M2 Steel Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Round Tip, Heavy Duty

Ball lock pilot punches are used to control repeatable part alignment in injection and transfer-related tooling workflows that rely on precise mechanical locating. In heavy-duty inch progressive die sets, the ball lock action stabilizes the start position and helps maintain consistent alignment over repeated cycles, reducing the risk of mis-registration at high press strokes.

• Progressive die and blanking tooling: Round tip geometry supports controlled entry and accurate locating at the first contact point.
• Stamping and forming fixtures: Ideal for applications where pilot retention under load is critical for part-to-part dimensional consistency.
• Die set base-plate interfaces: Shank sizing in the provided range enables reliable mating with standard die and press punch systems.

This variant is suited for heavy-duty inch setups because it is offered in M2 steel (with an optional PS4 material selection) for durable, wear-resistant performance during repeated pilot engagement.

This series is specified in M2 steel (and an available PS4 option), targeting tooling durability for repeated pilot engagement. M2 is a high-speed steel class (commonly referenced as AISI M2 equivalent) selected for its balance of hardness and wear resistance in cutting and high-friction wear environments.

• M2 steel: Typically quenched and tempered to a hardened state for high wear resistance; the primary trade-off is that increased hardness can reduce toughness if the thermal response is not balanced for the tool design.
• PS4 option: Offered as an alternative material choice for fit to different wear/toughness requirements, while keeping compatibility with the same dimensional interfaces.

For best results, confirm the supplied heat-treated hardness and temper condition from the bill of materials when planning for aggressive load or abrasive cycles; pilot punching experiences concentrated contact stresses at the round tip and ball lock interface.

To select the correct ball lock pilot punch, match the shank diameter D and the coded point length L to the pilot hole geometry and stack-up of your die set. The shank diameter range is 37 ~ 125 in, and the coded point length options are listed as 250 ~ 600, 250 ~ 700, 275 ~ 700, and 300 ~ 700 (coded inch values).

• Match D first: Choose D within the 37 ~ 125 range to ensure proper fit with the corresponding pilot bore.
• Select the correct length band: Use the specified point length options (e.g., 250 ~ 600 or 275 ~ 700) to reach the required locating engagement depth without bottoming.
• Confirm P dimension: The P dimension range is 0.061 ~ 0.999; verify it against your seating/retention requirements for the ball lock mechanism.

Because these are defined by coded inch ranges, use the product’s selected code configuration to maintain the intended fit and tolerance behavior across press/die interfaces.