Metric Steel Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Round Tip

These metric ball-lock pilot punches are used to register and form pilots in light-duty injection mold tooling and press dies, where repeatable alignment is critical. The round-tip pilot geometry supports stable positioning during assembly of multi-part tooling, helping maintain consistent cavity/core location.

• Automotive connector and bracket molds: ideal for pilot forming of smaller alignment features, benefiting from the durable cutting action of the M2/PS4 steel variant and reduced wear from the XCD coating for longer tool life.
• Consumer electronics housings: suitable for die sets that require precise part positioning but do not demand heavy machining; the XCD surface helps control friction and improves consistency across repeated cycles.
• Small metal-forming dies and progressive tooling: the metric shaft diameter range supports integration into common tooling standards, while the ball-lock function improves retention and repeatability during forming operations.

Choose this configuration when you need reliable pilot forming with improved wear resistance under moderate loads.

The primary option is M2 steel, a high-speed steel grade selected for its balanced wear resistance and cutting performance in punch applications. In this product family, an additional material option is PS4; it is offered as an alternative based on required performance and production requirements (exact heat treat/hardness may vary by supplier process).

• Heat treatment (typical for M2/PS4 pilot punches): punches are commonly supplied hardened and tempered to achieve tool hardness for stable forming over repeated cycles.
• Hardness & trade-offs: higher hardness improves edge retention and abrasion resistance, while excessive hardness can reduce toughness; the hardened-and-tempered condition aims to keep a workable toughness level for light-duty pilots.
• XCD coating effect: the XCD coating reduces friction at the tool/work interface, improving wear behavior and supporting more consistent performance between maintenance intervals.

For highly abrasive forming, prioritize the steel/coating combination that best matches your cycle rate and load profile.

Select the pilot punch by matching its shaft diameter (D), overall length (L and L1), and the P dimension to the mating leader/pilot feature geometry in your mold or die.

• Diameter match: choose D = 6 ~ 38 mm to fit the corresponding guide/pilot receiving bore without creating interference that could affect ball-lock seating.
• Point length control: select L1 from 12–15, 12–21, 15–27, or 21–32 mm to ensure the round tip engages the pilot surface for the required depth.
• Overall length (reach): pick L from the provided ranges (65–102, 65–112, 65–127, 73–127, 92–127, or 112–127 mm) so the punch protrusion and retention remain correct when the tooling is closed.
• P dimension: set P = 1.55 ~ 11.95 mm to conform to the pilot geometry that drives alignment.

Because cavity/core thickness and press daylight vary, verify that your chosen L and L1 provide the intended engagement while maintaining assembly clearance. Tolerance requirements depend on your guide bore and pilot surfaces; confirm fit to prevent binding and ensure repeatable seating.