Overview & Function

A cylinder with guide (also referred to as a guided cylinder) combines the linear actuation of a pneumatic (or hydraulic) cylinder with a built-in guide mechanism (rods, bearings or slides) to prevent rotation or side-loading of the piston rod. According to the manufacturer Festo, guided cylinders “combine the advantages of linear motion with those of guidance, and are characterised by particularly high stability.”

Applications:

• Pressing, clamping, lifting in automation machinery where side loads or moment loads exist

• Move tools or parts while preventing twist/rotation of the load

• Situations needing higher precision, repeatability or constrained motion

Key specification features to check:

• Bore size (diameter of the piston)

• Stroke length (how far the cylinder travels)

• Guide mechanism type (dual-rod guides, slide rails, linear bearings)

• Mounting style and ports

• Maximum pressure / force

• Speed, cushioning, end‐of‐stroke features

• Overall dimensions and load capacity