What is a gib head key?

In this article, you'll find out more about the gib head key, a special type of taper key used in mechanical transmissions to ensure precise alignment between the gears and the shaft. These keys are particularly useful for transmissions prone to significant loads and frequent shocks/vibrations such as agricultural machines. Gib head keys are rectangular in shape with a widened end called a "gib head”. Our gib head keys are manufactured in accordance with DIN 6887 or NFE 22178 standards, as well as from our clients' own designs.

The manufacturing process for gib head keys is relatively complex and requires advanced technical skills. Let's have a closer look at the main stages in manufacturing such keys.

Design review

Our process planning department analyses the client's gib head key design to get a better understanding of their specifications and requirements. This stage allows us to determine the processes and abilities required to manufacture the taper key to the client's specifications. Our ERP system then shows us the various operations required to manufacture the part in question.

Materials

High-quality materials must be used to manufacture taper keys with gib heads to ensure optimal resistance to heavy loads and impacts. Some of the most commonly used materials for tapered gib head keys are steel and stainless steel. Here at Gardette, we are specialised in cold rolling, drawing and heat treatment processes. This century-old know-how means we can manufacture a wide variety of standard and custom steel profiles.

Machining

Gib keys are generally made from crude steel bars. We cut the material to the desired length using machines equipped with cutting tools such as saws. We then machine the taper using either conventional milling methods or numerical controls to achieve precise shapes and dimensions. Machine tools are programmed with specific instructions to ensure maximum precision.

Thermal or surface treatments

Gib head keys can be put through heat or surface treatments to improve their appearance as well as their resistance to corrosion and wear. We are committed to providing tailor-made solutions to meet these needs, using cutting-edge techniques and ensuring optimal treatment quality to satisfy our clients' expectations.

Vibratory finishing

Once gib-head keys have been machined and, if necessary, heat treated, they go through finishing operations to enhance their appearance by removing burrs and polishing the surfaces.

Quality control

Throughout the manufacturing process of taper keys w/ gib heads, strict quality checks are carried out to ensure customer requirements are met. Quality checks can include dimensional, hardness, corrosion resistance and other tests.

Logistics & packaging

At Gardette, our packaging respects industry standards and regulations. We are ready to adapt to each of our customers' specific requirements with our tailor-made packaging options, e.g. packaging in bags, cardboard boxes or according to the client's particular specifications.