M2 Steel Point Larger than Shank Ball Lock Ejector Punches

Ball-lock ejector punches with an extended, larger-than-shank point are commonly used in punch tooling for production press operations, where repeatable engagement and stable ejection are required. The X-shaped tip geometry helps promote consistent ball locking during cycling, reducing the risk of partial lock-up or inconsistent ejector travel.

• Automotive and industrial connector housings: In die sets that eject thin-wall parts, the compact light-duty metric configuration and larger-than-shank point improve engagement control, supporting uniform ejection across many cycles.
• Consumer product brackets and covers: Where tolerances demand predictable ball locking, the X-shaped tip assists stable lock behavior, helping maintain part release even as tooling wears.
• General-purpose punch tooling: The light-duty, metric setup is suited for standard die bases, and the larger point relative to the shank supports reliable lock without requiring heavier ejector components.

Selection of the M2 steel variant is aligned with wear-focused tooling life for these intermittent-to-medium duty press applications.

This ejector punch point is offered in M2 steel (with an optional A2 alternative, per the available material variants). M2 is a high-speed steel alloy commonly selected for wear resistance and durable cutting/tooling performance. The presence of different tip geometries does not change the base steel’s role: to resist surface wear at the ball-lock interface and maintain dimensional stability across repeated press cycles.

• M2 steel: Typically hardened and tempered (quench & temper) to achieve a balance of hardness and toughness. Higher hardness improves wear resistance, but increases the need for controlling impact loads to avoid brittleness.
• A2 steel (comparison): Generally chosen where a different balance of toughness-to-wear performance is preferred. It may offer improved toughness relative to some highly wear-focused grades, depending on the final heat treatment.

For final performance, the steel should be heat treated to the manufacturer’s hardened/tempered or equivalent state appropriate for punch tooling, then ground/finished for the ball locking surfaces.

Select the ejector punch by matching the shank diameter (D), overall length (L), and required point length (L1) to your die set geometry and the ball-lock mechanism envelope. In this range, D is available at 13, 16, 20, 25, and 32 mm, while the fixed point length L1 is 19 to 30 mm. The fixed overall length L is 80 to 100 mm, supporting standard die thickness configurations in metric tooling.

• Locking engagement control: Choose the tip shape (includes X) and the corresponding P and W dimensions so the ball-lock region fits the pocket and does not interfere with guide or stripper components.
• Envelope compatibility: Verify that the P dimension matches the required projection/seat depth; provided ranges include 13.1–32, 16.1–38, 20.1–40, 25.1–44, and 32.1–50 mm.
• Surface clearance: Confirm the W (1.57–27.8 mm) and R (0.2 up to 25 mm, depending on size set) values suit the ball track and race profile.

Ensure the chosen shank diameter aligns with the die bore/guide tooling fit; when integrating into an existing die, check bore tolerance and alignment requirements for smooth ball locking.