Each gib produced by Detroit Edge Tool Company undergoes rigorous quality control measures, ensuring standards are met at every stage of manufacturing. With state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled team, we pride ourselves for maintaining excellence in engineering and manufacturing. Our gibs provide exceptional performance and also offer long-lasting reliability.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Gibs

Gibs are typically designed as wedge-shaped pieces that can be inserted between two parts to adjust their position and alignment. They are usually made wood, various metals, or plastic, depending on the application and the level of precision required:

Material

The choice of material will depend on the application and the specific requirements of the machine or mechanical system. Some common materials used to create gibs and their applications are discussed below. 

• Aluminum
  • Aluminum is a popular gib material because it is lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant. It is often used in machine tool applications where weight is a concern and in robotics and automation applications where precision is critical.
• Steel
  • Steel is a popular material for gibs because of its strength, durability, and resistance to wear and abrasion. It is often used in heavy-duty applications with high loads and stresses, such as in presses and large machinery.
• Bronze
  • Bronze is a popular material for gibs because of its natural lubrication properties and resistance to wear and corrosion. It is often used in bearing applications requiring low friction and high load-carrying capacity.
• Cast Iron
  • Cast iron is a popular material for gibs because of its high strength, durability, and resistance to wear and deformation. It is often used in heavy-duty applications with high loads and stresses, such as in large machinery and presses. Cast iron gibs are typically machined to precise tolerances and may be coated with a protective finish to prevent rust and corrosion.
• Rulon® & Turcite™
  • Rulon® and Turcite™ are brand names for a family of high-performance plastics often used in bearing and sliding applications. They are known for their low friction coefficient, high wear resistance, and excellent chemical resistance. Rulon is often used in applications where the gib must operate in harsh environments, such as chemical processing plants or marine applications. Turcite is often used in machine tool applications where precision is critical, such as on the ways of a lathe or milling machine.

Other Design Considerations

Besides material selection there are other key factors when it comes to designing gibs. Those key factors include: 

• Size
  • The gib size should be carefully matched to the gap between the parts it intends to fill. A gib that is too large or too small can cause problems with alignment and may not provide the desired level of precision.
• Wedge Angle
  • The wedge angle of the gib will also affect its performance. A larger angle will provide greater clamping force but may also increase the risk of damage to the parts being clamped. A smaller angle will provide less clamping force but may be more suitable for delicate components.
• Surface Finish
  • The surface finish of the gib should be carefully controlled to ensure that it provides the necessary level of grip and does not damage the parts it is clamping. Generally, a slightly rough surface is preferred, providing a better grip and reducing the risk of slipping.
• Lubrication
  • Depending on the application, it may be necessary to lubricate the gib to reduce friction and wear. This can be accomplished using grease or oil or by adding a low-friction coating to the surface of the gib.

In summary, gibs are designed to provide a simple and effective means of adjusting the position and alignment of mechanical components. By carefully considering the material, size, wedge angle, surface finish, and lubrication, it is possible to create gibs perfectly suited to a wide range of applications.