Dowel pins are fasteners that are used to join two or more items together. They are short, cylindrical rods made of various materials including wood, metal and plastic. Dowel pins can be tapered, slotted, grooved, or otherwise altered to change its mechanical properties. They are commonly available in imperial or metric units.
Dowel pins work well in many applications because of their versatility. Pins fasten two or more components together, act as axles or pivots, align components, or limit movement within assemblies. Based on the project, an engineer chooses the best design and material.
What material types does Wenqi Machinery offer for metal dowel pins?
Alloy steel dowel pins
Stainless steel dowel pins (304 stainless steel)
Hardened or unhardened
Why choose hardened steel dowel pins?
Hardening metal dowel pins resists deformation due to interference of slightly oversized pins during the installation process. Since deformed pins can lead to failure, hardened metal dowels strengthen finished assemblies when used in conjunction with other types of fasteners.
What dowel pin standards are available from Wenqi Machinery?
· DIN 7
· DIN 6325
· ISO 2338
· ISO 8734
Should I specify a diameter tolerance when ordering metal pins?
· If the tolerance of the metal dowel pin is dictated by the standard to which it is manufactured, then you do not need to mention the tolerance at time of order. Most standards specify slightly oversized tolerances, which are suitable for original equipment manufacturers.
· If you order a non‑standard pin, then you should take into account the consistency of the holes provided in your assembly and specify a tolerance that will meet the needs of your application.
Solid and hollow pins are available in metal form, and offer different benefits, depending on the application and usage goals. Solid pins work well when a head is needed for a positive stop, a smooth surface is needed, a hole needs to be plugged, or in many other situations. More specific configurations include the following:
· Drive: Frequently for moving and rotary applications, these are hammered into a mating hole and have an interference fit.
· Groove: Pressed into a hole, these provide interference fit to lock a fastener in place and are typically not threaded.
· Knurled: Straight, helical or headed, these pins enhance grip and used where assembly parts are locked or keyed together.
· Slotted: In a slotted pin, the sheet material is curved around by less than 360 degrees, leaving a gap into which the pin can compress.
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