Why do some buyers choose POM guide rings while others choose phenolic fabric resin guide rings? The following comparison will help you choose the right guide ring material.
Table of Contents
TogglePOM Guide Rings VS Phenolic Fabric Resin Guide Rings
Comparison Item | POM Guide Ring | Phenolic Resin Guide Ring |
Wear Resistance | Good, meets wear requirements for general conditions | Excellent, more suitable for high wear demands under heavy loads and frequent reciprocating motion |
Coefficient of Friction | Low, allows for smoother cylinder operation | Relatively high, but can be optimized through methods like surface treatment |
Dimensional Stability | Good, maintains precise guidance | Average, but meets the requirements of most working conditions |
Oil Resistance | Excellent, suitable for cylinder fluid environments | Good resistance to various oil media |
High-Temperature Resistance | -50°C to +150°C, suitable for common conditions | -60°C to +150°C, superior high-temperature performance |
Impact Resistance | Has certain impact resistance | Relatively weaker impact resistance |
Installation Difficulty | Relatively simple installation | More complex installation process, requires precise dimensional matching |
Cost | Generally relatively low | Typically higher |
Applicable Working Conditions | General hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, etc. | Heavy-duty cylinders, high-temperature cylinders, cylinders in complex working conditions |

Selection Recommendations
If the cylinder’s operating environment requires extremely high wear resistance, such as heavy-load, frequently actuated hydraulic equipment, and the friction coefficient is not particularly stringent, you can prioritize phenolic resin guide rings.
For cylinders operating at high speeds, requiring low friction for improved efficiency, and operating conditions that are not particularly harsh, POM guide rings may be a better choice.
If your cylinder needs to operate in a high-temperature environment, phenolic resin guide rings offer better heat resistance than POM guide rings. However, if the operating environment is cooler and more stable, POM guide rings can meet your needs.
If you want to consider the cost, POM guide rings are generally more cost-effective. If you have extremely high-performance requirements and a sufficient budget, you may choose phenolic resin guide rings.
When high cylinder installation precision is required and the installation process is tightly controlled, POM guide rings are the best choice due to their ease of installation.
For applications where installation precision requirements are relatively relaxed but performance is critical, the high performance of phenolic resin guide rings can be more effective.