Stainless Steel Stepped Locating Pin Superior Cylindrical Pin with Internal Thread

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What Are Locating Pins?

Locating pins are precision-engineered cylindrical fasteners designed to accurately position and align components during assembly. Unlike standard pins, locating pins feature tight tolerances (typically within 0.005mm) to ensure perfect part-to-part alignment in manufacturing processes. These critical components come in various styles including straight, tapered, and shouldered designs, each serving specific alignment needs in mechanical assemblies.

Materials Used in Locating Pins

Locating pins are manufactured from high-quality materials to withstand different operational demands:

• Tool Steel (D2, A2, O1): Hardened for maximum wear resistance in high-volume production environments

• Stainless Steel (303, 304, 416): Corrosion-resistant option for food, medical, and marine applications

• Carbide (Tungsten/Titanium): Ultra-hard material for extreme wear applications with millions of cycles

• Case-Hardened Steel: Combines a tough core with hardened surface for impact resistance

• Aluminum: Lightweight alternative for aerospace and non-critical applications

• Plastic (Nylon, PEEK): Non-marring solution for delicate surfaces and electrical insulation

Surface Treatments for Enhanced Performance

Specialized coatings and treatments improve locating pin functionality:

• Hard Chrome Plating: Adds 0.05mm wear-resistant surface (HRC 70+)

• Titanium Nitride (TiN): Gold-colored coating with exceptional hardness and low friction

• Black Oxide: Provides mild corrosion resistance and reduces light reflection

• Electroless Nickel: Uniform coating for both corrosion and wear resistance

• Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC): Ultra-smooth, low-friction coating for precision applications

• Passivation (Stainless Steel): Enhances natural corrosion resistance

Key Specifications & Sizes

Locating pins are available in precision configurations:

• Diameters: Range from 1mm to 50mm with standard increments

• Tolerances: h5, h6, h7 for slip fits; m6, k6 for press fits

• Lengths: Standard from 5mm to 300mm (custom lengths available)

• Head Styles: Flat, rounded, chamfered, or threaded for retention

• Shank Types: Straight, tapered (3°-5°), stepped, or fluted

• Mounting Options: Press-fit, screw-in, or spring-loaded designs

Critical Application Areas

Locating pins serve vital roles across industries:

• Automotive Manufacturing: Precise alignment of body panels and engine components

• Aerospace Assembly: Jig and fixture positioning for wing and fuselage components

• Medical Equipment: Accurate alignment of surgical device components

• Electronics Manufacturing: PCB alignment in automated assembly lines

• Industrial Machinery: Die setting in stamping and molding presses

• Robotics: Repeatable positioning of end effectors and tooling

• Renewable Energy: Wind turbine gearbox alignment

Excellent Case: Revolutionizing Automotive Door Panel Alignment

The Challenge

A major automaker faced quality issues with door panel gaps varying up to 2.5mm on their luxury sedan line. Traditional alignment methods using multiple adjustment points caused inconsistent results and slowed production to 45 seconds per door.

The Solution

Engineers implemented a tapered carbide locating pin system with:
✔ Precision Ground Tapers (3° included angle) for self-centering alignment
✔ DLC Coating to prevent galling during 500,000+ insertion cycles
✔ Integrated RFID Tags in each pin for automated quality tracking

The Implementation

The new system used:

1. Two primary tapered pins for gross alignment

2. Four secondary straight pins for final positioning

3. Pneumatic insertion with force monitoring

The Results

• Panel gap consistency improved to ±0.15mm

• Assembly time reduced to 22 seconds per door

• Tooling life extended from 6 months to 3 years

• Warranty claims for door alignment issues dropped by 92%

Why Locating Pins Are Essential for Precision Manufacturing

✔ Micron-Level Accuracy: Achieve repeatable positioning within 0.01mm
✔ Process Control: Enable mistake-proof assembly (Poka-Yoke)
✔ Durability: Withstand millions of cycles in harsh production environments
✔ Versatility: Available for light-duty to heavy industrial applications
✔ Cost Savings: Reduce scrap and rework through perfect alignment

Whether you’re assembling delicate medical instruments or massive wind turbine components, locating pins provide the foundation for precision manufacturing. Their simple yet effective design solves complex alignment challenges across virtually every industry.