3 Warning Signs and How Hard Chrome Fixes Them
Unplanned downtime isn’t just inconvenient – it’s a profit killer. In Western Australia’s mining / transport sectors an estimated downtime cost AUD $130,000-180,000 per hour for heavy equipment failure. While for haul trucks, an estimated downtime cost is around AUD $15, 000 per hour. A simple failure in your hydraulic rod can cost you thousands per hour in lost production, delayed shipments, and emergency repairs. Keeping your equipment running smoothly is critical. Therefore, preventive maintenance is a must.
Here are the 3 warning signs if your hydraulic rod is failing and how hard chroming and preventive repairs could have saved the component and prevented failure.
Warning Sign 1: Pitting, Scoring, or Flaking
Look for the following signs in your hydraulic rod.
- Pitting: Small, deep cavities or “pits” on a surface, often caused by corrosion or fatigue. Pitting first occurs when rust forms on rods, then it will create small grooved edges. If it was left unchecked, a small section will expand all over on your hydraulic rod. Pitting can affect the strength and performance of the material.
- Scoring: Surface scratches which vary from minor lines to severe grooves. Deep scratches can cause fluid leaks, reduce the efficiency of the rod or a total hydraulic cylinder failure. Scoring occurs due to friction or the presence of hard particles in the lubricant such as metal or dirt particles.
- Flaking: It is the separation of thin layers from the surface of a rod. It usually results from improper chrome plating, fatigue or overloading.
Warning Sign 2: Seal Leaks and Oil Contamination
- Seal Leaks: It occurs when hydraulic fluid escapes past the rod seal. The common causes of seal leaks are damaged rod surface like scoring, pitting or flaking; misalignment of rod with the cylinder; high pressure that may cause seal failure; and poor lubrication.
- Oil Contamination: The presence of foreign materials or substances in the hydraulic system such as dust, dirt, metal, sand, chemicals, water or gases. The foreign particles may enter the hydraulic system through the leak point.
If these warning signs are left unchecked, it can cause premature wear and hydraulic malfunction that may hinder your business operation and production.
Warning Sign 3: Excessive Noise and Slow Operation
Another sign you should look into is excessive noise and slow production, as this may indicate issues with the hydraulic cylinder rod that affects overall system efficiency. It can lead to reduced power output, overheating, and, if prolonged, can significantly affect overall performance. Regular inspection and proper maintenance of worn components can help prevent costly downtime and ensure smooth operation.
The Hard Chrome Solution: Reclamation, Not Replacement
In the industrial world, reducing operational cost and maintaining machinery efficiency are top priorities. The most effective way to achieve these is reclamation through hard chrome plating. It is a process that restores, extends, and enhances the life of critical components instead of replacing them.
Hard Chrome Plating involves electroplating a layer of chromium onto a metal surface to improve hardness, durability and corrosion protection. Hard Chrome Plating provides exceptional benefits – its advanced coating is highly resistant to corrosion, abrasion, friction and extends part longevity.
SJD Engineering: Your WA Rapid-Response Partner
In Western Australia, SJD Engineering stands out as a trusted partner with over 20 years of industry experience in repairs and hard chrome plating. Our workshop in Malaga offers in-house hard chrome plating, hydraulic rod exchange services, fully equipped grinding and polishing bay and 24-hour turn around repair options. With a strong commitment to performance, precision and customer satisfaction, SJD has built a reputation as a rapid-response trusted partner by local operators across multiple sectors.