Metallipinnot

Metallipinnot are metal fasteners designed to locate, align, or retain components in mechanical assemblies. They are used where precise positioning is required or where a joint must be easily disassembled. Common forms include dowel pins, which are cylindrical and used to align two mating parts; spring pins (roll pins), which compress during insertion to grip a bore; and locating pins and shoulder pins.

They are manufactured from carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or bronze, with heat treatments to adjust hardness and wear resistance. Dowel pins are often ground to strict tolerances and finished with a chamfer; spring pins are made from spring steel and designed to flex when inserted to stay in place.

Manufacturing methods vary: dowel and locating pins are typically machined from solid bar stock; roll pins are formed by slitting and curling a tube; others may be produced by extrusion or drawing and then machined to final size. Surface finishes range from plain ground to black-oxide or zinc coatings for corrosion protection.

Applications span various industries, including automotive, machinery, aerospace, electronics enclosures, and toolmaking. Metallipinnot provide fast, repeatable alignment and easy disassembly for maintenance, contributing to modularity and serviceability in complex assemblies.

Design considerations include hole diameter and tolerance, pin tolerance, material hardness, corrosion resistance, load and shear conditions, and whether a reversible or permanent retention is needed. Proper selection depends on the specific mechanical requirements and operating environment.

Standardization and terminology vary by region and sector. Dimensions and tolerances are governed by ISO, DIN, and ANSI/ASME standards in different markets, with manufacturers providing detailed specifications for each product family.