TGP for hydraulics

Topics include, Machine Tools & Tooling, Precision Measuring, Materials and their Properties, Electrical discussions related to machine tools, setups, fixtures and jigs and other general discussion related to amateur machining.

Moderators: GlennW, Harold_V

hobgobbln
Posts: 266
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:31 pm
Location: Palmer, Ma

TGP for hydraulics

Post by hobgobbln »

I’ve had an idea floating around in my head since I was a kid that would require miniature hydraulic cyclinders. So I figured I’d give it a shot.

I know how hydraulics work but other than rebuilding a couple snow plow cylinders I have zero experience.

I’m wondering if TGP shafting would be smooth enough to use as the piston. I’ve seen 1/4” 1045 TGP available and that would be small enough for my use. These would only see 100-300 psi of pressure and limited cycles. They’re for positioning and would never be able to hurt anyone if they fail but I’d like them to last if I’m going to go through the trouble of making a dozen or so.

Is chrome plated actually required for hydraulics or would that shafting work?
User avatar
GlennW
Posts: 7284
Joined: Sun Apr 15, 2007 9:23 am
Location: Florida

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by GlennW »

Check out a screen door closer at Ace or Home Depot, etc. as they should have a chrome plated shaft about that diameter.

I just made some hydraulic shafts from 12mm chrome plated shaft, but I don't see anything near 1/4" available.
Glenn

Operating machines is perfectly safe......until you forget how dangerous it really is!
hobgobbln
Posts: 266
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:31 pm
Location: Palmer, Ma

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by hobgobbln »

So is it safe to assume that chrome is a must?
User avatar
warmstrong1955
Posts: 3568
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:05 pm
Location: Northern Nevada

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by warmstrong1955 »

If you have a hydraulic rebuilder around, you might give them a call for the real thing, or where to get it. I have never used any smaller than 1/2”. Most cylinder rods are 1045/1050 IHCP. Most is case hardened, some is thru hardened.

That said, chrome is not required, but a good finish is. The smooth finish will make the rod seals last longer. Chrome also prevents rust, and dings. I have built cylinder rods with various different TG&P’s, but it was always a temporary fix due to availability of the CP rod we needed. Things rust quickly in most mines.

Bill
Today's solutions are tomorrow's problems.
John Hasler
Posts: 1852
Joined: Tue Dec 06, 2016 4:05 pm
Location: Elmwood, Wisconsin

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by John Hasler »

Consider using air cylinders with oil instead of air.
hobgobbln
Posts: 266
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:31 pm
Location: Palmer, Ma

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by hobgobbln »

These will be part of an animatronic hand so environment and issues with abuse don’t apply since it’s just for me and will live indoors.

Ok so I guess I could get away without chrome for a while. At least for testing purposes. I supposed if they work in the end I could maybe have some chromed.

Thanks for the help everybody. I’m sure I’ll have more questions before I’m done =]

Griz
User avatar
warmstrong1955
Posts: 3568
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:05 pm
Location: Northern Nevada

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by warmstrong1955 »

You might check online for robot parts & supply companies. Thy might have some small diameter chrome rods. Used to get stuff like that from Small Parts Inc. They were absorbed by the Amazonians....

A friend of mine, years ago, helped his brother design the hydraulics, including the cylinders, on a robot. It was a big dinosaur car-eating thing. Saw some pics and videos of it when they got to testing. One of 'em, it choked on a bad Datsun, and popped a hydraulic hose in it's mouth! :) But that's what testing is for!

Bill
Today's solutions are tomorrow's problems.
hobgobbln
Posts: 266
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:31 pm
Location: Palmer, Ma

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by hobgobbln »

I think it will take me a while to get to fine vehicle dining. :D
User avatar
warmstrong1955
Posts: 3568
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 2:05 pm
Location: Northern Nevada

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by warmstrong1955 »

hobgobbln wrote: Mon Jul 16, 2018 11:57 am I think it will take me a while to get to fine vehicle dining. :D
LOL!
I hope you post some pics, or better yet, vids, when you get it pokin' at things!

Bill
Today's solutions are tomorrow's problems.
DavidF
Posts: 282
Joined: Wed May 14, 2014 12:28 pm
Location: Delaware

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by DavidF »

would 6mm chromed rod work for you??
https://folgertech.com/collections/line ... ter-cnc-o1
MrWhoopee
Posts: 13
Joined: Wed Jan 10, 2018 11:29 am
Location: Northern California

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by MrWhoopee »

The hard-chrome plating on chrome rod is principally for abrasion resistance. A little dust under a rubber seal with the shaft cycling back and forth will eat up the shaft in a surprisingly short time. In your case, this is probably not a major consideration.

Thomson shaft is available in 1/4 in., and will definitely hold up. The question is whether you can machine the features you need.
https://www.thomsonlinear.com/website/c ... oducts.php
hobgobbln
Posts: 266
Joined: Tue Apr 13, 2010 7:31 pm
Location: Palmer, Ma

Re: TGP for hydraulics

Post by hobgobbln »

As long as that 6mm isn’t hardened it would probably work. I was thinking 1/4” because it looks like I can get a hone for doing the cylinder body, but I didn’t look for metric ones. I’ll have to look around later and see what I can find.

I was originally thinking about bearing shaft but I don’t have any way of machining it for seals, rod ends, etc if it’s hardened. That’s why I was asking about the TPG because it said it COULD be hardened which to me meant it wasn’t.

Thanks for the links.
Post Reply