A hollow chrome plated rod is a precision-engineered steel tube with a hollow core and an external hard chromium coating.
It combines the strength of seamless steel with the benefits of a chrome plated surface, offering durability, corrosion resistance, and reduced weight.
Also known as hollow piston rod, chrome plated hollow bar, or hollow hard chrome rod, it is widely used in hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, and lightweight machinery.
The hollow structure significantly reduces weight without compromising strength, making it ideal for applications where efficiency and fuel savings are important.
The chrome plating provides excellent surface hardness, wear resistance, and corrosion protection.
Compared with solid chrome plated bars, hollow rods allow easier machining, improved heat dissipation, and lower material costs.
These features make hollow chrome plated rods highly desirable in hydraulic cylinder rods, pneumatic piston rods, and lifting equipment.
Hollow chrome plated rods are generally produced from high-quality carbon steel or alloy steel, such as CK45, ST52, 42CrMo4, or SAE1045.
These base materials offer high tensile strength and toughness, ensuring reliable performance under heavy loads.
The chrome plating enhances the surface properties, providing long-lasting resistance against rust, abrasion, and pitting.
Hollow chrome plated rods are primarily used in hydraulic cylinder assemblies where reduced weight and smooth surface finish are required.
They are also applied in pneumatic cylinders, shock absorbers, construction machinery, and industrial lifting platforms.
In some designs, hollow rods are used in telescopic cylinders, offshore equipment, and automotive systems where lightweight yet strong materials are crucial.
They are especially favored in machinery that requires both durability and energy efficiency.
The surface hardness of the chrome layer generally ranges from HRC 15 to 62.
This ensures excellent wear resistance and long operational life.
Hollow chrome plated rods are available in lengths up to 15 meters, with custom sizes available upon request.
This flexibility makes them suitable for different hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder designs.
The rods typically achieve surface roughness of Ra ≤ 0.2μm.
A smoother bore and surface help reduce friction and prevent seal damage.
Straightness tolerance is usually ≤ 0.2/1000mm.
Accurate straightness ensures proper alignment and smooth motion in hydraulic cylinders.
A solid chrome plated rod is a full steel bar coated with chrome, offering maximum strength and rigidity.
A hollow chrome plated rod, on the other hand, reduces weight while maintaining sufficient strength for most hydraulic applications.
Hollow rods are more cost-effective in terms of material usage and easier to machine, making them suitable for large-diameter piston rods.
The choice between hollow and solid depends on the specific balance of strength, weight, and cost requirements in the machinery design.
To ensure optimal performance, regular inspection of the chrome surface is necessary to detect scratches, corrosion, or cracks.
Proper lubrication of hydraulic systems reduces friction and protects the seals in contact with the rod.
Clean storage conditions and the use of anti-rust coatings prevent surface damage before installation.
Timely replacement of damaged seals and the use of clean hydraulic oil further extend the service life of hollow chrome plated rods.
Yes, hollow chrome plated rods can be manufactured to meet specific customer requirements.
Customization options include outer diameter, inner diameter, length, surface finish, hardness, and tolerance.
Special alloy steel grades and advanced surface coatings are also available for harsh operating environments such as marine, mining, or offshore applications.
OEM manufacturers often request tailor-made hollow piston rods to achieve better compatibility and performance in hydraulic cylinder assemblies.