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Hartford Technologies Blog

Best Practices: Ordering Custom Precision Pins for Your Industrial Application

Posted: Nov 9, 2022 3:55:28 PM

Getting the right precision pin for your organization’s industrial application is an important step that can determine the outcome of your component. Especially when you consider the durability and reliability needed.

Within the manufacturing market, many industries–like aerospace, automotive, and power distribution–rely heavily on precision pins. Because precision pins are available in a variety of different materials, sizes, and tolerances, it can be a rather difficult process to determine which pin is the best fit for your solution. 

Make your buyer's journey an easy one. Save yourself time, money, and strife with these 5 best practices for properly ordering custom precision pins

1. Evaluate and Assess

The first step in ordering the right custom pin for your solution is evaluating the application. Questions to consider:

  • What is the component’s necessary function?
  • What are the strength requirements of the pin?
  • What is the material of the component itself in which the pin will be used?
  • What environment will the pin potentially be exposed to?
  • What are the intended service life and the number of cycles?
  • How will the pin installation process take place?
  • What is the overall expected volume/amount of pins needed?

2. Know Your Materials

One of the next steps in ordering the correct precision pins for your industrial application is to identify the type of materials needed. If you are placing an order for custom precision pins, the manufacturer will need to know which materials will work best or within your budget.

It is important to note that there are a lot of different materials currently on the market, so it is important to select the appropriate material that is compatible with your component. This is because some materials–like alloy steel–are stronger than others, while some materials–like mild steel–are more malleable for the necessary application. 

Precision pin materials can vary and include:

  • Stainless steel
  • Brass
  • Aluminum 
  • Chrome steel
  • Carbon steel

There are also different grades of stainless steel from which to choose.  

3. Knowing the Pin Tolerance Helps

Knowing the tolerance of how much a pin can endure is helpful information when placing an order with a supplier. If you don't have the right tolerance, the precision pin may be a hindrance to your industrial application. 

There are a number of tolerance options that depend upon the materials used for your component. Knowing the diameter, length, and tolerance needed, can be some of the most crucial parts of placing an order.

The standard metric tolerance of a precision pin is related to the DIN.  DIN 7 and Din 6325 dowel pins are solid cylindrical pins precision manufactured to a Tolerance Class of m6, which is oversized, and h8, undersized. The tolerance range is referred to as the "limit deviations" and "tolerance zone" and varies by pin diameter.

4. Know Your Size

Precision pins come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes that can be customizable to fit the needs of your industrial application. Depending on how the precision pin(s) will be used in a component, as well as installed, are key factors that can help determine the proper size.   

The most common standard inch or imperial-sized precision dowel pin is made to the ASME ANSI B18.8.2 spec and has a diameter tolerance of -0.00 / +0.0002 and length tolerance of +/-0.010. For example, a ¼” (0.25) diameter standard dowel pin will have a diameter between 0.2500–0.2502″.

At Hartford Technologies, we offer precision pin sizes ranging from 1/16″ to 1″ diameter, and metric from M1 to M20 diameter. The length options can vary depending on the diameter of the precision pin. If you are ordering a custom pin, other diameters are offered, with special lengths suited to your company’s needs. This includes oversized and undersized pins.

5. Finding the Right Supplier

While getting the right materials, sizing, and tolerance is important, it's also important to find the right supplier when looking to place a custom order. Though there is an abundance of certified precision pin manufacturers out there, not all of them will offer you the highest quality pins or ensure that your company’s needs are met. 

Get Custom Precision Pins Today

Hartford Technologies is the leading manufacturer of precision pins, providing you with the smoothest customer experience and the finest quality components. We also use advanced materials expertise, design capabilities, and quality processes when creating our pins. If you would like to learn more about the different precision pins that are available, click here.

Get started on your custom order! Following these best practices, request a quote with us today and be one step closer to building out your organization’s ideal component.