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Guide rings – Hydraulic seals

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  • Piston and rod guide rings absorb transverse forces and avoid metallic contact between the sliding components. The additional element separates the “sealing” and “guiding” functions. In contrast to metallic guides, guide rings made of plastics are a cost-effective solution, reduce friction and wear, and in many cases do not require lubrication. Further information can also be found in the chapter “Guide elements” in the “Plastics Technology” brochure.

    Standard profiles

    By the standard profiles shown, we mean guide rings that represent the state of the art. We manufacture these guide rings ourselves for all required groove dimensions from a variety of materials. In addition to turned and injection-molded guide rings, we supply many dimensions as yard goods or ready-cut.

    For a general overview and more information, see the following categories:

    • Rectangular shaped guide rings
    • L-shaped guide rings 
    • T-shaped guide rings
    • U-shaped guide rings 
    Choosing the correct profile

    The more information is known, the better a guide element can be adapted to a specific application.

    To choose the right profile and the optimal material, the following criteria are important:

    • installation space
    • lateral forces
    • temperature range
    • medium
    • rotary / swivel speed
    • counter surface
    • installation option
    • friction behaviour
    • service life expectancy
    • price 
    • availability

    Rectangular shaped guide rings

    Application
    • standard
    • cost-effective
    • also available by the metre or pre-cut
    • low friction
    • easy assembly in closed grooves
    • high loads
    • also available with step cutting
    Brief description of the designations:

    FR = Guide ring
    K = Piston
    S = rod

    LN = Linear groove
    MN = center groove
    SN = Spiral groove

    L-shaped guide rings

    Application
    • cost-effective
    • low friction
    • easy mounting in closed grooves
    • high loads
    • small axial installation space
    Brief description of the designations:

    F = Guide ring
    L = L-shape

    K = piston
    S = rod

    LN = Linear groove
    MN = center groove
    SN = Spiral groove

    T-shaped guide rings

    Application
    • standard
    • cost-effective
    • made of POM many dimensions available as molded parts
    • low friction
    • easy assembly in closed grooves
    • high loads
    • small axial installation space, thus short piston designs possible
    Brief description of the designations:

    F = Guide ring
    L = L-shape

    K = piston
    S = rod

    LN = Linear groove
    MN = center groove
    SN = Spiral groove

    U-shaped guide rings

    Application
    • low friction
    • easy mounting in closed grooves
    • high loads
    • small axial installation space, thus short piston designs possible
    Brief description of the designations:

    F = Guide ring
    L = L-shape

    K = piston
    S = rod

    LN = Linear groove
    MN = center groove
    SN = Spiral groove