide increased ease of installation, or
laminated into adjustable stacks.
Etch Tech can supply Photo Chemically Etched metal Shims and Washers in the following materials:
Aluminium
Brass
Copper
Carbon Steel
Molybdenum
Stainless Steel
Titanium
Thickness range from 0.00508mm(0.0002") - 1.5mm (0.060")
Design tolerances
The Photo Etching process in place at Etch Tech Ltd is capable of etching extremely fine detail into metal. We have extensive experience working closely with customers to offer improved design tolerances on our Shims and Washers. Please contact our design engineers so discuss your requirements.