38MnVS6 hard chrome plated bar is a precipitation-hardened micro-alloyed steel that reaches production-ready mechanical properties directly from controlled cooling after hot rolling, with no quenching or tempering required. It delivers up to 950 MPa tensile strength, making it a faster, more cost-efficient alternative to C45E and conventional Q&T grades for high-volume piston rod production.
Highlights
- Up to 950 MPa tensile strength without Q&T — Supplied in +P condition per EN 10267, cutting lead time and carbon footprint
- Superior machinability vs. C45E and 20MnV6 — Sulphur content 0.020–0.060% plus vanadium micro-alloying gives strong chip-breaking behavior for high-throughput CNC production
- Surface hardness up to HRC 55±2 via induction hardening — reducing chrome "eggshell effect" risk under impact
- Ra ≤ 0.2 µm chrome surface, 800–1000 HV — Direct compatibility with standard O-ring and lip seals
- High dimensional stability — Low residual stress supports consistent ISO f7, f8 tolerances across large production batches
- R9/120 h corrosion resistance (ISO 9227 / ISO 10289) — Suitable for outdoor, agricultural, and humid industrial use; double chrome layering available for offshore environments
Specifications
| OD Tolerance | f7、f8 |
|---|---|
| Surface Roughness | Ra 0.2μm max |
| Hard Chrome Thickness | Below Φ22.225mm: min 15μm Φ24mm and above: min 20μm |
| Chrome Layer Hardness | 800~1000 HV |
| Induction Hardened Surface Hardness | HRC 55± 2 |
| Straightness | Below Φ20mm: max 0.3mm/1000mm Φ20mm and above: max 0.2mm/1000mm |
| Roundness | 1/2 of tolerance |
| Standard Length | 3M–6M and up |
| Standard Size | Φ6~255mm（Φ1/4"~Φ10"） |
| Corrosion Resistance (ISO 9227 / ISO 10289 NSS) | Below Φ20mm: R9/72hr Φ20mm and above: R9/120hr |
| Tensile Strength | Up to 950 MPa (size-dependent) |
| Yield Strength | Up to 650 MPa (size-dependent) |
| Steel Grade | 38MnVS6 (special specifications available on request) |
Technical Features
- Eliminates Q&T, shortens lead time and reduces carbon footprint — Skips energy-intensive quenching and tempering furnace cycles, supporting ESG goals
- Higher machining throughput, lower per-unit cost — Strong chip-breaking behavior reduces tool changes and coolant use in high-volume CNC lines
- Induction hardening improves chrome layer impact resistance — Higher carbon content (0.34–0.41%) combined with induction hardening resists localized chrome damage under heavy impact
- Strong seal compatibility — Precise surface finish and the chrome layer's micro-crack network retain oil film, reducing friction and extending seal life
- Dimensionally stable, low distortion risk — Low residual stress allows centerless grinding lines to hold tight ISO f7, f8 tolerances across large batches, supporting automated assembly
- Corrosion resistance meets international standards — Standard chrome plating (≥20 µm for Ø≥24mm) achieves R9/120h per ISO 10289; double chrome layering available for high-salinity or offshore exposure
- Q1: Does 38MnVS6 hard chrome plated bar require quenching and tempering (Q&T)? A1: No. 38MnVS6 is a precipitation-hardened micro-alloyed steel supplied in +P condition per EN 10267. It reaches production-ready mechanical properties directly from controlled cooling after hot rolling, eliminating the need for a separate quenching and tempering cycle and reducing both lead time and distortion risk.
- Q2: What's the difference between 38MnVS6 and 20MnV6 hard chrome plated bar? A2: Both are non-Q&T micro-alloyed steels, but 38MnVS6 uses a higher carbon-manganese base, reaching up to 950 MPa tensile strength compared to roughly 790 MPa for 20MnV6. Its induction-hardened surface hardness also reaches HRC 55±2, giving it better impact resistance and chrome adhesion.
- Q3: What tensile strength does 38MnVS6 hard chrome plated bar achieve? A3: Depending on size, tensile strength reaches up to 950 MPa and yield strength up to 650 MPa, both without any quenching or tempering treatment.
- Q4: Is the surface finish compatible with standard hydraulic and pneumatic seals? A4: Yes. The chrome surface has a roughness of Ra ≤ 0.2 µm and hardness of 800–1000 HV, meeting the requirements for standard O-ring and lip seals, suitable for direct installation in most typical applications without additional finishing.
- Q5: What corrosion resistance standard does it meet? A5: It meets ISO 9227 Neutral Salt Spray (NSS) and ISO 10289 standards. Standard chrome plating (≥20 µm for Ø≥24mm) achieves R9/120 hours, suitable for outdoor machinery, agricultural equipment, and humid industrial settings. Double chrome layering is available for high-salinity or offshore environments requiring extended protection.
Related Tags38MnVS6 Hard Chrome Plated BarHard Chrome Plated Bar38MnVS6 Induction Hardened Chrome Plated BarInduction Hardened Chrome Plated Barhydraulic cylinder componentpneumatic cylinder component