When to Rechrome Hydraulic Cylinder Rods (and Why You Should)

The hard chrome plating on the hydraulic cylinder rod is the key to its safe and effective operation. Over time, this plating wears down, impacting the rod’s performance and durability. Rechroming these rods is critical to restoring efficient operations and protecting the substrate against further damage.

Applying hard chrome plating to a hydraulic cylinder rod is a complex process. It requires specialized expertise and equipment to ensure the chrome has the desired thickness and surface finish. When done correctly, rechroming hydraulic cylinder rods is well worth it due to its durability and cost savings.

Should You Chrome Plate Hydraulic Cylinder Rods?

The short answer is yes. Hydraulic cylinder chrome plating is crucial for restoring hydraulic cylinder performance and durability. It can prevent costly replacements and boost the hydraulic system’s efficiency. The longevity of hard chrome plating varies depending on the environment, and hydraulic cylinders often require repairs more frequently. Chrome plating the rods can reduce the need for these repairs.

Industrial hard chrome plating differs greatly from the decorative chrome on performance vehicles. The main difference is the thickness of the chrome. Hydraulic cylinder rod chrome plating thickness is considerably higher than that of decorative finishes. Its durability, wear and corrosion resistance are useful in many applications. It is common in hydraulic cylinders due to its low friction coefficient in metal-to-metal moving parts.

The Benefits of Rechroming Hydraulic Cylinder Rods

Hard chrome plating creates a protective barrier for the hydraulic cylinder. Rechroming offers the following benefits: 

• Increased hardness: Rechroming a hydraulic cylinder rod increases its surface hardness without modifying its properties. 
• Reduced friction: Hard chrome has a low friction coefficient, allowing components to operate at lower temperatures and increasing their useful life. The lower the friction in your system, the more efficient your operations and the lower your energy consumption. 
• Enhanced wear resistance: The high hardness and low friction of rechroming provide excellent abrasion resistance. Hydraulic cylinders and pistons are standard in various industrial applications, including heavy machinery, automotive manufacturing and material handling. These applications make them prone to wear, which is another reason why rechroming is a cost-effective choice.
• Corrosion resistance: Hard chrome has high resistance to atmospheric oxidation and good resistance to many chemicals, maintaining durability over time.
• Extended useful life: Chemical strippers can remove hard chrome without damaging the substrate, so you can strip and replate the cylinder rod as often as needed. The structure underneath remains intact, which increases the component’s longevity. You can sometimes rechrome the rod more than once, provided it’s well-maintained and in good condition.
• Improved performance and reduced downtime: Rechroming a hydraulic cylinder rod improves the cylinder’s overall performance and reduces the need for repairs and replacements. You can enjoy extended uptime and the associated profitability from your components. 
• Reduced costs: Instead of replacing the entire hydraulic cylinder at the first sign of wear, rechroming offers an alternative solution that delivers the same performance.
• Long-term return on investment: Besides immediate cost savings, rechroming hydraulic cylinder rods makes your operations more sustainable. You can reduce the frequency of replacements and lower overall maintenance expenses, saving money and minimizing downtime.

When to Rechrome Hydraulic Cylinder Rods

Hydraulic cylinder rods need rechroming at the first sign of defects or wear and tear. Look for the following indications:

• Surface damage: The rod seals’ useful life is reduced if the chrome surface is pitted or scored. You may be able to buff out light scratches, but if the chrome is badly pitted or scored, it is time for rechroming or replacement. 
• Corrosion or oxidation: Any signs of rust or chemical corrosion could lead to complete cylinder rod failure, and your rod may need replacing. 
• Issues from the previous plating process: Some issues can occur during the plating process, including blistering, burned deposits, cracking or milky deposits. These issues may affect the result, and the rod may need rechroming. 

The Rechroming Process

If your cylinder rod needs to be rechromed, it goes through the following process: 

1. Cylinder inspection: Experts will inspect and evaluate the rod to determine its condition before plating. They will look for any signs of damage that could affect the process. If necessary, they will recommend replacement instead of rechroming.
2. Stripping and grinding: Before adding the new chrome plating, the experts will remove the previous one. This step is either completed in a reverse-electrolysis process or with a large grinding machine, as preserving the substrate is essential. They used specialized equipment to complete it to ensure no damage to the rod.
3. Substrate cleaning: Once the old chrome is removed, your team will clean the substrate surface, removing all debris and contaminants. This step is crucial to prevent anomalies during the plating process. 
4. Chrome plating: The rod is placed in a bath containing a solution of dissolved metal molecules. Then, your team attaches electrodes to the rod and applies a positive current to the solution, allowing the metal particles to attract and adhere to its surface. Deposit your application’s chrome thickness, which requires precise bath chemistry and current flow control. Once the chrome is deposited, it provides all the benefits with an aesthetically pleasing finish. 
5. Post-grinding: Once the chrome plating experts have added a new chrome layer, they use a grinding machine to get the chrome surface to the desired thickness. 
6. Finishing: This is a careful process of sanding the cylinder, measuring in fractions to millimeters to get the correct chrome thickness and surface finish. Again, the operators use specialized finishing equipment to ensure complete accuracy, precision and quality. 
7. Post-plating inspection: Professionals inspect the rod to ensure the thickness and surface finish meet stringent quality standards. If it does, the cylinder rod is ready for use and will be carefully packed and returned to you. 

Extend the Useful Life of Your Hydraulic Cylinder Rod With Hard Chrome Specialists

Rechroming hydraulic cylinder rods is critical for maintaining safe, efficient and cost-effective operations. With Hard Chrome Specialists, you can see the benefits of hard chrome plating and repairs for your industrial components. Since 1988, we have maintained our commitment to solving our customers’ most technical and complex requirements. 

As a recognized industry leader with decades of hard chrome plating experience, we are dedicated to continuous improvement and meeting exacting quality control standards. Friendly, honest customer service is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on giving you peace of mind that your equipment will withstand the harshest operating environments. Contact us to learn more about our rechroming and repair options today!