Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheet Specifications

The following standards and specifications are used to manufacture shim sheets made of stainless steel 316.

Parameter Detail
Standard (Annealed) ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240
Standard (Work-Hardened) ASTM A666
Forms Flat Sheets, Rolls, Adhesive-Backed Sheets
Temper Soft, Quarter Hard, Half Hard, Full Hard, Spring
Thickness 0.001" to 0.031" (0.025 mm to 0.787 mm)
Width 6" to 24" (152 mm to 610 mm)
Surface Finish 2B, 2TR (temper rolled)

Available Sizes

SS 316 shim sheets are stocked from 0.001" (0.025 mm) to 0.031" (0.787 mm) in standard flat sheet and roll dimensions. Custom sizes are cut as per the client's specifications.

Thickness Range

Common thickness options for Type 316 shim sheets are listed below.

Thickness (inches) Thickness (mm)
0.001 0.025
0.005 0.127
0.010 0.254
0.015 0.381
0.020 0.508
0.031 0.787

Standard Sheet and Roll Dimensions

Sachiya Steel International stocks these flat sheet and roll sizes for AISI 316 shim stock.

Form Width Length
Flat Sheet 6" (152 mm) 12" (305 mm)/ 25" (635 mm)
Roll 12" (305 mm) 50" (1,270 mm)/ 100" (2,540 mm)

Thickness Tolerances

Precision shimming demands tight dimensional control. Width tolerance is ±0.005" across all gauges.

Nominal Thickness (in) Tolerance (± in)
0.001 ±0.0001
0.005 ±0.00025
0.010 ±0.0005
0.031 ±0.0010

Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheet Price

SS 316 shim sheet prices range from ₹170–₹600 per kg in India and $6.50 and $12.00 per kg in the US, depending on thickness, temper, and quantity. Contact Sachiya Steel International for current pricing.

Chemical Composition of Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheets

The following table provides a listing of the elemental composition of Grade 316 in accordance with ASTM A240 and ASME SA-240. Molybdenum at 2.00–3.00% is the primary differentiator from the 304 grade. It's what improves resistance to pitting in chloride and dilute acid environments.

Carbon (C)C
0.08 max
Manganese (Mn)Mn
2.00 max
Phosphorus (P)P
0.045 max
Sulfur (S)S
0.030 max
Silicon (Si)Si
1.00 max
Chromium (Cr)Cr
16.0–18.0
Nickel (Ni)Ni
10.0–14.0
Molybdenum (Mo)Mo
2.00–3.00
Nitrogen (N)N
0.10 max
Iron (Fe)Fe
Balance

Mechanical Properties of Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheets

Mechanical performance of SS 316 shim sheets varies by temper. Three primary categories are annealed (soft), full hard, and intermediate tempers.

Annealed (Soft) Condition

SS 316 shim sheets in the annealed condition are solution heat-treated per ASME SA-240.

100/690
MPa (ksi)
Tensile Strength (min)
55/380
MPa (ksi)
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (min)
35
%
Elongation in 2 in. (min)
Property Value Unit
Tensile Strength (min) 690 (100) MPa (ksi)
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (min) 380(55) MPa (ksi)
Elongation in 2 in. (min) 35 %

Full Hard Condition

Full hard 316 shim stock is cold rolled to maximum strength per ASTM A666.

175/1207
MPa (ksi)
Tensile Strength (min)
140/965
MPa (ksi)
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (min)
2
%
Elongation in 2 in. (min)
40
Rockwell C (min)
Hardness
Property Value Unit
Tensile Strength (min) 1,207 (175) MPa (ksi)
Yield Strength 0.2% Offset (min) 965 (140) MPa (ksi)
Elongation in 2 in. (min) 2 %
Hardness RC 40 min (ref.) Rockwell C

Half Hard, Quarter Hard & Spring Temper

Between annealed and full hard states, you'll find these intermediate tempers. While quarter hard provides moderate spring-back and half hard balances strength with ductility, spring temper is optimised for high elasticity. This specific property allows for repeated flexing without the risk of permanent deformation.

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Industrial Applications of Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheets

SS 316 shim sheets serve 4 primary industries wherever corrosion-resistant spacing or alignment is required.

Chemical & Food Processing

These corrosion-resistant spacers are perfect for heat exchangers and pumps. Their non-reactive surface easily meets strict hygiene standards for dairy and food.

Marine & Offshore

Essential for aligning bearings and spacing flanges on offshore platforms. The molybdenum content stops saltwater from pitting the metal in harsh environments.

Pharmaceutical & Bioprocessing

Ideal for aligning equipment in sterile areas. These shims withstand repeated heavy cleaning cycles without any surface damage or risk of bacterial growth.

Precision Engineering & Manufacturing

CNC machine shops use 316 shim stock for machine levelling, die spacing, and mould alignment. Tolerances of ±0.0001” at the thinner gauges allow adjustments in thousandths of an inch.

Stainless Steel 316 vs 304 Shim Sheets

Use the comparison table below to see how SS 316 and SS 304 shim sheets compare in terms of performance and cost.

Feature SS 316 Shim Sheet SS 304 Shim Sheet
Molybdenum (Mo) 2.0% – 3.0% None (0%)
Nickel (Ni) 10.0% – 14.0% (Higher) 8.0% – 10.5% (Lower)
Corrosion Resistance Superior (Pitting & Crevice) High (General Atmospheric)
Saltwater Exposure Excellent (Marine Grade) Poor (Risk of Pitting)
Chemical Resistance Resists Phosphoric & Acetic Acids Moderate Resistance
Primary Application Marine, Medical, Chemical Alignment, Leveling, Spacing
Relative Cost Premium / Higher Standard / Lower

SS 316 shim sheets contain 2.00–3.00% molybdenum; SS 304 doesn't. That difference gives 316 far better resistance to chlorides and salt spray. For marine, chemical, and pharmaceutical shimming, 316 is the correct specification. SS 304 is sufficient for general-purpose shimming in non-corrosive settings.

Shipping and Packaging of Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheets (Hard / Soft)

Main export packaging setup Heavy-duty wooden boxes Packing
Export Packaging Standard

We strictly follow seaworthy export handling standards to protect Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheets from transit damage, moisture ingress, and surface contamination during long-distance dispatch.

  • Heavy-duty wooden boxes with moisture barrier lining
  • HDPE stretch film wrapping on all bundles
  • Edge and corner protection with plastic padding
  • Silica gel desiccants to minimize moisture exposure
  • ISPM-15 fumigated wooden packaging for export
shipping preparation Sheet Bundle Yard Staging
Shipping packaging Sheet Bundle Edge Protection
Shipping stock Wrapped Export-Ready Bundles

We Export Worldwide

Sachiya Steel International supplies stainless steel products to major industrial markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Africa with export-ready documentation and logistics support.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Stainless Steel 316 Shim Sheets

What thickness range is available for SS 316 Shim Sheets?+
SS 316 shim sheets are available from 0.001" (0.025 mm) to 0.031" (0.787 mm) in flat sheet and roll forms.
What is the difference between Hard and Soft 316 Shim Sheets?+
Soft (annealed) shim sheets provide 515 MPa tensile strength and 35% elongation. Full hard sheets reach 1,207 MPa with 2% elongation. Choose soft for formability, full hard for rigidity.
What ASTM Standards cover 316 Stainless Steel Shim Sheets?+
ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240 covers Type 316 in the annealed condition. ASTM A666 covers cold-worked sheet and strip; annealed material is supplied in accordance with ASTM A240 / ASME SA-240.
Can SS 316 Shim Sheets be used in marine environments?+
Yes. The 2.00–3.00% molybdenum content provides strong resistance to chloride pitting, making 316 shim sheets suitable for saltwater and offshore applications.
How do 316 Shim Sheets compare to 304 for corrosion resistance?+
Grade 316 offers better resistance to chlorides and marine atmospheres than 304 due to its molybdenum addition. For non-corrosive environments, 304 is more economical.
What are the standard flat sheet sizes for 316 Shim Stock?+
Standard sizes are 6" × 12" and 6" × 25" for flat sheets. Rolls come at 12" width in 50" or 100" lengths.
Are adhesive-backed SS 316 Shim Sheets available?+
Yes. Adhesive-backed 316 full hard shim sheets with peel-off backing are available for in-place shimming applications.
What is the price of SS 316 Shim Sheets?+
Prices range from ₹170–₹600 per kg in India and $25–$35 per 6"×12" sheet in the US. Final price depends on thickness, temper, and quantity.

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