A spacer looks like a simple part, but how you make it depends on its shape and thickness. A thick round spacer is a lathe job, while a thin one with an unusual outline is better cut from sheet. This guide explains how to choose between CNC turning services UAE shops offer and a custom shim, using Genesis-MFG's turning and shim pages.

Two Ways to Make a Spacer

Genesis-MFG makes spacers in two ways. Its turning page lists bearing spacers alongside bushings and sleeves among the parts it turns. CNC turning is a machining process in which the workpiece rotates while a stationary cutting tool removes material, and it is the most efficient way to make cylindrical parts with outside and inside diameters, tapers, grooves and threads.

Its shim page describes precision-engineered sealing components and thin spacers, with shims made in thicknesses from 0.001 in. to 0.250 in. (0.025 mm to 6.35 mm) and cut by water jet and laser. Neither page draws the line between the two for you, so the rule of thumb below is a reading of what each page says: round parts suit turning, and flat parts in custom shapes suit cutting.

When Turning Is the Right Route

Choose turning when the part is essentially round. Genesis-MFG lists these among the parts it turns:

• Shafts, spindles and axles

• Bushings, sleeves and bearing spacers

• Pins, studs, bolts and custom fasteners

• Threaded connectors, nipples and adaptors

• Valve stems, seats and plugs

Turning centres with live tooling can also drill and mill flats, holes and slots in the same set-up, so the part comes off the machine complete. Materials include carbon and alloy steel, stainless steel, brass and bronze, aluminium, copper, titanium and engineering plastics such as POM, nylon, PTFE, PEEK and HDPE. Quantities run from one piece to full production runs. When you request CNC turning services quotes, send the drawing or a sample with the material and quantity.

When a Cut Shim Is the Right Route

Choose a shim when the part is thin, flat and needs a specific outline. Genesis-MFG's shim page offers material selection from stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass and titanium, shapes that are square, rectangular, circular or custom, and finishes that are plain, coated or plated. Lengths and widths reach 144 inches, and the stated tolerance is ±0.005 in. Engineering support, CAD design and computer-controlled reverse engineering guide development, and prototypes are available in low-volume and short-production quantities.

Ask a custom shim manufacturer about its checks. Genesis-MFG lists inspection of raw material, dimensional inspection against customer requirements and surface finish inspection. It names ASME, ANSI, ASTM, ISO, DIN, JIS and MIL-STD among its industry standards.

Choosing and Ordering

Use four questions to decide:

• Is the part round, with diameters, threads or grooves? Choose turning.

• Is it thin and flat, with an unusual outline? Choose a cut shim.

• Does it need both round features and a flat outline? Ask both teams, or have the supplier advise.

• Is a worn part your only reference? Both services can work from a sample.

Genesis-MFG reverse-engineers worn shafts and bushings from a sample, and its shim page lists computer-controlled reverse engineering for shims. It turns single spare parts as well as production batches, and it lists fast turnaround for breakdown spare parts. The turning facility is ISO 9001 and API Spec Q1 certified. Placing both orders with one of the CNC turning services UAE providers that also works as a custom shim manufacturer keeps drawings and documents in one place.

Conclusion

Round and thick suggests turning, and thin and flat suggests a cut shim. State the shape, material and quantity, and ask the supplier to confirm the route. If your assembly includes spacers, talk to a custom shim manufacturer while you plan the turned parts. Genesis-MFG's shim page lists its customization options and quality checks, and a drawing or sample is enough to start.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between CNC turning and CNC milling?

In turning, the part rotates and the tool stays still, which suits round parts. In milling, the tool rotates and the part stays still, which suits flat and complex shapes.

2. Can a worn shaft or bushing be copied?

Yes. Send the part, and Genesis-MFG measures it, confirms the material and machines a new one.

3. Are shim prototypes available?

Yes. Prototypes are available in low-volume and short-production quantities.

4. What thickness range can custom shims be made in?

From 0.001 in. to 0.250 in. (0.025 mm to 6.35 mm).