What Is a Guide Pin?
A guide pin is a component used to align boards or workpieces with molds during the punching of printed circuit boards or the cutting of workpieces. It is typically attached to one side of the mold to secure the board or workpiece in place, ensuring precise alignment and preventing misalignment during processing.
The number, positions, materials, and shapes of guide pins can vary, allowing for customization based on specific molding or jig requirements.
Uses of Guide Pins
Guide pins play a crucial role in the trial cutting of printed circuit boards and in accurately aligning workpieces with jigs and processing machines. They are installed in configurations tailored to the specific needs of single-sided or double-sided/multilayer printed circuit boards, often diagonally, to ensure stability and precision during the cutting process.
Principles of Guide Pins
The primary function of guide pins is to ensure the correct alignment of molds or workpiece jigs with the boards or workpieces being processed. This is achieved through a pin-and-hole system, where the guide pin fits into a corresponding guide hole on the material, facilitating accurate alignment and insertion.
Types of Guide Pins
Choosing the right guide pin, considering the material and tip shape, is vital for performance and durability. Materials like iron, stainless steel, and aluminum are common, with hardening treatments to prevent wear. The tip shape, designed to minimize damage during setup, varies to suit different insertion and removal needs.
1. Classification by Material
Guide pins are made from materials that resist wear from repeated use, such as iron (SKS), stainless steel (SUS), and aluminum, often hardened to enhance durability.
2. Classification by Tip Shape
The tip design of guide pins, ranging from rounded to tapered or flat, is crucial for preventing damage to the workpiece during setup and varies based on the application’s specific requirements.
Other Information on Guide Pins
1. Difference between Guide Bush and Support Pin
Though similar in terminology, guide bushes and support pins serve distinct functions from guide pins. Guide bushes stabilize workpieces on lathes, while support pins are used for length adjustments in applications like scaffolding.
2. Environmental Measures with Grooved Guide Pins
To address environmental concerns, manufacturers have developed oil-free guide pins by incorporating solid lubricants into the design, reducing the need for lubricating oil.
3. Clearance between Guide Pin and Guide Hole
The clearance between guide pins and guide holes is critical for machining accuracy and requires adjustment based on the thickness of the printed circuit board to prevent damage or inaccuracies during removal or processing.