SS316 Shim Stock
SS316 Shim Stock is a marine-grade stainless steel shim material with superior corrosion resistance for demanding marine, offshore and chemical environments. Supplied in 6" x 50" and 6" x 100" rolls from 0.025mm (0.001") to 3.00mm (0.118") thick, it provides dependable spacing and alignment for vessels, offshore equipment, desalination plant, and chemical processing machinery where extended service life is critical.
SS316 Shim Stock Specifications
| SS316 Shim Stock | ||
|---|---|---|
| Parameter | Details | Typical Use |
| Material | SS 316 Marine-Grade Stainless Steel | Marine, offshore and chemical environments |
| Form | Rolls or sheets | Cut-to-size shims and alignment pads |
| Available lengths | 6" x 50" and 6" x 100" | Roll supply for cut-to-size shims |
| Thickness range | 0.025mm (0.001") to 3.00mm (0.118") | Micro to larger clearance adjustment |
| Corrosion resistance | Superior resistance to saltwater and chemicals | Vessels, offshore, desalination and chemical plant |
| Supply note | Available by roll, sheet or cut length as per stock | Project and workshop procurement |
Buying SS316 Marine-Grade Shim Stock for Harsh Environments
SS316 Stainless Steel Shim Stock is the preferred choice when shims will be exposed to saltwater, chlorides, or aggressive chemical media. Its molybdenum-enhanced composition provides superior pitting and crevice corrosion resistance compared to standard stainless grades, making it ideal for vessels, offshore platforms, marine repair yards, desalination plant, and chemical processing equipment.
Supplied in 6" x 50" and 6" x 100" rolls from 0.025mm (0.001") to 3.00mm (0.118") thick, SS316 shim stock delivers the precision thickness control required for engine and gearbox alignment, bearing fits, pump leveling and machinery installation in demanding service. The corrosion-resistant surface also preserves shim integrity across long maintenance intervals.
Why SS316 Over SS304 for Shim Stock
The defining difference between SS316 and SS304 is molybdenum. The addition of molybdenum gives 316 markedly better resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, particularly where chlorides are present — saltwater, coastal air, and aggressive industrial chemicals. Mechanically, 316 delivers similar tensile strength and formability to 304, making it the natural choice for marine, offshore, desalination and chemical service where long intervals between maintenance are expected.
Precision-rolled SS316 shim stock is held to the same tight thickness tolerances as 304 — typically around ±0.0127mm (±0.0005") at 0.127mm (0.005") thickness, with thinner gauges rolled even more precisely. That dimensional stability is exactly what engine and gearbox alignment, bearing fits and pump leveling demand in demanding service.
Common Applications for SS316 Shim Stock
In the marine sector, 316 shims are used to align propeller shafts, stabilise deck fittings and reduce vibration in engine installations, where salt and moisture make dimensional stability and material purity critical. Beyond marine work, 316 is specified for pharmaceutical tools, surgical instruments, cleanroom and imaging equipment, and any hygienic application where corrosion resistance and strength both matter.
Choosing the Right SS316 Shim Thickness
Start by measuring the gap at several points with feeler gauges, dial indicators or a micrometer. For fine adjustment, calibration and precision spacing use thin gauges from 0.025mm to 0.10mm; for general alignment, spacing and fit correction choose 0.10mm to 0.50mm; and for structural packing or heavy equipment support select 0.50mm to 3.00mm so the shim holds rigidity under load. Where on-site tuning is needed, layer two or three gauges rather than many thin shims, and record the final stack for future servicing.
Cutting and Fitting SS316 Shim Stock
Establish the required thickness first with feeler gauges or a micrometer. Straightforward shapes can be sheared with tin snips or punched by hand, while complex profiles benefit from laser cutting, waterjet or CNC. Fit each shim cleanly without binding or warping, and limit stacking to around four shims to avoid flex and vibration — a single shim at the exact thickness is the more stable solution.
If your application is general industrial or light marine rather than aggressive chemical service, SS304 may offer a more economical solution - compare our SS304 Shim Stock. Buyers can also review Brass Shim Stock, Copper Shim Stock and Pre Cut Shim Sets, or start from the Shim Stock pillar page.
The most important checks before ordering are the operating environment, required thickness and width, and the corrosion resistance your application truly needs. Confirming these points early ensures you choose the right marine-grade shim stock for a dependable, long-lasting result.
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