The most common problems with the hydraulic cylinder piston rod

The importance of the hydraulic cylinder piston rod cannot be ignored. The piston rod of a hydraulic cylinder not only transmits the force of the piston. It is also the link between the cylinder and the equipment. So when designing a hydraulic cylinder and choosing a piston rod, you need to be aware of possible problem areas. Below we list five common problems that can occur with a hydraulic cylinder piston rod.

Piston rod of hydraulic cylinder

Problems and solutions

  1. Incorrect rod size. Two problems can occur if you choose a larger or smaller rod than necessary. An error in rod size is especially dangerous in long-stroke systems. It can cause the rod to bend or break when the cylinder is under load. And a rod that is too large in diameter will reduce retracting force if that is where the cylinder is under the greatest load. These problems can be avoided at the design stage. Therefore, it is very important to properly calculate the load on the hydraulic cylinder.
  2. Thread breakage on the rod. Such a problem can occur for many reasons. But one of the main causes is always incorrectly calculated threads in the design. Diameter and thread pitch play a special role in thread reliability and strength.
  3. Scratches on the rod. Scratches on the piston rod rarely affect the strength of the hydraulic cylinder. However, they can significantly damage the seals, resulting in hydraulic fluid leakage.
    Only the use of high quality hardened steel can minimize the likelihood of scratches on the hydraulic cylinder piston rod. The thickness and quality of the chrome coating on the rod is also very important. Quality chrome plating gives the surface of the rod extra strength and protection against corrosion.
  4. Piston rod thread corrosion. If your hydraulic cylinders are to be used in aggressive environments with high humidity or exposure to harmful chemicals, corrosion is inevitable. Corrosion can significantly weaken the threads in a fairly short period of time. Therefore, when planning the production of hydraulic cylinders, it is very important to choose the right material from which the piston rod of the hydraulic cylinder will be made.
  5. Mechanical damage. Mechanical damage to hydraulic cylinders is a rare occurrence in industrial equipment. However, mobile equipment is more susceptible to collisions with various objects or other machinery. This can cause dents on the hydraulic cylinder piston rod. It is very difficult for the ordinary person to imagine the power of a hydraulic cylinder and its massive rods that are used in crane booms or excavator bucket handles. With the power and complexity of the job being done, almost any collision with objects or parts of other equipment will cause dents or potholes in the hydraulic cylinder rod. This results in hydraulic fluid leakage and a significant loss of power. Such a hydraulic cylinder can no longer carry the specified load and such equipment becomes dangerous.

With all this in mind, a hydraulic cylinder manufacturer must understand the seriousness of the responsibility entrusted to him. It is very important to follow all norms and standards and to maintain quality control at all stages of production.

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