TripleHard®
Shock Absorbers

Trivalent hard chrome coating for shock absorbers – TripleHard® improves durability, corrosion resistance and seal life while eliminating hexavalent chromium.
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Superior Performance

Responsible Choice

Easy Retrofit

Superior Hard Chrome Alternative for Shock Absorbers

Shock absorber rods in heavy vehicles, rail and off-highway machines face high loads, corrosion, and abrasive environments. TripleHard®’s trivalent hard chrome coating forms a dense, uniform surface that minimizes friction, protects seals and boosts shock absorber durability.. TripleHard® creates a uniform, hard chrome layer with low friction that keeps rods smooth, protects against rust and extends service intervals. The trivalent Cr(III) process is REACH-compliant and Cr(VI)-free, and eliminates post-bake steps that slow production.

OEMs get stable damping performance and reduced warranty risks; Coaters receive ready specifications, drawings and QA support to move into series production quickly.

Case Studies
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Excellent Corrosion Resistance
0 + h
in NSS test with the best rating
Superior Hardness minimum of
0 HV
without Heat Treatment
Sustainable & Safe
0 %
REACH-compliant and Cr(VI)-free

OEMs & Coaters

OEM – Why TripleHard®

TripleHard® is trivalent Cr(III) hard chrome solution for shock absorber rods, delivered as a complete package – licensed process, production line concept and chemistry service – ready for high-volume suspension manufacturing.

  • REACH-compliant, Cr(VI)-free replacement for legacy hard chrome
  • High hardness and wear resistance for shock rods
  • Low-friction surface that protects seals and keeps damping stable
  • Excellen corrosion resistance against road salt, water and dirt
  • Automatic continuous line or open-tank set-up for different plant layouts
  • Complete delivery: licensed process, QA framework and line concept from our equipment partner
Download datasheet
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why to adopt Triplehard now

1

Validated and proven coating

TripleHard® is a fully industrialised Cr(III) hard chrome process with years of field experience on demanding rod applications. Endurance, wear and corrosion tests – and OEM approvals – show that you are not starting a research project, but adopting a ready-made solution.

2

Regulation and legislation

Hexavalent chromium is a substance of very high concern. Under REACH and related EU directives, the aim is that such substances are progressively replaced by safer alternatives when technically and economically viable. Continuing with Cr(VI) means increasing authorization costs, tightening exposure limits and, in the coming restriction, direct bans on many uses. Adopting TripleHard® removes Cr(VI) from your coating step and aligns you with legislation.

3

Better technical and economic performance

TripleHard® delivers high hardness (up to 900–1500 HV), uniform thickness, low friction and excellent corrosion resistance – ideal for shock absorber rods that see continuous sliding, impacts and road contamination – while avoiding expensive fume scrubbing and wastewater treatment typical for Cr(VI). The result is longer service life, fewer warranty claims and lower CO₂ and total coating cost compared with legacy Cr(VI) lines.

4

Next step to adopt – contact Savroc

The next step is a joint workshop: we review your suspension components and supply chain, identify where TripleHard® can replace Cr(VI), and shape a line concept together with our equipment partner. Book a meeting and we will map a concrete migration plan for your plant.

How TripleHard perform on shock absorber rods vs. Cr(VI)

seal lifetime
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Read more

In sliding test where TripleHard® was compared directly with conventional Cr(VI) hard chrome, the seal lifetime doubled with TripleHard. Same seal, same load – the only difference was coating. This shows that TripleHard's hardness, smoothness and lower friction put less stress on the seals over time. On shock absorber rods that translates into a lower risk of leakage, longer service intervals and more stable damping over the whole life of the component.

pass in BOR test
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Read more

An independent Block-on-Ring (BOR) wear test showed that TripleHard® clearly outperforms Cr(VI) hard chrome under extreme load. The test ran for 3200 seconds (53 min), during which Cr(VI) failed at 1100 lbf (~50.8 MPa contact pressure) with friction spikes and visible damage. TripleHard® withstood the maximum load of 1275 lbf, sustaining up to 850 MPa contact pressure with no surface failure. These results confirm TripleHard’s exceptional resistance to sliding wear and impact – making it ideal for shock absorber rods exposed to side loads, vibration and contamination in heavy-duty environments.

less abrasive wear
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In an independent Taber abrasion test, TripleHard® showed ~50% less material loss compared to standard Cr(VI) coatings. Using CS-10 wheels and 1,000 cycles at 1 kg load, the TripleHard layer retained its surface integrity much better, achieving a wear index of 1.03 mg – compared to 2.0 mg for Cr(VI). For shock absorber rods operating in dusty or abrasive conditions, this translates into smoother rods for longer, extended seal life, and fewer replacements due to surface scratches or pitting.

Sustainable performance for your fleet

Replace Cr(VI) with a REACH-compliant trivalent hard chrome coating. TripleHard® helps you cut emissions, improve worker safety and stay ahead of tightening regulations.

Learn more about sustainability

Coaters – Why TripleHard®

TripleHard® lets you upgrade from Cr(VI) hard chrome to a REACH-compliant Cr(III) process with an engineered production line and full technical support. You can keep serving existing customers and win new OEM programs that require Cr(VI)-free coatings.

  • License + audited Cr(III) process trusted by leading OEMs
  • High-productivity coating for shock absorber rods and similar parts
  • Easy ventilation and wastewater treatment, no chromic acid, no Cr(VI) fumes
  • Line concepts for automatic continuous lines or open-tank systems
  • Ongoing technical support, operator training and chemistry service to keep the line stable
Download datasheet
Download technical pack (PDF)

how to adopt

1

Retrofit or add TripleHard line

Decide whether to retrofit your existing hard chrome line or install a dedicated TripleHard® module. Together with our equipment partner we design the line layout, tank configuration and utilities for your shock rod volumes.

2

License, training & audit

Savroc provides the process recipe, operating window, control instructions and operator training. Once the line is stable, we audit the process so it can be licensed for TripleHard® production.

3

Ramp-up & Cr(VI) phase-out

Increase TripleHard® volume, add more part numbers and plan the shutdown of old Cr(VI) baths and related ventilation and waste-treatment equipment.

How TripleHard perform on shock absorber rods vs. Cr(VI)

seal lifetime
0 ×

Read more

In sliding test where TripleHard® was compared directly with conventional Cr(VI) hard chrome, the seal lifetime doubled with TripleHard. Same seal, same load – the only difference was coating. This shows that TripleHard's hardness, smoothness and lower friction put less stress on the seals over time. On shock absorber rods that translates into a lower risk of leakage, longer service intervals and more stable damping over the whole life of the component.

pass in BOR test
0 %

Read more

An independent Block-on-Ring (BOR) wear test showed that TripleHard® clearly outperforms Cr(VI) hard chrome under extreme load. The test ran for 3200 seconds (53 min), during which Cr(VI) failed at 1100 lbf (~50.8 MPa contact pressure) with friction spikes and visible damage. TripleHard® withstood the maximum load of 1275 lbf, sustaining up to 850 MPa contact pressure with no surface failure. These results confirm TripleHard’s exceptional resistance to sliding wear and impact – making it ideal for shock absorber rods exposed to side loads, vibration and contamination in heavy-duty environments.

less abrasive wear
0 %

Read more

In an independent Taber abrasion test, TripleHard® showed ~50% less material loss compared to standard Cr(VI) coatings. Using CS-10 wheels and 1,000 cycles at 1 kg load, the TripleHard layer retained its surface integrity much better, achieving a wear index of 1.03 mg – compared to 2.0 mg for Cr(VI). For shock absorber rods operating in dusty or abrasive conditions, this translates into smoother rods for longer, extended seal life, and fewer replacements due to surface scratches or pitting.

Make compliance the easy choice

TripleHard® gives job shops a practical path to replace Cr(VI): a familiar plating process, fully REACH-compliant chemistry and cleaner working conditions. Stay competitive as OEMs tighten their sustainability criteria.

Learn more about sustainability

What We Offer

TripleHard® is delivered as a complete package – license, line concept and chemical & process support

TripleHard® license

Savroc license the TripleHard® Cr(III) hard chrome process to your plant, including process window, control instructions and OEM-grade QA documentation. You get repeatable, audited coating process instead of a one-off chemistry trial.

Equipment and line concept

We deliver a complete production line or retrofit concept: tanks, agitation, rectifiers, exhaust and handling. Depending on your parts and volumes, the line can be an automatic continuous line or an open-tank configuration. All layouts are engineered for TripleHard® from day one, so you reach stable quality and high productivity faster.

Chemicals, maintenance & support

Savorc supplies the TripleHard® additives and support bath maintenance, troubleshooting and continuous improvement. You get regular analysis, recommendations and remote/on-site support to keep the line in its sweet spot.

  • REACH-compliant
  • Cr(VI)-free
  • Low CO2 emissions
  • SDS & documentation

Ready to replace Cr(VI) in your own plant?

Book a meeting and we’ll outline a TripleHard® line and migration plan for your components.

Book a meeting
Request line concept

Technical information

Download the technical pack

The shock absorber rod technical pack gives your team the key data to specify TripleHard® – performance tests, coating specs and REACH documentation.

Included in the package:

  • High-speed deposition and throughput benchmarks for shock absorber rod lines
  • Surface hardness, friction and wear performance data vs. Cr(VI) Hard Chrome
  • Corrosion performance in ISO 9227 NSS with nickel underlayer
  • Adhesion, bending and impact test results for dynamic suspension loads
  • Coating structure, thickness and base rod steel compatibility guidelines
  • Retrofit options for open-tank and cassette / carrier plating lines + REACH & Cr(VI)-free compliance
Download technical pack (PDF)

Frequently asked questions

FAQ – TripleHard

No new field trials needed – here are answers to the most common questions.

Q1: Why should I switch my current Cr(VI) coating to TripleHard?

A: Hexavalent chromium is classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic substance, and EU regulation is tightening – Cr(VI) compounds are moving from authorization to direct restrictions, which will heavily limit their use and increase compliance costs. Staying with Cr(VI) increases regulatory and business risk. TripleHard® uses safer Cr(III) chemistry, is REACH-compliant and eliminates Cr(VI) fumes and complex waste, while delivering higher hardness, more uniform thickness and durable wear and corrosion performance on shock rods. In practice you reduce risk and environmental burden and get a better-performing coating.

Q2: Do we still need our own field test for shock absorbers?

A: In most standard shock absorber rod applications, the field testing has already been done. You can build on existing references and lab data, and run only limited verification on your own components and duty cycles if needed.

Q3: Is TripleHard REACH-compliant and completely Cr(VI)-free?

A: Yes. TripleHard® uses a trivalent chromium electrolyte and REACH-compliant additives; there is no chromic acid and no hexavalent chromium in the process. This removes the need for REACH authorization and simplifies audits, while aligning your products with future Cr(VI) phase-out.

Q4: Do we still need post-heat treatment with TripleHard on rods?

A: No. TripleHard is designed to meet performance and reliability requirements without post-bake, which shortens lead time, simplifies the process and reduces energy use compared to conventional hard chrome.

Q5: Is TripleHard compatible with our existing seals and surface roughness targets?

A: Yes. TripleHard® is an electroplated coating with controllable thickness and surface finish, so you can keep the same rod diameters, roughness values and seal designs as with hard chrome. The coating gives a very smooth, hard surface that reduces friction and seal wear – many users see at least equal or better sealing performance compared to Cr(VI).

Q6: Do we need to change our rod design or tolerances?

A: In most cases, no. TripleHard® can match existing chrome thicknesses or use a thinner layer thanks to its higher hardness. That means you can keep current drawings and simply update the coating specification from "hard chrome" to "TripleHard® Cr(III) hard chrome replacement", along with the drawing clause from the technical pack.

Q7: How do we specify TripleHard in drawings and specs?

A: The technical pack includes a ready-to-use drawing clause and recommended thickness range for shock absorber rods. Typically you will reference TripleHard® as the coating, specify thickness and roughness as today, and add a note that the coating must be supplied by a Savroc-licensed coater or qualified TripleHard® line.

Take the next step

Ready specifications • No post-bake • REACH-compliant

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Ask about line requirements