Spacers

Precision Machined Spacers

Pattern Fasteners manufactures precision spacers and bespoke spacing components for engineering, manufacturing and assembly applications.

Spacers are used to create a controlled distance between two components, maintain alignment, support assemblies or provide clearance around shafts, fasteners and other mechanical features.

We manufacture both straightforward and highly specialised spacers to customer drawings, samples and individual specifications, including non-standard diameters, lengths, bores, shoulders, threads and other machined features.

Custom & Bespoke Spacers

Where a standard spacer does not provide the required dimensions or material, Pattern Fasteners can manufacture components specifically for the application.

Custom spacer features can include:

• Non-standard outside diameters

• Precision bore diameters

• Controlled overall lengths

• Stepped diameters

• Shoulders and flanges

• Counterbores

• Internal and external threads

• Grooves and undercuts

• Cross holes

• Chamfers and radiused edges

• Special end forms

Components can be manufactured as simple cylindrical spacers or as more complex turned parts incorporating multiple features.

What Are Spacers Used For?

Spacers are used throughout mechanical and engineering assemblies to maintain separation between components and control their relative position.

Typical applications include:

• Machinery and equipment

• Automotive assemblies

• Electrical and electronic equipment

• Construction products

• Medical equipment

• Fixtures and tooling

• Shafts and rotating assemblies

• Structural and fabricated assemblies

Depending on the application, a spacer may need to provide accurate location, withstand compression, maintain alignment or simply create a repeatable gap between components.

Spacer Materials

Pattern Fasteners can manufacture spacers in a wide range of engineering materials, depending on the mechanical and environmental requirements of the application.

Materials can include:

• Mild and carbon steels

• Alloy steels

• Stainless steels

• Aluminium

• Brass

• Copper and copper alloys

• Nickel alloys

• Specialist engineering materials

The most appropriate material will depend on factors such as load, corrosion resistance, operating temperature, weight and required surface finish.

Stainless Steel Spacers

Stainless steel spacers are widely used where corrosion resistance, durability and a clean finish are important.

They can be manufactured in a range of stainless steel grades to suit industrial, outdoor, food-related and specialist engineering environments.

Aluminium Spacers

Aluminium spacers provide a lightweight alternative to steel and can offer good corrosion resistance and machinability.

They are particularly useful where component weight needs to be reduced or where aluminium is already used elsewhere within the assembly.

Threaded Spacers

Spacers can also incorporate internal or external threads where the component needs to provide both spacing and fastening functions.

Threaded spacers may include:

• Internal threads at one or both ends

• Male threads

• Male-to-female configurations

• Different thread sizes at each end

• Metric, imperial or specialist thread forms

These components are commonly used where a conventional nut, bolt and spacer arrangement would be less compact or more difficult to assemble.

Spacers Made to Drawing

Many spacer requirements are application-specific, particularly where tolerances, lengths or bore dimensions are critical.

Pattern Fasteners can manufacture directly from your engineering drawing, physical sample or dimensional specification.

This is particularly useful for obsolete components, non-standard machinery or assemblies where an off-the-shelf spacer is unavailable.

Precision & Tolerances

Where a spacer is used as a locating or alignment component, dimensional accuracy can be particularly important.

Outside diameter, bore size, overall length, shoulder dimensions and other features can be controlled to suit the requirements of the assembly.

If specific tolerances or surface finishes are required, these can be reviewed as part of the quotation process.

UK Manufacturer of Custom Spacers

Pattern Fasteners manufactures special fasteners and precision-engineered components in the West Midlands.

Whether you require a simple tubular spacer, a precision-machined distance piece or a more complex bespoke component, we can manufacture to your drawing or specification.

Need a Custom Spacer?

Send us your drawing, sample or specification and our team can review the material, dimensions, tolerances and manufacturing requirements for your component.