What are the types of pins and their manufacturing processes?
Metal dowels are vital in industries such as construction, engineering, and automotive because of their strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. They precisely align, position and secure mechanical components. Common types include steel, stainless steel, brass and aluminum locating pins.
Threaded dowel pins made from stainless steel, carbon steel or alloy steel offer superior strength and hardness, making them ideal for demanding applications. Stainless steel threaded dowel pins offer excellent corrosion resistance and are suitable for wet or corrosive environments. Composed of copper and zinc, brass dowel pins are corrosion-resistant and electrically conductive and can be used in marine environments, electrical components and decorative applications. Aluminum locating pins are lightweight and corrosion-resistant, making them ideal for weight-sensitive industries such as aerospace and automotive.
The dowel manufacturing process involves selecting the appropriate metal alloy based on the application requirements. The metal is heated and shaped into long cylinders through extrusion or drawing techniques, and then cut to the desired length. Pins are machined to exact dimensions, tolerances, and surface finishes, including threading, chamfering, or adding grooves as needed. Stainless steel dowel pins may receive surface treatments such as plating or anodizing to improve corrosion resistance, wear resistance, or appearance. Finally, the completed dowels are quality checked, packaged and delivered to the customer.
