Crosshead, guide & guide shoe
Crosshead, guide & guide shoe
Globagon manufactures crossheads, guides, and guide shoes that play a critical role in maintaining alignment and reducing wear in reciprocating compressors.
The crosshead absorbs and transfers dynamic loads from the piston rod to the connecting rod, ensuring smooth force transmission under high mechanical stress. Guide shoes are precisely machined to control lateral movement, minimizing friction and extending component life. The guide surfaces provide stable support throughout the stroke, contributing to consistent, vibration-free operation.
Each component is available in a range of materials and configurations to suit specific frame designs, lubrication systems, and operating conditions.
We can also do Babbitt coating according to customer specifications.
Working Principle
Cross Heads, guides & guide shoes
The crosshead is a critical component positioned between the piston rod and the connecting rod, designed to prevent lateral forces from being transmitted to the piston.
Due to the frequent failures of crossheads caused by loads exceeding standard limits, Globagon’s team has implemented corrective actions in the redesign and manufacturing of this component.
While maintaining standard weight and dimensions, we have selected a high-performance alloy with superior structural integrity and work potential. This ensures reliable compressor performance and enhanced component durability under demanding operating conditions.
The guide and guide shoe are essential for stabilizing the crosshead’s motion. As the connecting rod operates, it generates lateral forces due to its angled movement. The guide system absorbs these forces and ensures that only linear motion is transmitted to the piston rod. This contributes to smoother operation, reduced wear on piston rings and cylinder walls, and longer component life.
The guide system typically consists of a guide rail—either integrated into or bolted onto the compressor frame—and a pair of guide plates that form a precise channel for the guide shoe. The shoe moves up and down within this channel in sync with the piston stroke, keeping the entire mechanism aligned and efficient throughout the compression cycle.