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Sound technical content, curated with aloha by
Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
Pine Beach, NJ

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Finishing aluminum for use as a pneumatic cylinder

I fabricate animatronics for private clients and theme parks. Due to the physical size of a current project, I need to manufacture my own pneumatic cylinders. I can ream or bore the ID but I would like to guarantee a better seal on the o-rings by having a very smooth, almost polished surface for them to ride on. I am also going to flash hard anodize the cylinders and then teflon coat them. Suggestions?

David Mesloh
Designer - Los Angeles, California, USA
May 29, 2010

Hi, David. I don't have experience with this application, so it's only book knowledge, but I think electroless nickel plating of the I.D. of the cylinder would be a better idea than hard coating.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
June 1, 2010

Hardcoat Anodize is a common treatment for pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders. Begin by honing the bare aluminum, apply a thick hardcoat, hone again, and PTFE treat. Very smooth finishes are possible.

Chris Jurey, Past-President IHAA
Luke Engineering & Mfg. Co. Inc.

Wadsworth, Ohio

June 2, 2010

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