What is locating pins? Locating pins are used for controlled, fine tolerance positioning of a work piece. Locating pins are available in a vast array of styles to meet most automation applications. Featuring a configurable head length in 0.1mm increments and a configurable head diameter in 0.01mm increments, plus configurable shank length in 1mm increments, locating pins eliminate the need for.
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Editor Note: This article reviews the various types of available for machine designers and offers insights into the proper application of such locating pins.Typically, locating pins are used for controlled, fine tolerance positioning of a work piece. For example, a pallet that is moved along one axis, where the drive mechanism is not accurate and stable enough to place it in a position sufficiently accurate to execute a particular process, the use of locating pins may be the best solution.Usually two locating pins are enough to properly locate the work piece on one plane.There are dozens of styles of locating pins that can be utilized in a design. We will explain the structure and show an example of how each style can be applied.One of the most common pins is a stepped pin with either small or large head.
Head with Air VentIt is beneficial to add an air vent, often in the form of a flat running along the side of pin’s head in order to avoid air compression inside the hole, especially when dealing with blind positioning holes. Additional useful featuresMost of locating pins are machined with an undercut feature that allows for the work piece to rest on the base. Sometimes more structural strength is required and you can design the pin with a radius if the positioning hole can be produced with appropriate chamfer. MaterialsTypically, locating pins are manufactured from hardened tool steel such as O1 heat treated to 60-63Rc or from case hardened carbon steel (1045 with 45-50Rc). In some cases, soft 300 series or hardened 400 stainless is used in assemblies where no rust is accepted.
Please, remember that pins made out of soft materials will wear out much faster than harden pins.There is a variety of coatings that can be chosen based on your application. In corrosive environments, a hard chrome, Dicoat or TiCN coatings can help extend the life of the pin since they provide non-corrosive and hard layer that can be as hard as 3000 Vickers.A variety of insulating coatings or materials can be used in case of welding applications. KCF stainless steel coat is one surface treatment that provides great insulation and prevents weld build-up between the work piece and the surface of the pin.