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How well does gas-nitrocarburisation protect shafts from corrosion?

Shafts with various surface treatments were tested in combination with iglidur plain bearings

Initial situation

Protecting shafts from corrosion is particularly relevant if a bearing point is not to be lubricated. Corroded shafts are not suitable counter partners for a plain bearing. Galvanised shafts are usually not resistant enough in the plain bearing contact area. As a possible alternative, igus® has therefore tested gas-nitrocarburised shafts for corrosion resistance.

A look inside the test rig: different shafts and coatings put to the salt spray test

The test set-up

The 42Cromo4 QT shaft material was tested with different surface treatments in combination with igutex TX1 and iglidur G plain bearings. First, a wear test was performed with all plain bearing and shaft combinations. Then the tested shafts were subjected to a 120-hour salt spray test.

Tested shaft material after 120-hour salt spray test

Left: iglidur G plain bearing with 42CrMo4 + QT shaft

Right: igutex TX1 with 42CrMo4 + QT shaft

Left: iglidur G plain bearing with gas-nitrocarburised 42CrMo4 QT shaft

Right: igutex TX1 plain bearing with gas-nitrocarburised 42CrMo4 QT shaft

Left: iglidur G plain bearing with gas-nitrocarburised and post-oxidised 42CrMo4 QT shaft

Right: igutex TX1 plain bearing with gas-nitrocarburised and post-oxidised 42CrMo4 QT shaft

Test result

The iglidur G test results were very good, but igutex TX1 plain bearings achieved even lower wear rates. The salt spray test shows that the gas nitrocarburised shaft is not well protected against corrosion. But the gas nitrocarburised and post-oxidised shaft exhibits only very slight traces of corrosion. Even in the plain bearing contact area, corrosion protection remains intact after 120 hours of salt spray testing.

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We carry out tests so that you don't have to. Find out how our iglidur® polymer plain bearings are tested in the largest test laboratory in the industry. We also carry out individual customer tests here.

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