M2 Steel Ball Lock Pilot Punches - Tapered Tip, Heavy Duty

These heavy-duty ball-lock pilot punches with a tapered tip are used in injection mold tooling and die systems where repeatable start positioning is critical. The tapered geometry guides the punch into the mating plate or bushing, improving initial centering and helping the ball-lock mechanism achieve a stable lock-in during each close cycle.

• Automotive connector and terminal molds: Suitable for multi-cavity alignment where parting-line repeatability reduces downstream flashing and helps maintain consistent insert-to-core registration.
• Appliance and housings: Used to locate forming/assembly features during side-action or insert operations, supporting consistent strip-in and stable starts for high-cycle production.
• Precision forming inserts: The hardened M2-based punch body with wear-focused coating supports frequent tool engagement while preserving locating accuracy under load.

The M2 steel selection and XNM coating are especially suited for applications that combine frequent cycles, localized contact wear, and the need for dimensional stability in locating components.

This series is available in M2 and PS4 variants. M2 is a high-speed steel typically used for tooling requiring high hardness and good wear performance; it provides dimensional stability for locating features under repeated contact. The product description also specifies an XNM coating, intended to reduce surface wear and extend service life in production.

• Hardness & trade-off: M2’s high hardness improves abrasion resistance, but like other high-carbon tool steels it requires controlled heat treatment to balance toughness and prevent brittleness.
• Coating impact: XNM coating increases wear resistance at the contact surface, helping maintain fit during repeated lock-in cycles.
• Material comparison: If you prioritize alternative wear or corrosion behavior, the PS4 option may be selected; however, the supplied data only confirms availability rather than full property equivalence.

For accurate performance, select the steel variant and coating together, then rely on proper quench/temper (for hardened steel) or the supplier’s specified processing for PS4 to achieve the working hardness.

Choose the pilot punch based on the required shank diameter D (in): 37 ~ 125 and the point length L (coded inch) ranges shown for your design. Match the coded length option to the available cavity/core engagement depth so the tapered tip reaches the lock-in location without bottoming.

• Shank diameter: Select a D value within 37 ~ 125 in to fit the mating guide/bushing bore.
• Point length: Use one of the listed Standard point length & L ranges: 250–600, 250–700, 275–700, or 300–700 (coded inch), or the tighter options indicated for B & L / C & L / D & L configurations.
• Contact position: The P dimension range 0.083 ~ 0.999 should be checked against the lock-in clearance needed for reliable ball engagement.

Because these are locating components, verify that your mating bore and lock plate dimensions include appropriate functional clearance; use the specified length/coded options to ensure repeatable engagement depth across repeated cycles.