Metric XCN Coating Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Tapered Tip, He

These metric ball-lock pilot punches are used in injection-molding tooling and downstream die stations where precise part location is critical from cycle to cycle. The tapered tip and ball-lock geometry help start the stroke in a controlled, centered condition, which reduces pilot wander and improves repeatability at the cavity interface.

• Automotive connector and housing tooling: ideal for guiding connector inserts or reinforcing ribs during molding, especially when part-to-part alignment must be consistent across high-volume runs. The heavy-duty pilot design supports stable positioning, while the XCN coating helps maintain dimensional performance under abrasive wear.
• Medical device housings and instrument components: suitable when fine positional control is required to prevent flash or misalignment. The tapered tip promotes reliable entry into guide features during short, repeatable cycles, improving stability in tight tolerances.
• Thin-wall or multi-cavity inserts: use when multiple downstream operations share a common locating scheme. The metric format eases integration with standard tooling stacks while the wear-resistant coating supports longer service intervals.

This series is available in M2 and PS4 tool steel. M2 is a high-speed steel (often referenced to AISI M2) that provides strong wear resistance for abrasive, sliding pilot contact; its main trade-off is slightly lower toughness compared with tougher steels, so adequate support and alignment are important.

• M2 variant: typically hardened and tempered (quench & temper) to achieve a high working hardness suitable for pilot wear surfaces.
• PS4 variant: selected where a balance of wear resistance and edge stability is needed; it is commonly supplied in a heat-treated state optimized for tool life under repeated contact.

For both options, the XCN coating further improves surface wear resistance, helping maintain guide accuracy over extended production. Because the exact hardness (HRC) is not provided in the input data, final hardness should be confirmed on the specific stock/heat treatment certificate.

To select the correct tapered-tip ball-lock pilot punch, match the shank diameter D (10 ~ 40 mm) and tip diameter P (1.45 ~ 30 mm) to the receiving guide holes or pilot pockets in your mold/die. Ensure the tapered ball-lock geometry clears the entry region while maintaining a controlled fit at the locating end.

• Point length (L1): choose from the available ranges 19 ~ 62 mm, 19 ~ 92 mm, 25 ~ 102 mm, or 30 ~ 102 mm depending on the depth of the locating feature and the required engagement length.
• Punch overall length (L): select from 80 ~ 110 mm, 80 ~ 140 mm, or 80 ~ 150 mm to ensure the working end has full engagement without bottoming in the cavity/core stack.

Use tolerance to fit: pilot systems typically require controlled clearance or interference depending on your location strategy. If multiple lengths are offered for the same D/L1 group, prioritize the engagement length first (L1), then verify overall length (L) against your mold open/close and ejector/punch guide travel.