Metric Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Tapered Tip, Light Duty

Q: Which shank diameter (D) range is covered by this metric ball lock pilot punch series?

This series lists D (shank diameter) from 10 to 38 mm . Use this range to confirm compatibility with the guide/bore diameter in your die set design. If your bore falls outside this range, a different size family will be required.

Q: How do I choose the correct point length (L1) and overall length (L) for pilot engagement in a die set?

Point length L1 is offered in configurations spanning 19–72 , 19–102 , 25–112 , or 30–112 mm . Overall length L is offered in ranges of 71–110 , 71–140 , 71–150 , or 80–150 mm . Select L1 to achieve the desired pilot engagement depth while using L to prevent excessive overhang in the assembled die.

Q: What does the P dimension range (1.45–30 mm) affect on this tapered-tip pilot punch?

The provided specification lists P as 1.45 to 30 mm . This dimension is part of the tapered-tip/feature geometry and is typically used to tune how the punch engages the mating opening. Choose P to match the functional geometry requirements of your locator hole design.

Q: Is this pilot punch intended for heavy-duty ejection forces, or is it better suited for locating only?

The product is labeled light duty and is positioned for accurate locating and controlled positioning during die operations. For tools requiring very high ejection loads or heavy contact wear, you should verify whether a heavy-duty punch series with the appropriate material/hardness is needed. The steel grade and hardness are not provided in the supplied data, so confirm the material from the series documentation.

Q: How does the ball-lock retention feature influence die assembly accuracy over repeated cycles?

The description notes that ball-lock retention improves retention for stable punch guidance. In practice, this helps maintain consistent alignment by reducing movement of the punch within the die set during repeated press cycles. Pair it with correctly matched D sizing so the punch seats and centers reliably.

Ball lock pilot punches - tapered tip, light duty are designed for reliable locating in metric die sets, helping control position during press operations. The ball-lock design improves retention for stable punch guidance.

Ball-lock retention supports consistent alignment in metric die assemblies
Tapered tip geometry improves centering during entry and pilot engagement
Built to cover a wide D shank dia. range for flexible die design
Dayton LAMINA standardized part number format simplifies purchasing and referencing

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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 light-duty metric ball-lock pilot punches are used in injection and die tooling where the punch must locate parts accurately during press and die-closure cycles. The ball-lock retention style helps hold the punch securely in the die set so alignment is maintained over repeated startups and shut-downs.

Automotive and appliance brackets: In multi-cavity fixture dies, the tapered tip promotes self-centering as the punch enters the mating opening, reducing lead-in misalignment and improving ejection consistency.

Electronics housings and inserts: When small components must remain concentric through assembly or ejection, the pilot function stabilizes tool-to-part positioning, especially in metric die designs.

General die assembly jigs: The broad shank diameter (D) range and available point lengths (L1) allow engineers to match the pilot depth and engagement length to the specific cavity/core layout, supporting repeatable positioning without over-specifying heavy-duty components.

🔧Material & Process Details+

The provided product data does not specify a steel grade, hardness (HRC), or heat-treatment state for this DAYTON pilot punch series. For a light-duty locating punch, engineers typically require a balance of wear resistance at the tapered point and toughness to tolerate repeated engagement without chipping.

To validate performance for your tool, confirm the actual supplied material/heat treatment from the series documentation before final design. When material alternatives exist in other pilot punch families, differences usually show up as:

Higher alloy/pre-hardened tool steels: better surface wear resistance but may reduce toughness depending on hardness level.
Quenched & tempered grades: improve impact resistance, but point wear rate may increase if hardness is lower.
Nitrided surface options: can increase point and wear-region hardness while keeping the core tougher.

Without a listed grade or HRC target, the material selection must be confirmed to meet your contact pressure and cycle life requirements.

📐Sizing & Selection Guide+

Select dimensions by matching pilot engagement to your die cavity/core geometry and ensuring the shank fits the guide/bore tooling intended for this punch style. The series supports D (shank diameter) from 10 to 38 mm, so choose the diameter that matches the receiving bore and the alignment clearance requirements in your die set.

Then set the engagement geometry using:

L1 (point length): available ranges of 19–72, 19–102, 25–112, or 30–112 mm, depending on the configuration.
L (overall length): available ranges of 71–110, 71–140, 71–150, or 80–150 mm.
P: point/feature dimension from 1.45 to 30 mm, used to tune functional geometry for the mating opening.

Because the punch is a light-duty locator, avoid excessive unsupported length; choose L and L1 to provide sufficient entry without overhang. If your receiving bore specifies tight fit or running clearance, confirm the required tolerance class for D so the ball-lock retention seats correctly and maintains repeatable centering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which shank diameter (D) range is covered by this metric ball lock pilot punch series?+

This series lists D (shank diameter) from 10 to 38 mm. Use this range to confirm compatibility with the guide/bore diameter in your die set design. If your bore falls outside this range, a different size family will be required.

How do I choose the correct point length (L1) and overall length (L) for pilot engagement in a die set?+

Point length L1 is offered in configurations spanning 19–72, 19–102, 25–112, or 30–112 mm. Overall length L is offered in ranges of 71–110, 71–140, 71–150, or 80–150 mm. Select L1 to achieve the desired pilot engagement depth while using L to prevent excessive overhang in the assembled die.

What does the P dimension range (1.45–30 mm) affect on this tapered-tip pilot punch?+

The provided specification lists P as 1.45 to 30 mm. This dimension is part of the tapered-tip/feature geometry and is typically used to tune how the punch engages the mating opening. Choose P to match the functional geometry requirements of your locator hole design.

Is this pilot punch intended for heavy-duty ejection forces, or is it better suited for locating only?+

The product is labeled light duty and is positioned for accurate locating and controlled positioning during die operations. For tools requiring very high ejection loads or heavy contact wear, you should verify whether a heavy-duty punch series with the appropriate material/hardness is needed. The steel grade and hardness are not provided in the supplied data, so confirm the material from the series documentation.

How does the ball-lock retention feature influence die assembly accuracy over repeated cycles?+

The description notes that ball-lock retention improves retention for stable punch guidance. In practice, this helps maintain consistent alignment by reducing movement of the punch within the die set during repeated press cycles. Pair it with correctly matched D sizing so the punch seats and centers reliably.