Hydraulics and machine building – precision tubes, cylinder tubes, piston rods
In short: hydraulic cylinders and high-pressure lines need precision steel tube. Typical products:
- precision tubes: cold-drawn tubes to EN 10305 (E235, E355);
- cylinder tube: internally honed, with a finished bore;
- piston rods: hard-chrome-plated;
- for the lines: high-pressure fittings, flanges and bolting.
Heavy-wall mechanical tubes allow hollow parts to be made economically instead of from round bar.
This guide is for hydraulic-cylinder makers, machine builders and maintenance teams.
What makes hydraulic tube special?
- Dimensional tolerance. Seals only work properly with a tight-tolerance bore.
- Inner surface. A honed surface reduces seal wear.
- Strength and pressure. Wall and material must be sized for the working pressure.
- Delivery condition. Cold-drawn (+C), stress-relieved (+SR) or normalised (+N) give different strength and machinability.
Material overview
| Product | Typical material | Standard / condition |
|---|---|---|
| Hydraulic line tube | E235, E355 | EN 10305-4, +N |
| Cylinder tube (honed) | E355, 20MnV6 | EN 10305-1 / 10297-1, +SR |
| Heavy-wall mechanical tube | E355, E470, 42CrMo4, C45 | EN 10297-1 |
| Piston rod | C45, 42CrMo4, hard-chrome plated | – |
The complete package
- Precision and cylinder tubes cut to length.
- Piston rods and piston tubes.
- High-pressure fittings, flanges and bolting for hydraulic lines.
- Machining: cutting and turning on request.
Buyer checklist
- Inside and outside diameter, tolerance.
- Wall thickness.
- Grade and delivery condition.
- Finish: honed, chromed, phosphated.
- Length: fixed or cut to size.
- Certificate.
Common mistakes
- Ordering unhoned tube for cylinders, which needs extra machining.
- Delivery condition not stated.
- Sizes given without tolerances.
Frequently asked questions
What is a honed cylinder tube?
Its bore is finished by fine machining to a tight tolerance, so it can go straight into a hydraulic cylinder.
Do you supply piston rods too?
Yes, hard-chrome-plated piston rods and piston tubes.
Request a quote
Send sizes and quantities. We quote tubes, rods and related items in one offer.
Related: Hydraulic & precision tubes · Structural tubes · Hydraulic systems service
Send us your material list – one quote for the complete package (pipe, fittings, flanges, gaskets, bolting), sourced direct from manufacturers, no minimum order.
Request a quote