Hydraulic Pistons Manufacturers and Suppliers

A hydraulic piston divides a hydraulic cylinder into two separate chambers, where hydraulic fluid of varying pressurization can be contained. The division provided by the piston is essential to the conversion of hydraulic energy into useful mechanical energy.

When compressed hydraulic fluid engages a piston face and attached rod, it generates linear force and motion that greatly surpasses the initial input force. Pumps and cylinders of this nature create tens of tons of work force from even small hydraulic cylinders.

Hydraulic devices and the pistons essential to their operation are vital to productivity in a number of industries. Hydraulic pistons are common in:

• Agriculture
• Construction
• Military
• Machining
• Automotive
• Oil and Gas
• Aerospace
• Robotics

In these industries, hydraulic pistons are designed to work on heavy machine components and any attached loads in various ways. Hydraulic pistons can:

• Lift
• Turn
• Tilt
• Press
• Steer
• Pull
• Push

While the pistons and attached rods offer only linear motion, fittings attached to the exposed end of the rod allow for angular motion as well.

With the heightened applicability provided by fittings, pistons can be found in equipment such as:

• Elevators
• Excavators
• Robotic Arms
• Power Steering
• Brakes
• Jacks
• And More

Many lift manufacturers also use hydraulic pistons in the design of their lift equipment.

Hydraulic pistons are composed of three main parts:

Body/Face of Hydraulic Pistons The body, or face of the piston, is the cylindrical disc that fits precisely in the cross section of the cylinder barrel. Piston Rod in Hydraulic Pistons Attached to the piston is the piston rod. This is the element that is housed partially within the barrel, but extends beyond the cylinder where the opposite end is attached to the machine components and work loads to be set into motion. Seals in Hydraulic Pistons The third and final component is the seal. There are actually several seals around both the piston face and rod. The outer circumference of the piston is often machined with grooves where elastomeric or metal seals are placed. Seal Materials Graphite Nitrile Rubber Viton Other High-Temperature Polymers

These seals ensure that pressurized hydraulic fluids will not leak into, out of, or from one compartment to another, as this would cause a loss of pressure resulting in decreased functionality and productivity. Seals are also found around the cylinder head where the rod moves in and out of the barrel.

To further protect against leaks, all components of the hydraulic piston must be compatible with the specific fluid in use. The most common solutions are:

• Mineral
• Oil
• Ether
• Water Composites

Durable metals are often used to create the piston face and rod, which must also withstand the wear of continued use and the friction inherent in movement. These metals include:

• Bronze
• Brass
• Steel
• Stainless Steel
• Iron Alloys
• Nickel Alloys

Piston Rod Plating The cold-rolled rods are often chrome-plated for further protection before being attached to the piston body via threading or welding. Durable ceramics such as silicon carbide and alumina are sometimes used as well.