M2 Steel Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Round Tip, Heavy Duty, In

These M2 steel ball lock pilot punches are used in injection mold tooling where precise part-to-cavity positioning is critical, especially when repeated high-cycle punch actions must maintain alignment. The ball lock mechanism provides a stable locating interface, reducing pilot drift during rapid press or die movements.

• Progressive stamping/blanking die systems: Use the round tip for controlled entry and consistent locating at the start of the punch stroke, helping maintain registration across repeated cycles.
• Heavy-duty inch tooling setups: The hard, wear-resistant construction supports long service life in abrasive or high-wear pilot regions.
• Assembly and alignment features: In tooling that relies on repeatable fit between press and die interfaces, the machined shank supports reliable mechanical engagement.

For inch-based tooling layouts, the provided point length options (e.g., 250–700 coded inch ranges) help match the required engagement depth without redesigning the locating stack.

The primary material option is M2 high-speed steel, selected for its high hardness and strong abrasion/adhesive wear resistance in locating and pilot interfaces. M2 is commonly associated with AISI M2 equivalent chemistry; in tooling use, it is typically supplied in a hardened condition suitable for durable punch and pilot applications.

• M2: High hardness for wear resistance with toughness trade-offs—ideal for maintaining pilot geometry under repeated contact.

An alternate material option is PS4, which can be chosen when a different balance of wear performance and toughness is required for specific tooling duty cycles. The exact heat-treatment state and hardness level are dependent on the supplied variant, but sizing and material selection should align with the expected wear rate and impact/loading conditions in your press interface.

Select dimensions based on your die/core locating requirements and the required pilot engagement depth. Start with shank diameter D (in): this product supports D ranges from 37 ~ 125 (in the provided catalog units). Match the shank diameter to the mating guide/bushing bore tolerance to prevent lateral play while avoiding binding.

• Choose point length using the coded inch ranges: standard point length & L are offered across sets such as 250 ～ 600, 250 ～ 700, 275 ～ 700, and 300 ～ 700.
• B/C point length follow the same coded ranges, with available options including 275 ～ 700 and 300 ～ 700 for the D-coded case.
• Match P dimension (in): P is specified as 0.061 ~ 0.999; select P to align with your locating stack geometry and effective seating position.

Because pilot systems depend on mechanical fit, verify your target clearance/fit at the shank and ball-lock interface to maintain consistent engagement over repeated cycles.