Piston Rod Guide Ring, Seals and Materials

Guide Rings From Freudenberg Sealing Technologies Master the Interplay of Forces

Guide Rings have the task of guiding the rods and pistons of pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders and preventing direct metallic contact with the cylinder housing. They must have the capacity to absorb strong transverse forces even over a short guide distance while keeping frictional losses low. Depending on the load, a variety of materials have come into use – PTFE, polyamide and fabric-based laminates. The Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) portfolio offers the right Guide Ring for every type of cylinder, with maximum reliability and longevity. 

When the Requirements Are Especially High

The bowing of the piston rod in long-stroke cylinders, insufficient lubrication for short strokes or the tipping of the piston rod when the guide distance is short – these are the challenges that cylinder guides face. For these tasks, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has developed patented fabric-based laminate guide rings: the Merkel® Guivex SBK and KBK (Fig.). Due to the special profiling of the Guivex guide rings, the applied transverse load is distributed optimally over the entire length of the guide element. At the same time, the lack of tension peaks on the edges improves the draw-in of the lubricating medium into the space between the guide and the counter face.

All guide rings from Freudenberg Sealing Technologies are especially adapted to particular conditions of use. They are impressive for their high functionality, low friction and the best possible protection against metallic contact.

Guide Bands for the Processing Industry

In the food industry, guide bands are an often-used sealing element that offsets lateral forces in machines. In these cases, the guide band is in direct contact with the medium, which requires the use of a food-grade material. For these specialized applications, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies offers guide bands made of the premium material PTFE Y005, which exhibits a uniquely low tendency to extrude, thus guaranteeing a long lifespan. The Y005 material consists of virgin PTFE and a filler. For applications in the food industry, resistance to CIP/SIP cleaning media and processes is just as important as a long lifespan. PTFE Y005 meets these requirements as well. The material fulfills both American FDA requirements and European regulations in accordance with EU 1935/2004 and EU 10/2011 for plastics that come into contact with foods.

Our Products in Detail

Merkel® Guide Ring KB

Piston guide ring made of fabric-based laminate with chamfered profile edges. Also suited to standardized installation spaces in accordance with ISO 10766.

Merkel® Guide Strip KF

PTFE piston guide strip, cut in ready-to-mount form or available by the meter. Also suited to standardized installation spaces in accordance with ISO 19766.

Merkel® Guide Ring SB

Rod guide rings, made of fabric-based laminate with chamfered profile edges. Also suited to standardized installation spaces in accordance with ISO 19766.

Merkel® Fuehrung SF

PTFE rod guide strip, cut in ready-to-mount form or available by the meter. Also suited to standardized installation spaces in accordance with ISO 19766.

Merkel® Guivex KBK

High-performance piston guide rings, made of fabric-based laminate with a patented product design. For high transverse loads, short strokes or a short guide distance. Suited to standardized installation spaces in accordance with ISO 10766, among other areas.

Merkel® Guivex SBK

High-performance rod guide rings, made of fabric-based laminate with a patented product design. For high transverse loads, short strokes or a short guide distance. Suited to standardized installation spaces in accordance with ISO 10766, among other areas.