Application
Hydraulic & Pneumatic Components
Sealing surfaces and pressure-carrying parts, where surface finish and tolerance are the specification.
The requirement
What this application actually demands
Hydraulic and pneumatic components fail at the seal. A piston rod running through a seal at pressure will destroy that seal if the surface has scratches, if the diameter varies, or if the rod is not straight. Surface quality here is not cosmetic — it is the functional requirement.
Cold drawing is the right process for this because it produces a bright, smooth surface directly, along with a closely controlled diameter. That reduces or eliminates downstream grinding on many components.
Dimensional stability under machining matters too. Valve spools and bodies have close clearances, and residual stress released during machining will move the part out of tolerance. Controlled drawing and, where required, stress relieving keep that under control.
Corrosion and wear resistance are typically added later by hard chrome plating or induction hardening, both of which need a clean, consistent base surface to work on.
Grade selection
Recommended grades, and why
EN8D
First choiceEN8D Bright Bar
Machinability 60 · Weld Fair
The standard piston rod and cylinder grade. Controlled chemistry, good surface and a clean base for hard chrome plating or induction hardening.
SAE 1018
SAE 1018 Bright Bar
Machinability 70 · Weld Excellent
For lower pressure fittings, bushes and pneumatic parts where weldability and cost matter more than strength.
EN8M
EN8M Free Cutting Bright Bar
Machinability 80 · Weld Limited
For machining-intensive valve bodies, spools and fittings produced in volume.
EN1A PB
EN1A PB Leaded Free Cutting Bright Bar
Machinability 145 · Weld Not recommended
For small precision fittings and connectors turned at high speed on automatics.
Heat number carried through to your gate
Other applications
Also making something else?
Fasteners
High-volume turned and cold formed fasteners, where cycle time decides the cost per piece.
Gears & Transmission
Carburised gears and pinions, where case depth consistency and traceability decide whether the batch is accepted.
Shafts & Axles
Torque carrying and fatigue loaded components, where through-section strength and straightness matter.
Auto Components
Tier-1 and Tier-2 automotive parts, where documentation is part of the product.
General Engineering
The broad base of engineering work — machined parts, fabricated assemblies and everything in between.
Supplying into hydraulic & pneumatic?
Send us the grade, size and quantity — or tell us the component and we will recommend the grade.