XCN Coated Ball Lock Pilot Punches (Tapered Tip, Light Duty,
Ball Lock Pilot Punches (XCN coated) with a tapered tip are built for stable, light-duty guiding in metric applications. The ball-lock retention improves alignment repeatability for progressive die operations.
- Tapered pilot geometry supports controlled centering during punch engagement
- XCN coating helps resist wear for consistent forming performance
- Metric shank and length options support proper fit for die set builds
- Typical use in metal stamping and progressive tooling for location accuracy
Specifications
14 configurations available
| D (Shank dia.) (mm) | L1 (Point Length) (mm) | L (Length) (mm) | P Dimension (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 19 ～ 72 | 71 ～ 110 | 1.45 ～ 4.99 |
| 10 | 19 ～ 72 | 71 ～ 110 | 5 ～ 10 |
| 13 | 19 ～ 102 | 71 ～ 140 | 2.35 ～ 8.99 |
| 13 | 19 ～ 102 | 71 ～ 140 | 9 ～ 13 |
| 16 | 25 ～ 112 | 71 ～ 150 | 3.95 ～ 11.99 |
| 16 | 25 ～ 112 | 71 ～ 150 | 12 ～ 16 |
| 20 | 25 ～ 112 | 71 ～ 150 | 5.95 ～ 14.99 |
| 20 | 25 ～ 112 | 71 ～ 150 | 15 ～ 20 |
| 25 | 25 ～ 112 | 71 ～ 150 | 7.95 ～ 18.99 |
| 25 | 25 ～ 112 | 71 ～ 150 | 19 ～ 25 |
| 32 | 25 ～ 112 | 80 ～ 150 | 9.95 ～ 23.99 |
| 32 | 25 ～ 112 | 80 ～ 150 | 24 ～ 32 |
| 38 | 30 ～ 112 | 80 ～ 150 | 11.95 ～ 29.99 |
| 38 | 30 ～ 112 | 80 ～ 150 | 30 ～ 38 |
Product Guide
Application Scenarios+
These XCN-coated ball lock pilot punches are used in precision locating stages of metal stamping and progressive dies, where the goal is repeatable hole positioning as the strip advances. The metric tapered tip begins centering at initial contact, reducing the risk of off-axis engagement during punch entry.
- Progressive die pilot/guide stations: ball-lock retention helps maintain alignment repeatability, supporting stable feeding and consistent pitch-to-feature registration across multiple steps.
- Workpiece hole and feature alignment: the tapered pilot geometry improves controlled centering as the punch enters the die opening, which is especially useful when locating smaller or closely spaced features.
- Die set light-duty guidance: the light-duty configuration is suited for applications that require accurate guidance without the highest impact/abrasion load of heavy-duty cutting.
The XCN coating is selected to help resist wear at the pilot interface, supporting consistent locating performance over repeated cycles.
Material & Process Details+
The provided data specifies an XCN coating on the ball lock pilot punch. XCN coatings are commonly selected for wear resistance at sliding/locating interfaces, helping maintain dimensional stability of the pilot tip during repeated stamping cycles.
Because the input does not list the underlying tool steel grade or heat-treatment state (e.g., quenched & tempered, nitrided), material hardness in HRC and toughness trade-offs cannot be stated for this exact variant from the supplied specifications.
- Coating vs. base steel: performance relies on the combination of the coated surface for wear resistance and the steel’s toughness for shock resistance during punch engagement.
- Comparative note: when choosing between coated and uncoated pilots, coated options are typically favored for longer locating life in abrasive or high-cycle forming, while uncoated tools may be adequate for low-cycle or low-wear jobs.
Sizing & Selection Guide+
Select the pilot punch based on your die set’s required pilot interface geometry. Match the D (shank diameter) to the corresponding guide/bushing pocket in the die set; the available range is 10 ~ 38 mm.
- Point engagement geometry: choose a suitable L1 (point length) from 19 ~ 72, 19 ~ 102, 25 ~ 112, or 30 ~ 112 mm to ensure the tapered tip reaches stable centering before full punch engagement.
- Overall fit in the die block: verify L (length) selection against your stack height/clearance requirements: available ranges are 71 ~ 110, 71 ~ 140, 71 ~ 150, or 80 ~ 150 mm.
- Ball-lock/positioning detail: confirm the P dimension (available 1.45 ~ 30 mm) matches the retention/positioning requirement for your ball-lock mechanism.
Tolerances and exact press-fit/clearance are not provided in the input data; confirm die/cavity dimensions with your supplier drawings. Prefer configurations with fixed, catalog-matched D/L/L1/L values to minimize rework of die block pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which dimensions (D, L1, L, P) must I verify against my progressive die design for this ball lock pilot?+
You should verify D (shank diameter) first to match the die set pocket/bushing bore within the available range of 10 ~ 38 mm. Next, confirm L1 (taper point length) within the provided 19 ~ 72 / 19 ~ 102 / 25 ~ 112 / 30 ~ 112 mm options so the tip reaches stable centering. Then check the overall L against your stack height requirements (71 ~ 110, 71 ~ 140, 71 ~ 150, or 80 ~ 150 mm). Finally, ensure P aligns to your ball-lock/retention geometry (available 1.45 ~ 30 mm).
How does the tapered tip design affect hole location accuracy during punch entry?+
The tapered tip supports controlled centering at initial engagement, reducing the chance of off-axis entry when the strip or workpiece is advancing. In progressive die pilot stations, this helps maintain consistent alignment as the punch contacts the die opening. The ball lock retention further supports repeatability by helping maintain the pilot’s position during operation.
What is the role of the XCN coating for wear and consistency in stamping cycles?+
The XCN coating is intended to improve wear resistance at the pilot interface where repeated locating and sliding occurs. This can help maintain stable locating performance over time, reducing the risk of positional drift due to wear at the tip area. The supplied data does not provide coating thickness or base-steel hardness, so life targets should be validated for your load conditions.
Is this variant suitable for heavy-duty cutting, or is it intended for light-duty guidance?+
This product is described as light duty for stable guiding and accurate hole location. It is therefore typically selected for die sets where guiding accuracy is required but the pilot is not exposed to the highest impact or abrasive loads of heavy-duty cutting operations. For your application, confirm your expected cycle rate, strip feed behavior, and pilot engagement force to ensure the duty level is appropriate.
How should I choose between different L and L1 ranges to manage clearance in my die block?+
Use your die block stack height and clearances to select L from the available ranges (71 ~ 110, 71 ~ 140, 71 ~ 150, 80 ~ 150 mm). Then choose L1 so the tapered tip provides sufficient pilot engagement length for centering without bottoming out. If your die set has limited space, prefer the smallest L option that still provides full guidance, and pair it with an L1 value that ensures stable centering before full punch action.
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