Pneumatic guide strips, also known as guide bands or wear strips, support and guide the piston and piston rod in a pneumatic cylinder. They absorb lateral forces and help prevent metal components from coming into direct contact with each other.
Because pneumatic systems operate with relatively dry compressed air, low friction and good sliding behaviour are particularly important. Techniparts supplies pneumatic guide strips in various widths, thicknesses and materials, including PTFE, POM, polyamide and synthetic fabric. The strips are available on rolls, cut to length or as pre-cut strips for a specific diameter.
A pneumatic guide strip is a sliding element used to support moving components inside a pneumatic cylinder. The strip can, for example, be installed in a groove on the piston or in the cylinder head.
The guide strip absorbs radial and lateral loads and helps prevent the piston or piston rod from running directly against the metal cylinder components. This helps reduce wear and damage to the cylinder wall and seals.
The guide strip forms a sliding surface between moving and stationary components. Especially in pneumatic applications, this surface must combine sufficient load capacity with low friction, because there is no continuous oil film as is often present in hydraulic systems.
Although pneumatic and hydraulic guide strips perform the same basic function, the operating conditions differ significantly. In hydraulic cylinders, high loads and high pressure often play an important role. In pneumatic systems, the operating pressure is usually considerably lower.
Pneumatic cylinders operate with compressed air and therefore have much less natural lubrication. A guide strip with too much resistance can lead to stick-slip, hesitation or irregular cylinder movement at low speeds.
In pneumatic applications, the selection therefore focuses not only on load capacity, but especially on friction, sliding speed and dry-running properties. A heavy-duty guiding material may be mechanically strong but still unsuitable if it creates unnecessary resistance.
Depending on the cylinder design, pneumatic guide strips can be used to guide either the piston or the piston rod. The installation position determines, among other things, how the required strip length is calculated.
A piston guide strip is installed in a groove on the piston. The outside of the guide strip runs along the inner wall of the cylinder tube and helps keep the piston centred.
A rod guide is installed in the cylinder head and runs with its inner surface over the piston rod. Many pneumatic cylinders also use a separate guide bush for this purpose. Therefore, always check the cylinder design before selecting a guide strip.
Pneumatic guide strips are available in various plastics and composite materials. The material selection is mainly determined by friction, sliding speed, temperature, wear, load capacity and the environment in which the cylinder is used.
PTFE, optionally filled with materials such as bronze or graphite, has very low friction and excellent sliding properties. This makes PTFE suitable for pneumatic cylinders where high switching frequencies, dry running or limiting stick-slip are important.
POM (polyacetal) is wear resistant, dimensionally stable and relatively easy to install. The material can be a good choice for general pneumatic applications with medium loads.
Polyamide (PA) combines good dimensional stability with an attractive price. Keep in mind that polyamide can absorb moisture, which may affect its dimensions.
Synthetic fabric or laminated fabric offers high load capacity but generally produces more friction than PTFE. In pneumatic applications, this material is therefore mainly used when higher mechanical loads are more important than minimum friction.
Stick-slip is an irregular movement in which the piston or rod alternately sticks and then suddenly moves. This can occur when static friction is higher than the force available to initiate movement.
Pneumatic systems are particularly sensitive to this because they operate at relatively low pressures and with little lubrication. The correct guide strip can therefore make an important contribution to smooth and even cylinder movement.
Materials with good dry-running properties and a low coefficient of friction, such as certain PTFE compounds, can help reduce stick-slip. The correct fit, surface quality and cylinder alignment are also important.
Pneumatic guide strips are generally specified by their width and thickness. Both dimensions must match the available sealing or guide groove.
The width b is measured in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder and must match the groove width. A wider strip distributes the lateral load over a larger surface area, but also increases the contact area and therefore potentially the friction.
The thickness s is the radial height of the guide strip. A strip that is too thick can jam in the groove, while a strip that is too thin provides insufficient support and may create excessive clearance.
When a guide strip is supplied from a roll or in straight lengths, it must be cut to the correct circumferential length. The position of the strip and the centre line of the material must be taken into account.
After installation, the ends of the strip must not fit tightly against each other. A small end gap is required to accommodate thermal expansion of the material.
Without sufficient clearance, the strip can expand during operation and begin to jam, increasing friction or even causing the cylinder to seize. Depending on the design, an angled cut can help distribute the load around the joint more evenly.
For standardised pneumatic cylinders, the relevant dimensions can often be derived from the cylinder type and bore. This makes selecting the correct guide strip easier.
ISO 15552 and ISO 6432 are used for certain standardised pneumatic cylinders. In these designs, important cylinder dimensions are defined by the applicable standard.
ISO 10766 is also relevant for guiding elements. This standard covers groove dimensions for guiding elements. When the cylinder is manufactured according to a relevant standard, determining the correct size can therefore be easier.
The environment in which a pneumatic cylinder is used can influence the choice of guide strip and material. Consider dust, fibres, moisture, cleaning agents and temperature fluctuations.
In the food industry, specific requirements may apply to materials and cleanability. Suitable PTFE versions are available for such applications. Always check the required certification, cleaning agents and temperature for the specific application.
A worn guide strip can cause the piston or piston rod to develop excessive lateral play. This can result in uneven loading of other seals.
When the guidance no longer provides sufficient support, a pneumatic rod seal, for example, can be subjected to greater loads on one side and wear prematurely.
Hesitation, shocks, increased friction, excessive play or unusual wear behaviour can also be reasons to inspect the guide strips during a cylinder overhaul.
Pneumatic guide strips are used in a wide range of pneumatic cylinders and automation systems.
In production lines, handling equipment, assembly systems and conveyor systems, guide strips help provide stable support for the moving components of pneumatic cylinders.
Pneumatic guide strips are also used in packaging machinery, printing equipment, food-processing machinery and laboratory equipment.
Techniparts supplies pneumatic guide strips from different manufacturers, including versions from Dichtomatik and Freudenberg. Guide strips can be supplied on rolls, cut to length or as pre-cut strips for a specific diameter.
For older machines, non-standard cylinders or special groove dimensions, custom-made guide strips can be supplied. Where possible, provide the width, thickness, diameter, material and operating conditions.
During an overhaul, it is advisable to inspect the various seals of the pneumatic cylinder in addition to the guiding components.
View our pneumatic piston seals for sealing between the piston and cylinder wall.
Pneumatic rod seals are available for sealing around the moving piston rod.
On the outside, pneumatic wipers can be used to remove dirt and contamination from the retracting piston rod.
A pneumatic guide strip supports and guides the piston or piston rod and helps prevent direct metal-to-metal contact between moving components.
In pneumatic applications, low friction, dry-running properties and smooth sliding behaviour are especially important. In hydraulic applications, maximum load capacity generally plays a greater role.
Common materials include PTFE, POM, polyamide and synthetic fabric. The correct choice depends on friction, speed, temperature, load and environment.
The end gap allows the material to expand as the temperature changes. Without this clearance, the strip can jam and the cylinder may run with increased resistance.
Indirectly, yes. Worn guidance can cause the piston or piston rod to run out of alignment, resulting in uneven loading and accelerated wear of the seals.
Yes. A material with excessive friction can contribute to stick-slip and jerky movement. A suitable PTFE version can offer advantages in such applications.
Yes. Depending on the design, guide strips can be supplied on rolls, cut to length or as pre-cut strips for a specific diameter. Non-standard widths and thicknesses may also be available.
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