What is a Guide Ring

Guide rings, which are also known as wear rings or wear bands, are used in various applications to prevent metal to metal contact, lessen vibration and increase stability, as well as absorb transverse forces. Because guide rings can come in variety of different materials they can be found in light, medium, to heavy duty applications.

When to use a Guide Ring

Guide rings are most typically required in applications where you are looking to prevent metal to metal contact. Metal to metal contact in industrial applications can not only cause damage to the working system, but can also create larger extrusion gaps in dynamic applications. In dynamic applications, the extrusion gap can become larger as the wear increases. The larger the gap, the larger the possibility of contaminants passing through. This increased extrusion gap can also decrease the pressure rating of the seal, therefore decreasing the overall performance of your primary seal. This is where a Guide Ring can be installed to prevent these problems from occurring. Now, depending on the tolerance of the guide ring, the potential for a decreased pressure rating can be reduced by 30% to 50%. With the highest reduction being offered at the tightest tolerances, we can manufacture Guide Rings to ±0.001 inches tolerance.

Advantages of using a Guide Ring

• Reduced risk of damage from metal to metal contact
• High load bearing capacity
• Eliminates local stress concentrations, while also eliminating fretting and seizure
• Decrease friction
• Prevention of equipment damping from mechanical vibrations
• Provides protection for your primary seal
• Reduces hydrodynamic pressure problems in the guide system

Download our Design Guide

Guide Ring Design Guide