SteelWhat is 1045 chrome-plated bar and what is it used for? Hard-chrome plated ground bar
1045 chrome-plated bar is a 1045 steel bar, ground and coated with hard chrome, designed for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder rods and for linear guides. In this guide we explain what 1045 chrome-plated bar is, its composition, its properties, what it is used for and in what sizes we carry it.
What is 1045 chrome-plated bar?
Solid round bar of medium-carbon steel SAE/AISI 1045, conditioned, ground, polished, and coated by hard chrome electroplating. Low-roughness surface, high wear resistance, reduced friction, and improved corrosion protection. Supplied in the normal or induction-hardened condition; for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder rods, guides, columns, and linear motion components. ASTM B650 type coating.
Chemical composition of 1045 chrome-plated bar (1045 base)
This is the typical composition of base 1045 steel (AISI 1045 / EN C45 / DIN Ck45 / JIS S45C standard):
| Element | Contents | What for? |
|---|---|---|
| Carbon (C) | 0.43 – 0.50 % | Provides hardness and strength |
| Silicon (Si) | 0.10 – 0.35 % | Deoxidizer, adds strength |
| Manganese (Mn) | 0.60 – 0.90 % | Hardenability and strength |
| Phosphorus (P) | 0.040 % max. | Impurity, kept low |
| Sulfur (S) | 0.050 % max. | Impurity, kept low |
The hard chrome coating
Chrome-plated 1045 bar starts from a solid 1045 steel bar that is conditioned, ground and polished and then coated with hard chrome by electrodeposition (ASTM B650 type). This coating gives it a very hard, low-roughness surface with lower friction, high wear resistance and better corrosion protection. It is supplied in the standard condition or with an induction-hardened core for greater strength. That is why it is the standard material for cylinder rods and linear guides, where the bar slides and must resist wear without scoring.
What is it for? Applications of 1045 chrome-plated bar
1045 chrome-plated bar is mainly used in:
- Hydraulic cylinder rods
- Pneumatic cylinder rods
- Industrial cylinder repair
- Hydraulic platforms and lifts
- Cylinders for agricultural machinery
- Construction and mining equipment
- Presses and hydraulic systems
- Linear guides and columns
- Shafts subject to sliding wear
Forms and sizes we carry
At NAT MAC we stock 1045 chrome-plated bar in these forms and sizes:
| Package size | Sizes |
|---|---|
| Standard bar | 1/2" – 4" (12.7 – 101.6 mm) |
| Hardened bar | 1" – 6" (25.4 – 152.4 mm) |
If you need a particular size, tell us which one and we will gladly source it for you.
1045 chrome-plated bar equivalents and standards
1045 chrome-plated bar (base 1045) is also identified by these standards: AISI 1045 / EN C45 / DIN Ck45 / JIS S45C The coating follows the ASTM B650 standard. You can see how to read them in our article on steel standards.
In summary
- 1045 chrome-plated bar is a 1045 steel bar, ground and coated with hard chrome
- Hard, low-roughness, low-friction surface with good corrosion resistance
- Supplied in standard condition or with an induction-hardened core
- Ideal for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder rods, guides and linear columns
- We carry it in standard bar, hardened bar, cut to size
Why buy 1045 chrome-plated bar at NAT MAC?
We have more than 54 years of experience as an industrial supplier and ISO 9001 certified quality. We carry a wide range of carbon steels and help you choose the right one for your part.
- Quality 1045 Chrome-plated Bar, backed and traceable
- Material cut to the size you need
- Technical advice on choosing the right grade
- Wide range of carbon steels in stock
- On-time deliveries and competitive prices
Tell us what you are going to make and in what dimensions, and we will recommend the right material and form. Request your free quote.
Sources: data sheet from our NAT MAC catalog (composition, sizes and applications) and public industry references for hardness. Values are for reference and may vary by standard, heat and treatment.
