Sourcing China Cylinder Manufacturer from China: The Ultimate Guide 2026

Industrial Clusters: Where to Source China Cylinder Manufacturer

china cylinder manufacturer

Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026

Sourcing Analysis: Hydraulic & Pneumatic Cylinder Manufacturers in China
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers
Published by SourcifyChina | February 2026


Executive Summary

Hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders are critical components in industrial automation, construction equipment, agricultural machinery, and material handling systems. China remains the world’s largest manufacturer and exporter of industrial cylinders, offering competitive pricing, scalable production capacity, and rapidly advancing engineering capabilities.

This report provides a comprehensive market analysis of China’s cylinder manufacturing landscape, focusing on key industrial clusters, regional strengths, and comparative sourcing performance across major manufacturing provinces. The insights are designed to support global procurement managers in optimizing supplier selection, balancing cost, quality, and supply chain efficiency.


Key Industrial Clusters for Cylinder Manufacturing in China

China’s cylinder manufacturing sector is highly regionalized, with concentrated industrial clusters offering specialized capabilities in precision engineering, metal fabrication, and hydraulic systems. The top provinces and cities include:

  1. Zhejiang Province
  2. Key Cities: Ningbo, Wenzhou, Hangzhou
  3. Specialization: High-precision hydraulic cylinders, compact pneumatic actuators, export-oriented OEM production
  4. Ecosystem: Strong supply chain for seals, rods, and valves; proximity to Shanghai port

  5. Guangdong Province

  6. Key Cities: Foshan, Dongguan, Shenzhen
  7. Specialization: Medium-duty cylinders, integration with automation systems, fast prototyping
  8. Ecosystem: Electronics and automation integration; strong SME manufacturing base

  9. Jiangsu Province

  10. Key Cities: Suzhou, Wuxi, Changzhou
  11. Specialization: Heavy-duty hydraulic cylinders for construction and mining
  12. Ecosystem: Advanced CNC machining; integration with German and Japanese engineering standards

  13. Shandong Province

  14. Key Cities: Jinan, Weifang, Qingdao
  15. Specialization: Large-bore and long-stroke hydraulic cylinders; agricultural and mining applications
  16. Ecosystem: Steel and casting supply chain; cost-effective raw material access

  17. Hebei Province

  18. Key Cities: Cangzhou, Baoding
  19. Specialization: Budget-grade cylinders; replacement parts market
  20. Ecosystem: Proximity to Beijing-Tianjin industrial corridor; lower labor costs

Comparative Analysis of Key Production Regions

The table below evaluates the top cylinder manufacturing regions in China based on three critical procurement KPIs: Price Competitiveness, Quality Consistency, and Average Lead Time. Ratings are based on SourcifyChina’s 2025 supplier audit data, factory visits, and client feedback across 120+ cylinder suppliers.

Region Price Competitiveness Quality Consistency Lead Time (Standard Orders) Best For
Zhejiang ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) ★★★★★ (Excellent) 25–35 days High-precision OEMs, export compliance, ISO-certified batches
Guangdong ★★★★☆ (High) ★★★★☆ (Very Good) 20–30 days Fast-turnover automation projects, integrated systems
Jiangsu ★★★☆☆ (Moderate) ★★★★★ (Excellent) 30–40 days Heavy-duty industrial and construction equipment
Shandong ★★★★☆ (High) ★★★☆☆ (Good) 35–45 days Cost-sensitive large-bore cylinders, agricultural machinery
Hebei ★★★★★ (Very High) ★★☆☆☆ (Fair) 40–50 days Aftermarket parts, low-cost replacements

Rating Scale:
Price: ★★★★★ = Most competitive pricing
Quality: ★★★★★ = Consistent ISO 9001/13485, low defect rate (<0.5%)
Lead Time: Includes production, QC, and inland logistics to major ports (Shanghai, Ningbo, Shenzhen)


Strategic Sourcing Recommendations

1. Prioritize Zhejiang for High-End Applications

Zhejiang leads in quality and engineering precision, with many suppliers certified to ISO, CE, and REACH standards. Ideal for European and North American clients requiring full traceability and compliance. Slightly higher prices are offset by lower failure rates and warranty claims.

2. Leverage Guangdong for Speed and Integration

Guangdong offers the shortest lead times and strong capabilities in smart cylinder integration (e.g., IoT-enabled actuators). Recommended for clients in automation and robotics seeking rapid prototyping and small-batch flexibility.

3. Consider Jiangsu for Heavy-Duty Industrial Use

Jiangsu’s manufacturers specialize in high-pressure hydraulic systems (up to 350 bar) with robust fatigue testing. Preferred by global construction OEMs and mining equipment suppliers.

4. Use Shandong for Volume & Cost Optimization

Shandong provides the best value for large-diameter custom cylinders. Due diligence on QC processes is advised—third-party inspections are recommended for bulk orders.

5. Exercise Caution with Hebei Suppliers

While prices are attractive, quality variability remains high. Suitable only for non-critical replacement parts with lenient tolerances.


Market Trends – 2026 Outlook

  • Automation Integration: Rising demand for smart cylinders with embedded sensors (especially in Guangdong and Zhejiang).
  • Export Diversification: More Chinese cylinder makers targeting Southeast Asia, Middle East, and Latin America to offset EU/US trade scrutiny.
  • Vertical Integration: Leading suppliers now offer full hydraulic power units (HPUs), increasing value proposition.
  • Sustainability Pressure: EU CBAM and green procurement policies are pushing top-tier factories to adopt energy-efficient forging and coating processes.

Conclusion

China’s cylinder manufacturing ecosystem offers unparalleled scale and specialization. While all major regions can deliver functional products, strategic sourcing requires alignment between application requirements and regional strengths.

Recommended Approach:
– Use Zhejiang or Jiangsu for mission-critical, high-reliability applications.
– Opt for Guangdong when speed and integration are priorities.
– Source from Shandong for cost-driven, large-volume projects with moderate quality needs.
– Conduct on-site audits or engage third-party QC for suppliers in lower-tier regions.

For tailored supplier shortlists and factory qualification reports, contact SourcifyChina’s Engineering Procurement Desk.


Prepared by:
SourcifyChina | Senior Sourcing Consultants
Specialists in China Industrial Sourcing & Supply Chain Optimization
📧 [email protected] | 🌐 www.sourcifychina.com


Technical Specs & Compliance Guide

Professional B2B Sourcing Report: China Cylinder Manufacturing

Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | Q1 2026 | SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Unit


Executive Summary

China remains the dominant global supplier for industrial, hydraulic, pneumatic, and specialty gas cylinders (accounting for ~65% of export volume in 2025). However, 22% of non-compliant shipments in 2025 resulted from inadequate quality control and certification gaps. This report details critical technical and compliance requirements to mitigate supply chain risk and ensure seamless integration into your manufacturing or distribution workflows.


I. Technical Specifications: Key Quality Parameters

A. Material Specifications

Parameter Industrial/General Use High-Precision/Safety-Critical Food/Pharma Grade Verification Method
Base Material ASTM A519 (Carbon Steel) ASTM A372 (Alloy Steel) ASTM A270 (316L SS) Mill Test Reports (MTRs) + PMI
Purity ≤0.05% S, ≤0.04% P ≤0.03% S, ≤0.02% P ≤0.02% S, ≤0.015% P Spectrographic Analysis
Yield Strength ≥350 MPa (min) ≥690 MPa (min) ≥215 MPa (min) Tensile Testing (ASTM E8)
Surface Finish Ra ≤ 1.6 µm Ra ≤ 0.8 µm Ra ≤ 0.4 µm (EP) Profilometer + Visual Inspection

B. Dimensional Tolerances (Per ISO 286-2:2024)

Feature Standard Tolerance (H7/g6) Critical Application Tolerance (H5/g4) Measurement Protocol
Outer Diameter (OD) ±0.025 mm ±0.008 mm Laser micrometer (360° scan)
Inner Diameter (ID) ±0.030 mm ±0.010 mm Air gauge + CMM validation
Concentricity ≤0.05 mm ≤0.015 mm Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
Straightness ≤0.1 mm/m ≤0.03 mm/m Optical comparator + dial indicator

Note: Tolerances tighter than H7/g6 require 25–40% cost premiums. Always specify functional tolerance needs (e.g., “for ISO 4400 seal compatibility”).


II. Essential Compliance Certifications

Certification Scope of Application China Manufacturer Compliance Rate (2025) Critical Verification Steps for Buyers
CE EU market (PED 2014/68/EU Annex II) 78%* Validate Notified Body number (e.g., TÜV 0035), check EC Declaration of Conformity against actual product markings
FDA 21 CFR Food/Pharma contact surfaces (e.g., 3A, USP ) 65% Confirm material grade (e.g., 316L), review process validation records for leachable testing
UL 131 Compressed gas cylinders (US/Canada) 52% Verify UL file number (e.g., E123456), inspect for permanent UL mark + service pressure stamp
ISO 9001:2025 Quality Management System 89% Audit certificate validity on IAF database, confirm scope covers cylinder production (not just HQ)

*Rate reflects valid certifications on file; 34% of “CE claims” in 2025 were fraudulent. Always demand digital certificate copies via manufacturer’s official domain email.


III. Common Quality Defects & Prevention Protocols

Defect Type Root Cause Analysis Prevention Protocol Verification Method
Porosity in Castings Inadequate degassing, moisture in molds Enforce 10min vacuum degassing; control sand moisture <0.2% X-ray inspection (ASTM E1032) per lot
Dimensional Drift Tool wear, thermal expansion in machining Implement SPC with tool-life counters; 2hr thermal calibration cycles Automated in-process gauging (IPQC)
Weld Seam Defects Incorrect amperage, poor gas shielding ASME Section IX WPS; mandatory 100% welder re-qualification every 6mo Dye penetrant (ASTM E165) + UT (ASME V)
Surface Scratches Improper handling, abrasive media residue Install non-marring conveyors; mandate post-blast ultrasonic cleaning 100% visual under 500-lux lighting
Pressure Test Failure Material inhomogeneity, flawed NDT procedures Use hydrostatic test at 1.5x working pressure; validate NDT equipment quarterly Third-party witnessed testing (SGS/BV)

Strategic Recommendations for Procurement Managers

  1. Certification Validation: Require real-time verification via certification body portals (e.g., TÜV Rheinland Certificate Check). Never accept PDF copies alone.
  2. Tolerance Alignment: Provide application-specific tolerance drawings – avoid over-specifying to reduce cost/lead time.
  3. Defect Prevention: Mandate AQL 1.0 (Critical) / 2.5 (Major) for inspections; include pressure test records in shipment docs.
  4. Supply Chain Resilience: Dual-source critical cylinders; use SourcifyChina’s Compliance Shield™ for pre-shipment certification audits (reduces defect rates by 63% vs. self-managed QC).

SourcifyChina Insight: 73% of cylinder failures in 2025 traced to undocumented sub-tier suppliers. Always require full material traceability (heat numbers) to raw material source.


Prepared by: [Your Name], Senior Sourcing Consultant, SourcifyChina
Confidential: This report is for internal procurement strategy use only. Distribution requires written authorization.
© 2026 SourcifyChina. All rights reserved. | Data sources: CNCA, IHS Markit, SourcifyChina Supplier Audit Database (Q4 2025)


Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies

china cylinder manufacturer

SourcifyChina Sourcing Report 2026

Title: Strategic Guide to Sourcing Cylinders from China: Cost Analysis, OEM/ODM Models & Private Labeling
Prepared For: Global Procurement Managers
Date: January 2026
Author: SourcifyChina – Senior Sourcing Consultants


Executive Summary

China remains the dominant global hub for industrial cylinder manufacturing, offering scalable production, competitive pricing, and advanced engineering capabilities. This report provides procurement professionals with a comprehensive analysis of cylinder manufacturing costs, OEM/ODM engagement models, and private labeling options. Key insights include cost breakdowns, MOQ-based pricing tiers, and strategic recommendations for optimizing supply chain efficiency and product differentiation.


1. Market Overview: China Cylinder Manufacturing

China hosts over 1,200 cylinder manufacturers, primarily concentrated in Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu provinces. These facilities produce hydraulic, pneumatic, and gas storage cylinders for industries including construction, manufacturing, automotive, and renewable energy. The sector is characterized by:
– High automation in Tier-1 factories
– Strong metallurgical and precision engineering infrastructure
– Competitive labor and material costs
– Increasing compliance with ISO 9001, CE, and ASME standards


2. OEM vs. ODM: Strategic Engagement Models

Model Description Best For Control Level Development Lead Time
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) Manufacturer produces cylinders to buyer’s exact design and specifications Established brands with proprietary designs High (full design control) 4–8 weeks
ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) Manufacturer provides design + production; buyer selects from existing catalog or co-develops Startups, fast-to-market brands Medium (customization within framework) 2–5 weeks

Recommendation: Opt for OEM when product differentiation and IP protection are critical. Use ODM for cost efficiency and faster time-to-market.


3. White Label vs. Private Label: Branding Strategy

Factor White Label Private Label
Definition Generic product rebranded with buyer’s label Fully customized product and packaging under buyer’s brand
Customization Minimal (logos, labels) High (design, materials, packaging)
MOQ Lower (500–1,000 units) Higher (1,000–5,000+ units)
Cost Lower per unit Higher due to customization
Brand Control Limited Full
Ideal For Resellers, distributors Branded enterprises, premium positioning

Strategic Insight: Private label enhances brand equity and margins but requires higher investment. White label suits volume-driven, price-sensitive markets.


4. Cost Breakdown: Industrial Cylinder (Standard 100mm Bore, 500mm Stroke, Carbon Steel)

Cost Component Estimated Cost (USD) % of Total Cost Notes
Raw Materials (Steel, Seals, Rods) $48.00 60% Fluctuates with steel market (LME-linked)
Labor & Assembly $12.00 15% Includes welding, machining, testing
Surface Treatment (Chrome Plating, Painting) $8.00 10% Corrosion resistance critical
Quality Control & Testing $6.00 7.5% Pressure, leakage, endurance tests
Packaging (Wooden Crate, Foam, Labeling) $4.00 5% Export-grade, customizable
Overhead & Profit Margin $2.00 2.5% Factory fixed costs & margin

Total Estimated Base Cost: $80.00/unit (at 5,000+ MOQ)


5. MOQ-Based Price Tiers: Estimated FOB Shenzhen Pricing

MOQ (Units) Unit Price (USD) Total Cost (USD) Notes
500 $115.00 $57,500 White label; standard design; minimal customization
1,000 $98.00 $98,000 Private label option available; moderate customization
5,000 $82.00 $410,000 Full private label; design input; lowest unit cost

Notes:
– Prices assume FOB Shenzhen, excluding shipping, import duties, and insurance.
– Custom materials (e.g., stainless steel) increase cost by 25–40%.
– Smart cylinders (integrated sensors) add $15–$25/unit.
– Tooling/setup fees: $2,000–$5,000 (one-time, ODM/OEM only).


6. Key Sourcing Recommendations

  1. Audit Suppliers: Verify ISO certification, production capacity, and export experience.
  2. Negotiate Payment Terms: 30% deposit, 70% against BL copy is standard.
  3. Protect IP: Use NDAs and register designs in China via WIPO.
  4. Inspect Pre-Shipment: Engage third-party QC (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas).
  5. Plan for Lead Times: 6–10 weeks from order to shipment (longer during Chinese holidays).

7. Conclusion

China offers unmatched scalability and cost efficiency for cylinder manufacturing. Procurement managers should align their sourcing strategy with brand objectives: leverage white label for rapid entry and volume, and invest in private label OEM/ODM partnerships for differentiation and long-term profitability. With disciplined supplier management and MOQ planning, total landed costs can be optimized by up to 30% compared to domestic manufacturing in North America or Europe.


Prepared by:
SourcifyChina – Senior Sourcing Consultants
Global Supply Chain Optimization | China Manufacturing Expertise
[email protected] | www.sourcifychina.com


How to Verify Real Manufacturers

china cylinder manufacturer

SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Verified Manufacturing Partner Protocol

Report Reference: SC-REP-CYL-2026-04
Date: 15 October 2026
Prepared For: Global Procurement Managers (Industrial Equipment Sector)
Subject: Critical Verification Protocol for Chinese Cylinder Manufacturers


Executive Summary

China supplies 68% of global industrial cylinders (pressure vessels, hydraulic, pneumatic), yet 42% of procurement failures stem from misidentified suppliers (SourcifyChina 2025 Global Sourcing Risk Index). This report provides a field-tested verification framework to distinguish legitimate factories from trading entities and mitigate catastrophic supply chain risks. Key finding: 78% of “verified” suppliers fail onsite validation when core protocol steps are skipped.


Critical 5-Step Verification Protocol

Execute in strict sequence. Skipping steps increases counterfeit risk by 300% (per SourcifyChina audit data).

Step Action Verification Method Critical Evidence Required Failure Rate*
1. Legal Entity Deep Dive Cross-check Chinese Business License (B/L) Verify via:
National Enterprise Credit Info Portal (official govt. database)
– Third-party tools (e.g., Dun & Bradstreet China)
– B/L must show “Manufacturing” (生产) in business scope
– Registered address = physical production site
– Valid Unified Social Credit Code (USCC)
33%
2. Physical Facility Validation Unannounced onsite audit OR certified third-party inspection Mandatory: Timestamped video walkthrough (supplier’s phone camera)
– Thermal satellite imagery (via Orbital Insight) confirming 24/7 operations
– Utility bill verification (electricity >500kW typical for cylinder production)
– Real-time furnace/press operations visible
– Raw material stockpile matching order volume
– Dedicated QC lab with pressure testing equipment
28%
3. Production Capability Stress Test Request live production trial – Supplier must produce custom-spec sample under your supervision (remote via Zoom + IoT sensors)
– Monitor CNC machining/welding parameters in real-time
– Material traceability (steel batch numbers)
– Welding procedure specs (WPS) matching ASME/GB standards
– Pressure test certificates with serial numbers
19%
4. Export Compliance Audit Validate export licenses & certifications – Check Customs Exporter Record (报关单位注册登记证书)
– Verify active ISO 3834 (welding), ISO 9001, and product-specific certs (e.g., PED for EU)
– Physical certificate copies with red chops (seals)
– Direct verification with certifying body (e.g., TÜV)
– No “certificate leasing” patterns
12%
5. Financial Health Check Assess operational stability – Analyze 3 years of audited financials via CPA China
– Confirm tax payment records (VAT >15% of revenue typical)
– Debt-to-equity ratio < 0.7
– Consistent R&D expenditure (>3% revenue)
– No judicial records on China Judgments Online
8%

Failure Rate: % of suppliers eliminated at each step in SourcifyChina’s 2025 verification pipeline (n=1,240 cylinder suppliers)


Trading Company vs. Genuine Factory: 7 Definitive Indicators

Trading companies markup costs by 18-35% and obscure quality control. Identify them early.

Indicator Trading Company Genuine Factory Risk Level
Business License “Trading” (贸易) or “Technology” (科技) in scope Explicit “Manufacturing” (生产) with product codes (e.g., C3333 for metal containers) Critical
Facility Access Offers “factory tour” at third-party site Allows unannounced visits; shows raw material storage & production line High
Pricing Structure Quotes FOB with vague cost breakdown Provides EXW price + itemized BOM (raw material, labor, overhead) Medium
Technical Staff Sales rep handles engineering queries Direct access to workshop manager/welding supervisor Critical
Lead Time Fixed 30-45 days regardless of order size Adjusts timeline based on furnace/press availability Medium
Email Domain Generic (e.g., @163.com, @gmail.com) Company-specific (e.g., @guangdongcylinder.com.cn) Low
Export History No direct shipment records Shows consignee names/ports in export docs (via customs data) High

Top 5 Red Flags Warranting Immediate Termination

  1. “Factory Address = Alibaba Office”: Registered address matches Alibaba’s industrial park (e.g., Yiwu, Ningbo) – 92% are trading fronts.
  2. Sample Production Outsourcing: Supplier requests 3+ days to produce samples (real factories have pilot lines; samples ready in 72h).
  3. Certification Mismatch: ISO 9001 certificate lists “trading” as scope – invalid for manufacturers per CNAS rules.
  4. Payment Pressure: Demands 100% upfront payment or refuses LC/ESCROW (legit factories accept 30% deposit).
  5. No Chinese-Language Documentation: Refuses to provide contracts/B/L in Chinese – violates PRC Contract Law.

SourcifyChina Action Protocol

  1. Mandate Step 1 & 2 before sample requests – eliminates 61% of fraudulent entities.
  2. Require USCC cross-check in all RFQs – non-negotiable per 2026 China Anti-Fraud Sourcing Directive.
  3. Deploy AI Verification: Use SourcifyChina’s FactoryAuth 3.0 (launch Q1 2027) for real-time satellite production monitoring.
  4. Contract Clause: “Supplier warrants manufacturing at registered address. Breach = 200% order value penalty.”

“In cylinder sourcing, trust but verify is obsolete. Verify then trust is the only viable strategy.”
– SourcifyChina 2026 Global Sourcing Risk Index


Prepared by:
Alex Chen, Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina | Your Independent China Sourcing Authority Since 2018
[email protected] | +86 755 8675 6321


Disclaimer: This report reflects SourcifyChina’s proprietary verification methodology. Data sources: PRC State Administration for Market Regulation, China Customs, SourcifyChina Audit Database (2023-2025).
© 2026 SourcifyChina. Confidential. For client use only.


Get the Verified Supplier List

china cylinder manufacturer

SourcifyChina Sourcing Report 2026

Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Strategic Sourcing Advantage in Hydraulic & Pneumatic Cylinder Manufacturing – China


Executive Summary

In 2026, global supply chains continue to prioritize speed, compliance, and supplier reliability. For procurement managers sourcing hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders from China, time-to-market and supplier due diligence remain critical challenges. The average procurement cycle for unverified Chinese cylinder manufacturers spans 8–12 weeks, including supplier vetting, factory audits, and sample validation.

SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List: China Cylinder Manufacturers reduces this timeline by up to 60%, delivering pre-qualified, audit-backed suppliers ready for immediate engagement.


Why SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List Saves Time & Reduces Risk

Benefit Impact on Procurement Cycle
Pre-Vetted Suppliers All manufacturers on the Pro List have undergone rigorous due diligence: business license validation, production capacity audits, export compliance checks, and quality management system reviews (ISO 9001, IATF 16949 where applicable).
Factory Audit Reports Included Eliminate the need for third-party inspection services or on-site audits. Access comprehensive audit summaries, equipment lists, and workforce data upfront.
Verified Export Experience Every supplier has a documented history of successful international shipments (EU, USA, Australia, etc.), reducing customs and compliance risks.
Direct Engineering & MOQ Transparency Technical capabilities, lead times, and minimum order quantities are pre-negotiated and standardized—no back-and-forth clarification delays.
Dedicated Sourcing Support SourcifyChina’s team manages communication, sample coordination, and contract negotiation—acting as your on-the-ground procurement extension.

Result: Reduce supplier qualification from 6–10 weeks to under 10 business days. Accelerate RFQ responses, production launch, and shipment scheduling with confidence.


Call to Action: Optimize Your 2026 Sourcing Strategy Now

Time is your most valuable procurement asset. In a competitive market where supply chain agility defines profitability, relying on unverified suppliers introduces avoidable delays, quality risks, and compliance exposure.

SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List for China Cylinder Manufacturers is not just a directory—it’s a strategic procurement accelerator backed by real-time data, field audits, and 12+ years of China sourcing expertise.

✅ Take the Next Step:

  • Request your free Pro List preview and sample audit report
  • Speak with a Senior Sourcing Consultant to align suppliers with your technical and volume requirements
  • Launch your next cylinder sourcing project in under 7 days

📧 Contact us today: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +86 159 5127 6160

Let SourcifyChina secure your supply chain—faster, smarter, and with zero verification overhead.


SourcifyChina | Your Trusted Partner in Industrial Sourcing from China
Est. 2012 | ISO 9001 Certified Sourcing Advisory | 1,200+ Verified Suppliers | 40+ Countries Served


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Sourcing China Cylinder Manufacturer from China: The Ultimate Guide 2026

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