When piston rods wear and seals in a hydraulic system leak, it’s often the result of excess friction. However, getting the coating right on a piston rod can be tricky. If the surface is too smooth, the distribution of lubrication will be off. If it’s too rough, the risk of seal leakage increases. Hard chrome plating provides superior protective coating for piston rods. Here’s a brief explanation why.

Friction & Seal Performance in Hydraulic Cylinders

An excessive degree of static and friction between a piston rod and its seals hampers the efficiency of an entire hydraulic system. In addition to accelerating wear, decreasing the cylinder’s life span, and producing loud squeals and squeaks, static and friction may also lead to seal failure, causing fluid leaks and corrosion and introducing unwanted dirt and debris into an engine.

Benefits of Hard Chrome Plating

Hard chrome plating is a highly protective coating for piston rods because it’s one of the toughest industrial metal finishes available. At the same time, it’s also remarkably thin and fits many different types of applications. It helps lower friction and reduce wear because of its lubricity. If you aim to limit wear on new parts or extend the life of worn machines, consider hard chrome plating. It helps prevent corrosion, lowers the risk of overheating, and ensures hydraulic systems run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

If you’d like your hydraulic cylinders to benefit from chrome plating, the technicians at Porter-Guertin Co. are eager to help. Based in Cincinnati, OH, these metal-finishing experts know how to protect machine parts, including piston rods, cylinders, shafts, molds, tubes, and rolls, with various degrees of plating thicknesses. In addition to corrosion-resistant hard chrome plating, they also provide electroless nickel coating, aluminum oxide grit blasting, grinding, and polishing. Visit their website to learn more about their highly experienced team, and call  (513) 241-7663 to speak with a knowledgeable chrome plating expert today.