M2 Steel Ball Lock Pilot Punches Round Tip Heavy Duty Inch

Ball-lock pilot punches like these are used in injection-mold tooling setups that require repeatable cavity/core alignment and consistent shutoff positioning across cycles. The ball-lock locating feature helps maintain stable alignment even as the punch/die interface sees repeated mechanical loading.

• Progressive die and multi-station tooling: Use the round tip to support controlled entry and accurate pilot positioning when transferring parts between stations.
• Stamping/blanking assemblies: The heavy-duty inch configuration is suited for reliable feed alignment during high-frequency punch operation, where starting accuracy reduces risk of misfeeds.
• Die sets with inch-standard interfaces: Choose this variant to match common inch press and die mounting practices, supporting repeatable fit and predictable locating behavior.

The M2 steel build is selected for wear resistance in frequent punch cycles, helping retain pilot geometry that directly affects alignment quality.

This pilot punch is available in M2 (and also PS4 per the provided material options). M2 is a high-speed steel widely used for cutting and wear-heavy tooling, offering strong wear resistance for repeated locating contact.

• Heat treatment (typical for M2 variants): commonly supplied in a hardened condition (e.g., quenched and tempered) to achieve a hard, wear-focused microstructure suitable for punch/pilot service.
• Hardness: exact HRC is not provided in the input data, so hardness selection should follow the supplier’s current M2 specification sheet for your quote.
• Trade-off: increasing hardness improves abrasion resistance, but can reduce toughness; for pilot positioning, maintaining sufficient toughness helps resist micro-chipping under shock loads.

When comparing options, PS4 provides an alternative steel choice; in practice, select based on your expected wear versus toughness balance and the hardened-state requirements of the tool environment.

To select the correct pilot punch dimensions, start with the locating requirement at the mold/die interface—match the shank diameter D (in) and the required point/pilot length so the punch engages correctly without bottoming out.

• Shank diameter D: choose a value within the provided range of 37 ~ 125 (in-unit as specified by your system). Ensure the mating bushing/hole is sized to maintain proper guided fit during alignment.
• Point length / L options: use one of the coded-inch ranges listed: 250 ~ 600, 250 ~ 700, 275 ~ 700, or 300 ~ 700. Your goal is correct engagement depth for stable locating while leaving clearance for tool deflection and thermal growth.
• Point length variants (B/C/D): the dataset lists the same coded ranges for B, C, and D point length groupings (e.g., 275 ~ 700 or 300 ~ 700 depending on the variant). Pick the one that corresponds to your cavity/core or die shoe geometry.

P dimension (in) must also be matched: 0.061 ~ 0.999. For fit, confirm the intended tolerance stack-up between the pilot and its receiving hole—pilot systems are sensitive to small deviations because alignment repeatability depends on consistent geometry contact.