Hydraulic pistons are fundamental components in hydraulic and precision engineered systems, used to transmit force and linear motion in a controlled and repeatable manner.
OMGM manufactures turned and ground hydraulic pistons to customer drawings, using CNC machining and 3D dimensional inspection to ensure reliable operation and long service life, even at high working pressures.
Hydraulic pistons convert fluid pressure into linear force, producing controlled movement within the cylinder body.
The piston consists of a precisely machined cylindrical metal body, typically fitted with grooves for seals or O-rings. These prevent fluid leakage and maintain the required operating pressure.
In industrial hydraulic systems, the piston is responsible for moving, lifting or positioning loads, while maintaining accurate and controlled motion.
Accurate surface machining and tight control of dimensional tolerances are essential to minimise friction and achieve an effective hydraulic seal.
Depending on the application, several types of hydraulic pistons can be identified:
Operate with fluid pressure in one direction only, with mechanical or spring return. Commonly used in compact systems or vertical lifting applications.
Allow movement in both directions through alternating fluid pressure on two opposite surfaces. Ideal for industrial plants and automation machinery.
Designed to accommodate specific seals, O-rings or sealing rings, improving hydraulic performance and reducing pressure losses.
Manufactured to specific project requirements, including small batches or prototypes, using selected and fully traceable materials.
Hydraulic pistons are manufactured using certified materials subjected to strict inspection procedures, selected according to application requirements and operating conditions.
Commonly used materials include:
Each hydraulic piston undergoes dimensional inspection to ensure maximum operational reliability, long service life and perfect compatibility with the other components of the system.
Once the production process has been defined according to required tolerances, materials and any heat or surface treatments, OMGM begins manufacturing using only certified raw materials.
All hydraulic pistons are manufactured to client specifications. The process includes high-precision CNC turning, with continuous monitoring of diameters and lengths, as well as milling and grinding to ensure roundness and smooth sliding performance. Dimensional and 3D metrology inspections are carried out throughout each production stage.
Full in-house control of the manufacturing process ensures dimensional consistency, traceability and stable quality, with tight tolerances and controlled surface roughness.
The production cycle concludes with rigorous metrological inspection and final certification confirming full compliance with the technical drawings.
PARAMETER
Dimensions
Weight
Materials
Geometric tolerances
Machining
processes
Heat treatments
CAPACITY / DETAILS
To be defined according to length and load
To be defined according to diameter and length
Carbon steel, stainless steel, hydraulic piston tubes
Up to 5 µm
CNC turning, drilling, boring, internal and external threading, grinding, polishing
Quenching and tempering, cementing, hardening, nitriding
PARAMETER
Surface
treatments
Finishes
Dimensional
inspections
Production batches
Types
CAPACITY / DETAILS
Chrome plating, zinc plating, passivation, phosphating, painting, bluing
Roughness Ra ≤ 1.6 µm
EN 10204 3.1 material certificates, 3D dimensional inspection, FAIR
Single components and small batches up to 50 pieces
Custom pistons, single-acting or double-acting designs
Hydraulic pistons are used across a wide range of industrial sectors where fluid power transmission is essential for machine operation:
Used in tool change systems, feed units, internal handling and positioning mechanisms, where maximum accuracy and repeatability are required.
The main application sector for mechanical cams. They are essential for synchronised motion, continuous high-speed cycles, pick-and-place systems, dosing units and complex movements typical of automatic machinery.
Applied in blister machines, dosing equipment, sterile packaging lines and high-cleanliness automatic systems, where controlled and consistent motion is critical for the end product quality.
Used in mechatronic systems, actuators, control mechanisms and kinematic assemblies operating under vibration and severe environmental conditions.
Used to synchronise processing and packaging operations, ensuring reliable performance in environments subject to frequent washdowns and repetitive high-speed cycles.
Particularly suitable for presses, compactors, sorting systems and material handling machinery.
Applied in actuated valves, pressure control systems, safety actuators and mechanisms operating in harsh, high-pressure environments.
Wear may result from excessive pressure, insufficient lubrication or fluid contamination. Proper maintenance and high-quality surface finishes help reduce the risk of leakage and extend service life.
Selection depends on factors such as operating pressure, working stroke, diameter and fluid type. In industrial systems, custom-designed pistons manufactured to technical drawings are recommended to ensure correct sealing and consistent performance.
Hydraulic pistons are the moving elements that converts fluid pressure into force, while cylinders are the housing that contains the piston and guides its movement. Together, they generate linear motion in hydraulic systems.
