WEBER-HYDRAULIK presents WHblackCOAT
WHblackCOAT
Losenstein, 5 November 2024. With the introduction of its WHblackCOAT coating process, WEBER-HYDRAULIK GMBH, one of the leading suppliers of customised hydraulic solutions, is setting new standards in the environmentally-friendly coating of piston rods in the field of hydraulics. In collaboration with RÜBIG GmbH & CO KG, an internationally recognised specialist for plasma-assisted surface treatments, a new technology has been put to the test that offers a chromium-free alternative for the coating of piston rods.
The coating process is known as WHblackCOAT and uses low temperature plasma to apply impurities to the surface of the piston rods in a gaseous state. This innovative coating completely dispenses with ecologically harmful substances such as electrolysis liquids, which means that it considerably reduces the ecological footprint. The amorphous carbon layer that contains hydrogen and silicon (a-C:H:Si) ensures both excellent sliding properties and a high degree of corrosion resistance.
The coating has proven its worth over the course of demanding field tests. Piston rods coated with WHblackCOAT have been successfully tested on snowcat vehicles in Sweden, Finland and on the Kaunertal Glacier for several months. A particularly challenging test that involved beach cleaning equipment on the coast of the Baltic Sea was completed with good results – after 300 hours of testing, the surfaces of the piston rods were almost as good as new.
“With WHblackCOAT, we are offering our customers a 100% chrome-free alternative that isn’t just environmentally friendly, but also fulfils the highest aspirations surrounding durability and functionality,” explains Walter List, Head of Hydraulic Development at the Losenstein site. “Our technology is a sustainable solution that focuses on the use of environmentally-friendly components while also satisfying aesthetic requirements.”
The corrosion resistance was demonstrated in accordance with DIN 9227 in the standardised NSS test over 500 h, and the layer hardness totals between 900 and 1200 HV. The process is suitable for piston rods with diameters from Ø28 to Ø63 mm and lengths of 200 mm to 1000 mm. Larger rods can also be manufactured subsequent to agreement.
WHblackCOAT is not designed as a cost-effective alternative to conventional chrome coatings, but offers significant added value due to the full environmental compatibility of the entire production process.
Source: WEBER-HYDRAULIK GMBH
