Metric Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Tapered Tip
Metric Ball Lock pilot punches - tapered tip, heavy duty (M2 steel options) provide consistent part locating for die assemblies. The tapered nose improves center guidance during press operation while supporting heavy-duty use.
- Designed with a tapered tip for controlled pilot entry and reliable alignment
- Use durable M2 steel options to resist wear and maintain dimensional stability
- Configured for metric production layouts with stable assembly performance
- Commonly used for die locating in progressive and transfer stamping tools
Specifications
28 configurations available
| Material | D (Shank dia.) (mm) | L1 (Point Length) (mm) | L (Length) (mm) | P (Tip Diameter) (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| M2 | 10 | 19 ～ 62 | 80 ～ 110 | 1.45 ～ 4.99 |
| M2 | 10 | 19 ～ 62 | 80 ～ 110 | 5 ～ 10 |
| PS4 | 10 | 19 ～ 62 | 80 ～ 110 | 1.45 ～ 4.99 |
| PS4 | 10 | 19 ～ 62 | 80 ～ 110 | 5 ～ 10 |
| M2 | 13 | 19 ～ 92 | 80 ～ 140 | 2.35 ～ 8.99 |
| M2 | 13 | 19 ～ 92 | 80 ～ 140 | 9 ～ 13 |
| PS4 | 13 | 19 ～ 92 | 80 ～ 140 | 2.35 ～ 8.99 |
| PS4 | 13 | 19 ～ 92 | 80 ～ 140 | 9 ～ 13 |
| M2 | 16 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 3.95 ～ 11.99 |
| M2 | 16 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 12 ～ 16 |
| PS4 | 16 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 3.95 ～ 11.99 |
| PS4 | 16 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 12 ～ 16 |
| M2 | 20 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 5.95 ～ 14.99 |
| M2 | 20 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 15 ～ 20 |
| PS4 | 20 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 5.95 ～ 14.99 |
| PS4 | 20 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 15 ～ 20 |
| M2 | 25 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 7.95 ～ 18.99 |
| M2 | 25 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 19 ～ 25 |
| PS4 | 25 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 7.95 ～ 18.99 |
| PS4 | 25 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 19 ～ 25 |
| M2 | 32 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 9.95 ～ 23.99 |
| M2 | 32 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 24 ～ 32 |
| PS4 | 32 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 9.95 ～ 23.99 |
| PS4 | 32 | 25 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 24 ～ 32 |
| M2 | 40 | 30 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 11.95 ～ 29.99 |
| M2 | 40 | 30 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 30 ～ 40 |
| PS4 | 40 | 30 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 11.95 ～ 29.99 |
| PS4 | 40 | 30 ～ 102 | 80 ～ 150 | 30 ～ 40 |
Product Guide
Application Scenarios+
These metric ball lock pilot punches with a tapered tip are used to guide die sets and ensure repeatable alignment in precision press tooling. In progressive and transfer stamping dies, the tapered nose supports controlled pilot entry, helping the ball-lock system seat consistently before forming loads peak.
They are well-suited for automotive and appliance connector stamping, where rapid cycles and high die wear demand stable locating over long production runs. The available M2 steel variant helps maintain dimensional stability and wear resistance under repeated engagement.
They also fit medium-to-heavy duty die locating tasks in multi-station tooling, especially when guided center alignment reduces the risk of lead-in misregistration and early wear on bushings and die shoe interfaces.
- Tapered tip for reliable center guidance during press operation
- Ball-lock locating for consistent seating in die assemblies
- Metric sizing for standard die build standards
Material & Process Details+
This series is offered in M2 and PS4 steel options, selected for different wear and toughness needs in locating systems. M2 is a high-speed steel commonly used for its strong wear resistance under sliding/impact contact; it is typically quenched and tempered after machining to achieve a production-ready hardness for long life. The trade-off is that as hardness increases, toughness can decrease, so proper heat treatment and fit are critical.
PS4 is selected when you want improved toughness/impact behavior relative to harder tool steels, helping resist chipping during frequent pilot entry. While exact hardness values are not provided in the datasheet for each option, engineers should assume hardness is tuned by the supplier’s heat treatment to balance HRC-level wear performance and tool robustness.
- M2: prioritize wear resistance for heavy duty locating
- PS4: prioritize toughness/impact resistance
Sizing & Selection Guide+
Select dimensions based on the die tool’s guiding interfaces and the required ball-lock seating behavior. Start with the shank diameter D to match the pilot bushing or locating bore: available D = 10 ~ 40 mm. Choose the tip diameter P within 1.45 ~ 30 mm to ensure controlled lead-in without excessive clearance.
Verify the insertion depth using L1 (point length) and overall L (length). This series provides multiple ranges: L1 = 19 ~ 62, 19 ~ 92, 25 ~ 102, 30 ~ 102 mm and L = 80 ~ 110, 80 ~ 140, 80 ~ 150 mm. Match L1 to the expected guide travel so the tapered nose centers before full load engagement.
- Fit/tolerance: maintain correct clearance between the bushing and D; follow your die drawing tolerances for metric builds.
- Configurable sizes: D, L1, L, and P vary by part number; confirm the exact range for your cavity/core location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which steel option (M2 vs PS4) is better for heavy-duty die locating in stamping?+
If the priority is wear resistance during repeated pilot entry in progressive/transfer stamping, choose M2. If your application involves higher risk of impact/chipping and you want improved robustness, consider PS4 for better toughness balance.
Both are offered as variable material options for this series, so select based on your press load profile and expected cycles.
How do I choose the correct shank diameter (D) for the ball-lock pilot punch?+
Match the pilot punch D (shank dia.) to the corresponding locating bore/bushing in your die set. This series provides D = 10 ~ 40 mm, and the closest diameter range should be selected to achieve the designed clearance.
Since tool fits are sensitive to tolerance, use your die drawing tolerances when specifying D and the mating bore.
What guidance depth should I target using the point length (L1) on the tapered tip?+
The L1 (point length) determines how far the tapered nose guides the part before full engagement. Available ranges include 19 ~ 62, 19 ~ 92, 25 ~ 102, and 30 ~ 102 mm, so pick the L1 that corresponds to your expected pilot travel.
This helps reduce misalignment during press operation in multi-station tooling.
How do I select the tip diameter (P) to control pilot entry without damaging guide surfaces?+
Select P (tip diameter) within the provided range 1.45 ~ 30 mm based on the mating guide geometry. A properly chosen P supports controlled lead-in when the tapered nose engages the mating components, reducing the likelihood of scraping or gouging.
Confirm compatibility with the bushing/housing dimensions from your die assembly drawing.
When do I need to change overall length (L) versus point length (L1) for die alignment?+
Use L1 to tune the tapered nose engagement depth during pilot entry. Use L to ensure the overall stick-out supports the required seating and contact length inside the die tool.
This series offers L = 80 ~ 110, 80 ~ 140, and 80 ~ 150 mm options—choose based on your tool stack-up and clearance.
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