What types of guided cylinders are available?

Twin-rod guided cylinders use two guide rods parallel to the piston rod with linear bearings — the most common type providing good rigidity in a compact package. Slide-guided cylinders use flat slide bearings or linear rail systems for broader load support and higher moment resistance in a low-profile design. Heavy-duty guided cylinders use oversized guide rods and bearings for very high side loads. Precision guided cylinders use high-precision linear bearings and hardened guide rods for tight positional accuracy in applications like pick-and-place, pressing, and inspection. Low-profile guided cylinders minimize overall height. The choice depends on side-load magnitude, required accuracy, and available space.

What applications require guided cylinders?

Pick-and-place operations use guided cylinders because offset tooling creates moment loads. Pressing and stamping use them for even force application without tilting. Assembly operations require stable, non-rotating motion for alignment. Clamping and workholding use them to apply force at specific points without rotation. Lifting and lowering platforms use them because distributed loads create moments. Testing and inspection fixtures use them for repeatable, accurate probe and sensor positioning.

How do guided cylinders handle side loads?

Guided cylinders distribute side loads across guide rod bearings instead of the piston rod seal. The guide rods and linear bearings form a larger, more rigid support structure than a single piston rod. Side loads on the load plate transfer through guide rods into the bearing block, where bearings absorb force across a larger surface area. The piston rod only carries axial thrust force and is isolated from side loads. This separation means piston rod seals operate under ideal conditions, dramatically extending seal life. Allowable side load depends on guide rod diameter, spacing, bearing type, and the distance between bearing and load application point.

What is the difference between a guided cylinder and a pneumatic slide?

Both provide non-rotating, side-load-resistant linear motion but differ in precision. Pneumatic slides use precision-ground linear guide rails with ball or roller bearings providing extremely smooth travel, high rigidity, low deflection, and precise positioning. The flat table carriage provides a wide, stable mounting surface. Guided cylinders typically use round guide rods with sleeve or ball bushings providing good side-load resistance at lower precision and rigidity. For the highest positional accuracy, choose slides. For good guided motion at lower cost and more compact cross-section, guided cylinders are sufficient. Many engineers use slides for critical axes and guided cylinders for less critical functions.

Guided Cylinders - Fabco-Air

Guided cylinders combine a pneumatic cylinder with integrated guide rods, resisting side loads and rotation. They're ideal for lifting, pushing and stopping where precision matters.

Features

Integrated guides – handle side and moment loads
Anti-rotation – precise tool orientation
Ball and plain bearings – accuracy or durability
Compact design – replace cylinder plus external guides

Choosing a Cylinder

Select by load, stroke, moments and accuracy. Position sensors confirm movement.

Centro supplies guided cylinders for automation.

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Guided Cylinders - Fabco-Air

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