Pneumatic ROBA®-guidestop safety brakes with the same power as hydraulics

A compact safety brake in a small construction space with high forces — and all without using hydraulics.
mayr® power transmission has developed a new, high-performance, pneumatically-released version of the ROBA®-guidestop profiled rail brake. This innovative braking concept meets increasing safety requirements and achieves high performance density without the use of hydraulics, setting new industry standards.

mayr® is extending the proven ROBA®-guidestop series with this pneumatically-released version, offering users new possibilities thanks to high holding forces. For machines where hydraulic systems already exist, the hydraulically-released ROBA®-guidestop brakes can still be used. However, in applications requiring the installation of a hydraulic system solely to operate high-holding-force brakes—or where multiple brakes would be needed to meet force requirements—the pneumatic version is ideal. It clamps profiled rails with the same accuracy and zero backlash as the hydraulic version, while achieving equivalent holding forces.

Innovative Concept with Pressure Booster
The pneumatic ROBA®-guidestop is released using compressed air at 20 to 30 bar. To generate this pressure, a compact pressure booster is used. It mechanically increases the typical pneumatic network pressure (4–6 bar) without external energy. This allows localized pressure increases directly before the brake, requiring only short high-pressure lines.

This version is available in five sizes, each in standard and compact/short designs, with holding forces ranging from 1 to 34 kN. The brakes are compatible with various rail construction sizes from common linear guidance manufacturers.

Safety Thanks to Direct Clamping
Like the hydraulic version, the pneumatic ROBA®-guidestop provides high rigidity by acting directly on the linear guidance, mounting directly on the mass to be held. This is especially advantageous on gravity-loaded axes, where maximum safety is required. Unlike motor brake systems, which rely on all drive elements (e.g., spindles, couplings, gearboxes) to transfer braking torque, this system removes those components from the safety equation. The result is greater rigidity and improved safety.

Reliable and Precise
The backlash-free clamping of the ROBA®-guidestop on the profile rail offers several advantages:

Enhanced rigidity of the NC axis

Increased process accuracy

Improved machining performance

Reduced vibrations, resulting in better surface quality

During stationary phases (e.g., machining), the brake absorbs the load, allowing the drive motor to be switched off, reducing control movements and extending service life of components like the ball screw spindle.

As with all mayr® safety brakes, the ROBA®-guidestop operates on the fail-safe principle—closed when de-energized—guaranteeing operational and functional safety across machines and systems globally.