Piston rod banding can occur if the actuator is operated for a long period of time
at a moderate to high frequency, with short stroke displacement, and loads of
25% or more of the actuator capacity. Piston rod banding is the aggravated
erosion of the piston rod chrome plating in a band slightly wider than the width
of the seal encircling the circumference of the piston rod.

If the actuator is being used for moderate to high frequency, small displacement
testing, the starting position of the actuator piston rod should be changed
approximately every one million cycles. This will extend the life of the piston rod
and minimize the possibility of banding. If the system configuration allows it, the
piston rod starting position can be changed by using the displacement transducer
conditioner zero control and repositioning the load frame crosshead or fixture.

WARNING