Chrome Plated 38MnVS6 Rod (Induction Hardened)

The Chrome Plated 38MnVS6 Rod (Induction Hardened) is manufactured from premium 38MnVS6 micro-alloyed steel in a non-heat-treated core condition. The surface is selectively hardened via induction hardening to create a deep, high-hardness wear-resistant case, followed by precision grinding and hard chrome plating. Thanks to vanadium micro-alloying, 38MnVS6 possesses a higher base strength even in the as-rolled condition. After induction hardening, it achieves excellent and uniformly distributed surface hardness, while the core retains sufficient toughness. This rod is particularly suitable for hydraulic cylinders under severe wear, high loads and frequent reciprocation, construction machinery, commercial vehicle suspensions and heavy agricultural equipment—an ideal solution balancing superior surface wear resistance and manufacturing cost efficiency.

• Diameter: Mainly φ6–300 mm, larger custom sizes accepted

• Length: ≤8000 mm, custom lengths available

• Straightness: ≤0.2 mm/M

• Tolerance Grades: IT6–IT9

• OD Tolerance: According to ISO f7/f8/g6/h7/h8/h9; customized tolerances available upon request

• Ovality: Half of the tolerance value ISO f7

• Heat Treatment: Induction Hardened; customization options include combined Q&T or QPQ

• Core Hardness: ≤290 HB (approx. 240–290 HB), non-heat-treated

• Surface Hardness: 55–62 HRC (after induction hardening; micro-alloying ensures high hardness uniformity)

• Hardening Depth: 0.5–3.5 mm (adjustable)

• Surface Treatment: Hard Chrome Plated; customization options: EN Plating / Zinc Plating / Laser Cladding / Nitriding / QPQ / Thermal Spraying / Ceramic Coating

• Chrome Thickness: ≥10 μm, mainly 20–40 μm; can be over 100 μm for high-standard requirements

• Chrome Layer Hardness: 850–1150 HV (Vickers 100 gf)

• Surface Roughness: Ra≤0.2 μm, Rt≤2 μm

• Cohesion: No cracks, breaking or detaching after thermal shock (warming up at 300 ℃ and cooling in water)

• Porosity: Tested according to ISO 1456/1458, evaluation according to ISO 10289 rating 8–10. Under 10× magnification, no more than 30 micro white pin-holes per 1000 mm², with diameter not greater than approx. 0.1 mm

• Corrosion Resistance: Tested in neutral salt spray according to ISO 9227/ASTM B117 – 96 hours, rating 9 per ISO 10289

• Weldability: Fair (moderate carbon equivalent; the hardened layer should be mechanically removed before welding, with strict preheating and post-weld stress relief; welding on load-bearing areas should be avoided)

• Packing: Anti-rust oil + cardboard tube/plastic sleeve + wooden case

• Induction-hardened 38MnVS6 micro-alloyed steel surface reaches 55–62 HRC, delivering outstanding wear and contact fatigue resistance

• Non-treated core already possesses high strength (≤290 HB), providing higher load-bearing capacity than plain carbon steel cores

• Adjustable case depth accurately matches wear allowance, extending rod service life

• Hard chrome overlay (850–1150 HV) provides dual hardening, significantly improving scratch and corrosion resistance

• Tight dimensional tolerances and minimal ovality ensure efficient sealing and smooth operation under heavy loads

• 96-hour salt spray rating 9 guarantees reliable rust protection in harsh industrial and outdoor environments

• Can be combined with Q&T or QPQ for optimized core-surface property gradients to meet extreme requirements

In addition to standard specifications, we offer:

• Custom diameters and lengths, including large and extra-long sizes

• Tolerance grades and non-standard OD tolerances

• Higher straightness upon request

• Tailored hardening depth and surface hardness range

• Combined Quenched & Tempered treatment for further enhanced core strength

• Surface treatment alternatives: zinc plating, electroless nickel, laser cladding, nitriding, thermal spray, ceramic coating

• Special chrome layer thickness

• Enhanced corrosion resistance and dedicated packing solutions

Limits and Fits Table

The table below provides shaft deviation values for commonly used tolerance grades f7, f8, g6, h7, h8, and h9 to assist your selection according to seal fits.

Chemical Composition

The table presents the standard chemical composition of frequently used materials such as CK45, 25Mn, 20#, ST52, 40Cr, 42CrMo4, 20MnV6 and 38MnVS6 for your reference.

Mechanical Properties

The following table lists reference tensile strength, yield strength, elongation and impact energy values for CK45 (hot-rolled, cold-drawn, Q&T), 25Mn, 20#, ST52, Q345D, 40Cr, 42CrMo4, 20MnV6 and 38MnVS6 under various conditions.