Ball Lock Regular Ejector Punch Blanks Light Duty, Inch

Ball-lock regular ejector punch blanks (light duty, inch) are used to build economical ejector systems for production molds where stable, repeatable part release is required.

• Automotive and appliance connector molds: Ball-lock retention helps keep the punch seated during cycling, reducing movement that can lead to uneven ejection marks. Select the appropriate tip shape (R, X, K, O, H, L, J, N, V, Y, Z) to match the gate/cavity geometry and eject where contact pressure must be consistent.
• Consumer plastic housing and snap-fit parts: The light-duty configuration suits moderate loads and helps maintain ejector alignment for predictable release. Standardized inch shanks and lengths simplify punch set assembly and maintenance.
• General die and mold press tooling: Using this variant with known hardenable steel options supports dependable wear performance over repeated cycles, making it suitable for light-to-moderate production runs.

These ejector punch blanks are offered in M2 and A2 tool steels. M2 is an AISI M2 equivalent high-speed steel grade selected for strong wear resistance; it typically provides a good balance of hardness and life under repeated sliding/contact. A2 is an AISI A2 equivalent work/hot-work tool steel that is often chosen where toughness and wear performance must be balanced for press tooling.

• Wear vs. toughness: M2 generally favors higher abrasion resistance, while A2 can offer improved toughness characteristics for lighter-duty ejection scenarios.
• Heat treatment: Both grades are supplied for hardened service and are commonly quenched and tempered to reach the functional hardness required for ejector wear. Exact hardness targets and temper conditions depend on the supplier’s processing recipe and your toolmaker’s specification.
• Manufacturing: Precision grinding of the shank and tip helps ensure stable seating within the ball-lock system and consistent tip-to-cavity contact.

Select dimensions by matching the punch shank diameter, working length, and tip profile to your cavity/core ejection needs.

• Shank diameter (D): Choose from 0.3750" (37), 0.5000" (50), 0.6250" (62), 0.7500" (75), 0.8750" (87), or 1.0000" (100). D must correspond to the punch retention/guide requirements of your ball-lock ejector system.
• Length (L): Available lengths are 250 to 450 (coded inch range). Confirm the required stick-out to achieve correct ejector travel without bottoming.
• Tip geometry: Pick the specified Tip Shape (H, J, K, L, N, O, R, V, X, Y, Z) and verify that your cavity contact envelope can accept the P and R ranges. P spans 0.376–0.875, 0.501–1.25, 0.626–1.5, 0.751–1.5, 0.876–1.75, and 1.001–1.75 depending on configuration; R spans 0.007–0.4375 up to 0.007–0.875.

Tolerance & fit: Because ball-lock seating is sensitive to alignment, maintain the intended clearance between punch and its housing/retainer. If your cavity design is tight, validate tip contact location using CAD before final cut of the ejector plate and retention bores.