DAYTON M2 Steel Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Tapered Tip, Heavy

Ball-lock pilot punches are used in injection mold tooling where repeatable cavity/core registration is critical. The tapered tip design improves pilot entry, helping the locating ball lock-in reliably during machine start-up and during fast cycle operation—especially in multi-step forming or assembly fixtures integrated with the mold.

• Automotive and industrial connectors: Use in molds that require stable alignment for thin-wall features and multi-component alignment. The heavy-duty construction and high-hardness M2 steel support dimensional stability across extended production runs.
• Appliance and housings with tight fit tolerances: The tapered pilot improves first-touch positioning and reduces the risk of misalignment that can cause flash or cosmetic defects.
• General die and mold systems with high wear loads: The XNM coating is suited for environments where frequent tool engagement and sliding contact increase wear, helping extend usable tool life.

With selectable shank diameter and coded inch point-length options, this variant can be matched to common pilot lengths used in locating systems for injection molding and associated metal forming operations.

This series uses M2 steel (also offered in PS4) for durable locating performance in ball-lock pilot systems. M2 is known for high hardness and good wear resistance, supporting consistent geometry at the pilot contact interface.

• M2 (AISI M2 class): Typically supplied as quenched & tempered tool steel; the goal is a high HRC level for dimensional stability and resistance to battering at repeated lock-in cycles.
• XNM coating: Applied to improve surface wear resistance, reducing material loss on the tapered tip and shank contact areas.
• Trade-offs: Higher hardness improves wear resistance but can reduce toughness if overly tempered; the tempered condition balances toughness for robust performance in die/mold use.

PS4 is offered as an alternative material option in this product family; select it when your shop’s material sourcing or target toughness/wear balance differs from standard M2 practice. Final hardness and heat-treatment targets should be confirmed against your receiving inspection requirements.

To select the correct pilot punch size, match both the shank diameter D and the coded point length/overall length range to the mating guide or locating bushing geometry. This series provides D (in) = 37 ~ 125 and coded inch length options.

• Choose D first: Select a shank diameter within 37 ~ 125 in to ensure the pilot enters the guide bore without excessive clearance that can cause misregistration, or interference that can damage guide surfaces.
• Select point length: Standard point length & L options are 250 ~ 600, 250 ~ 700, 275 ~ 700, or 300 ~ 700 (coded inch). Use the B / C / L coded length range that corresponds to your intended protrusion and ball-lock engagement depth.
• Verify engagement geometry: Confirm that the tapered tip can fully lead into the mating feature before lock-in, which helps prevent under-commit alignment.

Exact tolerance/fit depends on the mating part tolerances; target consistent clearance for locating while avoiding contact that would accelerate wear. Dimensions labeled as coded inch ranges are configurable via the catalog length selection.