dry-tech® Wear-Resistant GKF Shafting

A: GKF shafting is a form of gas-nitrided shaft surface developed by igus® specifically for agriculture and construction industries. It offers three times the corrosion resistance of zinc, nickel, or chrome plating and is designed to pair with grease-free iglide® plastic bearings for maintenance-free operation. GKF shafting is primarily designed for harsh environments in agriculture, construction, and heavy-duty industries like mining and oil & gas, where dirt, dust, corrosion, and high shock loads are common. Watch this video to learn more about GKF shafting!

A: GKF shafting extends the lifetime of iglide® bearings by 40-60% in aggressive environments and can improve bushing life by up to 400% compared to zinc pins due to its optimized surface hardness and corrosion resistance.

A: The gas-nitriding process creates a corrosion-resistant layer that diffuses into the shaft surface, making it three to five times more resistant to corrosion than zinc, nickel, or chrome plating. It withstands 300 hours of salt spray testing without red rust.

A: Pairing GKF shafting with iglide® plastic bearings ensures dry-running, maintenance-free operation, as these bearings are self-lubricating and resistant to dirt, dust, and corrosion, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

A: GKF shafting achieves a surface hardness comparable to hard chrome plating (around 50+ HRC), making it ideal for outdoor applications with abrasive contaminants, preventing premature wear of bearings.

A: GKF shafting is optimized for surface roughness (recommended 16-64rms for oscillating/rotating applications), allowing a transfer of bushing material to fill microscopic valleys, reducing friction and stabilizing wear after the break-in period.

A: GKF shafting reduces total cost of ownership by minimizing maintenance, eliminating the need for grease, and extending service life. It’s a cost-effective alternative to traditional plated shafts due to its durability and corrosion resistance.