Alternative to Re-chroming Your Hydraulic Cylinder Rod

The hard chrome plating on your hydraulic cylinder rod plays an important role in the performance of your hydraulic systems. It reduces friction, improves durability, provides precise operation, reduces wear and tear, and preserves the integrity of the hydraulic seal. But over time, this industrial plating can deteriorate and may require repair or replacement. But is re-chroming the right solution? 

Costly Refinishing Process 

Once the rod has been cleaned, prepped, and new plating has been applied, the finish must be ground or polished to ensure the finished surface is the right texture for optimal operation. If the surface is too rough, it can build up external contaminants and cause leakage. Alternatively, the surface roughness must be just enough to facilitate the function of the hydraulic fluid and the seal. 

Re-chroming Takes Time 

Hard chrome plating services take time to complete—as long as a few weeks—so if you’re in need of a repair right away chances are you’re out of luck. This could potentially cost you lost revenue as your equipment is out of commission until your repair is complete. Replacement is an immediate process (as long as materials are in stock), so you’ll shave valuable time off your downtime by replacing instead of re-chroming. 

Is Replacement Your Best Option? 

Solid steel chrome shafts under four inches in diameter of both metric and standard sizes are readily available. For chrome shafts up to four inches in diameter, there is not a significant price difference between re-chroming and replacement; however, the advantage of replacement is turnaround time. Replacement takes approximately one to three business days, compared to a minimum of five to ten business days for chroming. 

Bent, scored, or deeply pitted chrome shafts can significantly increase chroming costs, or if they are bad enough making chroming impossible. 

Contact Us Today for your Hydraulic Cylinder Needs 

We are your experts in hydraulic cylinder repair, rebuilding, re-sealing, and manufacturing. Contact us today to discuss how we can keep your equipment running at its best.