AS9120B, ISO 9001:2015, and FAA AC 0056B Accredited
Posted on October 22, 2024 Asher Harrington Aviation
Dowel pins are a simplistic form of fastener that finds use in diverse industries and applications for the basic purpose of aligning or holding objects together in an assembly. With a wide variety of types available, each varying in exact design, features, and capabilities, such hardware finds use within manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and construction applications, among many others. In this blog, we will provide an overview of dowel pins to assist those seeking them to make informed investment decisions, covering common types, materials, and key purchasing considerations.
While one will find many types of dowel pins on the market, there are a few key categories that are most important to be familiar with, each presenting unique characteristics that are advantageous for certain applications.
Among the most widely used types, solid dowel pins are known for their straightforward design, which consist of a solid, cylindrical metal shaft that can be inserted into pre-drilled holes of materials. Such options are available in various dimensions, provide basic strength for durability, and offer reliable alignment capabilities, making them a suitable option for securing everything from simple assemblies to complex aerospace and engine parts.
Taper pins are designed with a slightly tapered shaft, meaning their diameter gradually decreases from one end to the other. This allows the fastener to wedge tightly into a drilled hole, securing the assembly without the need for additional hardware to maintain a hold. Taper pins are popular for applications where parts need to be held together firmly while facilitating ease of disassembly, widely being found in diverse forms of industrial machinery and equipment.
Roll pins, also known as spring pins, feature a hollow and cylindrical shaft that is made from a flexible material that compresses and expands when inserted into a hole. This allows them to act as a shock absorber, driving their prevalence within automotive transmissions or moving assemblies of industrial equipment. The hollow design of these components also reduces weight, which can be beneficial for achieving lightweight assemblies.
Push-on dowel pins are designed to be inserted manually, with no need for additional tools or fasteners. These pins often feature a serrated or ridged surface that helps them stay in place once inserted, and they are easy to install and remove. With such qualities, push-on dowels are primarily relied on for low-stress applications and temporary fixtures where speed of assembly is a priority.
Beyond type, the exact material of a particular dowel pin can significantly affect its performance, durability, and suitability for different environments.
Steel is the most commonly used material for these pins as a result of its strength, durability, and ability to withstand high loads and stress. Solid dowel pins or other types made from stainless or hardened steel are often chosen for applications requiring corrosion resistance and durability, such as aircraft and marine equipment.
Brass is softer and more malleable than steel, making pins of this material suitable for applications where the risk of damaging other parts must be minimized. Brass is also highly resistant to corrosion, similarly being a good choice for environments where exposure to moisture or chemicals is a concern.
For lightweight or low-stress applications, plastic dowel pins are an economical choice. These fasteners are often made from nylon or other strong polymers, offering sufficient durability without the drawbacks of weight or cost that are typically associated with metal versions. As a result, the most popular uses of plastic dowel pins are for consumer products, electronics, and other low-load applications.
When selecting between various options after type and material have been determined, there are still a few important factors that one will need to account for to guarantee the most optimal fit. For example, exacting dimensions are crucial, as proper alignment will only be achievable if the diameter and length of the pin matches the needs of the assembly. Tolerance levels are also an important element of this, as some situations will call for tighter tolerances than others. Lastly, material compatibility is vital when dealing with metals and certain environmental conditions, as galvanic corrosion is a real threat to pin and assembly health.
Where to Purchase Dowel Pins
Whether your operations call for high-quality dowel pins or fasteners of any other type, look no further than ASAP Fastener Store and our ever-expanding product selection. As you explore our catalogs, you will be able to find various new, used, obsolete, and hard-to-find parts that cater to diverse industries and applications, everything tracing back to leading manufacturers you can trust. Through the use of our online quote request services or by contacting our staff directly by phone or email, you can easily obtain customized purchasing options on any desired items. We are also happy to provide consultation on the services that we offer if you are interested in learning more, so never hesitate to reach out to us and see why so many steadily choose ASAP Fastener Store.
We hope that you will visit us again the next time you need hardware and fasteners parts and make us your strategic purchasing partner.
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