Precision guide cylinders offer a number of advantages over standard cylinders, notably precision movement, anti-rotation capabilities and the capacity to withstand high side loads.
Rexroth's pneumatic GPC (Guide Precision Cylinder) series offers a number of advantages over standard cylinders, notably precision movement, anti-rotation capabilities and the capacity to withstand high side loads. Newly-introduced is the GPC-E (Extreme) version, with still higher load capacities and integral stroke adjustment. Suitable for a 1.3 to 8 bar working pressure range, it is available in 12mm, 16mm and 20mm bores and standard stroke lengths to 150mm, in slide or ball bearing versions.

Consisting of a central piston and 2 rigid guide rods supported by slide bearings or ball bearings, GPCs are typically used as carriers for grippers, suction cups, tools and workpieces in material handling and automation applications.

They can also be used as stoppers in conveyor systems and defining object positions in machining and spot welding.

A GPC can also carry a second axis, with a smaller GPC fitted directly onto the front plate or a RexMover rodless cylinder or MSC mini slide connected via a special adapter.

The latest GPC-E version offers the same precise movement and functionality, but with higher load capacities and built-in stroke adjustment.

It is equipped with longer guide rods, which are connected to the rear plate by hydraulic shock absorbers, providing the means of finally adjusting the stroke length.

This facility is useful for end-position adjustment when picking or placing a workpiece and means that off-the-shelf stroke lengths can be selected for non-standard piston strokes.

Optional adjustment of the return stroke is also possible with separate accessories, adding to the cylinder's versatility.

Despite weighing between 0.4kg and 1.2kg only, depending on stroke length, the GPC-E 12mm bore is able to withstand static forces up to 110N and a dynamic load of almost 1kg, which is well ahead of the competition.

At the upper end of the scale, a 20mm bore unit, between 0.7kg and 1.9kg in weight, will accept a static force of 275N and a dynamic load of 7.5kg.

Moreover, the GPC-E is highly price competitive at some 15 per cent cheaper than comparable models.

With a magnetic piston for positional feedback, stainless steel piston rod, corrosion-resistant guide rods, anodised aluminium body and rear plate, and galvanised steel front plate, the GPC-E is designed and built for rugged working conditions.