INA Thrust Washers and Strips represent Schaeffler Group’s specialized solution for managing unidirectional axial loads in applications where radial space is abundant but axial height is critically constrained. These ultra-thin, self-lubricating components eliminate the need for complex thrust bearing assemblies, delivering reliable performance in gearboxes, pivots, and rotating assemblies with near-zero maintenance.

Product Forms:

Precision Washers (GMP/GSP Series):

Laser-cut or stamped annular discs

Standard bore Ø 10–300 mm | Thickness: 0.5–5 mm

Strip Material (IGLIDE® J/E Series):

Continuous coils (width: 20–300 mm | thickness: 0.3–3 mm)

Custom stamped into complex shapesDesign Advantages vs. Rolling Thrust Bearings

Space Savings: 0.3–5 mm thickness vs. 10+ mm for roller thrust bearings

Cost Efficiency: 40–70% lower cost than assembled thrust bearings

Simplified Assembly: Press-fit installation without cages or raceways

Contamination Tolerance: No rolling elements to jam with debris

Multi-Directional Mounting: Function in horizontal/vertical orientations

Critical Industry Implementations

Automotive & EV:

Transmission Selector Shafts: GSP 040 washers (0.8mm thick) handling 80 MPa axial load

E-Axle Gear Separation: Laser-cut IGLIDE® J washers preventing eddy currents

Steering Column Pivots: Stamped E40 strips with 500,000+ cycle life

Industrial Machinery:

Gearbox Thrust Plates: Bronze GMP 050 washers with oil grooves (PV=3.8 N/mm²·m/s)

Hydraulic Valve Stacks: Custom-shaped GMP-FS strips insulating 1000V+

Consumer & Precision Engineering:

Power Tool Gear Trains: 1.2mm IGLIDE® J washers replacing needle thrust bearings

Medical Pump Rotors: Biocompatible PEEK strips (ISO 10993 certified)

Why Designers Choose INA Thrust Solutions

Digital Tools: INA Washer Selector software for PV/life calculations

Customization:

Laser-cutting tolerance: ±0.05 mm

Stamping complexity: ≤ 0.3 × material thickness

Perforations/grooves for oil distribution

Quality Certifications: IATF 16949, ISO 14001, REACH/ROHS compliant

Performance Validation: 5,000+ hour test data per DIN 7505

Technical Innovation:

IGLIDE® PRO Strips: Carbon-reinforced PTFE (PV limit=5.5 N/mm²·m/s)

Thermal-Spray Coatings: 0.3mm WC-Co layers for extreme abrasion resistance

INA Thrust Washers and Strips transform axial load management through material science mastery. By replacing complex rolling assemblies with precision-engineered sliding surfaces, they deliver:

60% axial space reduction vs. conventional thrust bearings

Zero-maintenance operation with IGLIDE® technology

Custom geometric flexibility via stampable strip materials

Superior cost efficiency at high-volume production