27/03/2026
Laser Cladding Insight #1: The Real Challenge in Hydraulic Rod Repair Is Not Wear
Wear is usually seen as the main problem in hydraulic cylinder rods.
But in many repair cases, wear is just the visible part.
What really drives cost and performance is what happens after the repair — regardless of whether the process is welding, thermal spray, or laser cladding.
🔹Will the surface remain stable under continuous motion?
🔹Will it affect seal life over time?
🔹Will the result be consistent across multiple repair cycles?
These questions often matter more than the initial appearance or even hardness.😃
In practice, many repair methods — including laser cladding — can restore dimensions.
Fewer can maintain performance under real operating conditions.
That's why in rod repair, the focus is gradually shifting — from "how to rebuild the surface" to "how the surface behaves over time."
👉 For teams using or evaluating laser cladding for hydraulic components, it's often worth looking beyond the initial result — and paying closer attention to long-term performance.