Guide Pins & Guide Bushes
Guide pins and bushes align mould halves at every close. They are the first components to feel misalignment — and the cheapest place to fix it.
What are guide pins & guide bushes?
Guide pins (pillars) mounted in one mould half run inside guide bushes in the other, aligning core and cavity before the leader components of the press or machine take over. Worn pins and bushes show up as flash, witness lines and accelerated wear elsewhere in the tool — replacing them is routine maintenance.
Typical materials
Hardened SUJ2 or case-hardened steel, ground; bushes also in bronze with solid lubricant for oil-free running.
Types of guide pins & guide bushes
Straight guide pins
Plain press-fit pillar, the standard mould form.
Shouldered guide pins
Positive axial seating for heavier tools.
Plain guide bushes
Hardened ground bush, press-fitted, running directly on the pin.
Oil-groove / self-lubricating bushes
Lubricant grooves or embedded solid lubricant for reduced maintenance.
How to select guide pins & guide bushes
- Diameter and length for the mould base standard being followed.
- Straight vs shouldered mounting.
- Bush type — plain, oil-groove or self-lubricating.
- Matched clearance between pin and bush.
Not sure? Send what you have — a part number, drawing or photo — and our engineering team will confirm the selection.
Frequently asked questions
- When should guide pins and bushes be replaced?
- When alignment marks, flash or visible wear bands appear. Because they are standard parts, replacing pins and bushes at maintenance intervals is far cheaper than the cavity damage misalignment causes.
- Do you supply self-lubricating guide bushes?
- Yes — oil-free and oil-groove bush options are available on enquiry; send the sizes through Request a Quote.
Related components
Leader Pins
Leader pins keep the two halves of a die set or mould base aligned through every stroke. Alignment accuracy here protects punches, cavities and product quality.
Oil-Free Bushings
Oil-free bushings run without lubrication lines — solid lubricant embedded in the bearing wall feeds the sliding surface continuously.
Ejector Pins
Ejector pins push the finished part off the core when a plastic mould or die opens. They cycle millions of times against heat and friction, so material, hardness and fit decide tool life.
Need guide pins & guide bushes?
Tell us the specification, quantity and application — or just send the drawing.