Laser-Cladding Boosts Cylinder Performance

Eatonite^(TM) is a laser-cladding technology used to provide corrosion resistance to the rodof a hydraulic cylinder. A specially formulated powder is applied to thecylinder rod and metallurgically bonded.

Thereis minimal dilution on the rod material to provide the highest level ofcorrosion protection available. Dilution refers to the reduction of chemicalconcentration.

"Lasercladding technologies were identified in the 1980s, but Eatonhas advanced the technology to create a world-class coating with noimperfections, no variations in depth, no adhesion issues and a closedmicrostructure," says Eric Lai, product manager - XL Cylinders at Eaton.

Toverify the quality of the cladding through the entire depth, Eaton has alsodeveloped a proprietary NDT (nondestructive testing) process.

Hydrauliccylinders are used in the power generation industry. Their functions includestabilizing oil rigs in choppy waters, rotating the turbine blades on a windturbine in the heat of summer and the cold of winter, and regulating water flowof a hydro-electric dam in remote locations.

Exposureof a cylinder rod exposed to these harsh environments could lead to failure ofthe cylinder, and downtime of the equipment, costing up to $500,000 a day,according to Eaton.

Competingcoating processes include high-velocity oxygen fuel thermal spray process,plasma spray and electroplating.