What Is a Spring Guide Pin?
A spring guide pin is a type of guide pin designed for use in the center of a coil spring. It serves as a guide when the spring is activated. One end of the guide pin features a threaded portion, which is threaded into the base of the spring to secure it in place. The other end typically includes a hexagonal wrench hole or a similar feature for attaching the guide pin.
A similar product to the spring guide pin is the spring pin. Spring pins are created by rounding a spring plate to provide a gap at the mating part. These pins are then inserted into a pre-drilled hole, often used as hinges or to prevent the spring from slipping out by utilizing the spring’s radial force.
Uses of Spring Guide Pins
Spring guide pins find application in various machines for positioning and guiding springs. They also act as stoppers to prevent springs from getting damaged due to abnormal compression. Common uses of guide pins include springs for dies used in press work and clutch springs for automobiles.
Spring pins, on the other hand, are inserted into precision-drilled holes to secure them in place. They have a wide range of applications, including as stoppers and hinges for machinery and equipment, as well as for connecting, positioning, and preventing the rotation of parts. In addition, spring pins are used to hold rollers in place in roller chain equipment.
Features of Spring Guide Pins
Spring guide pins are often constructed from materials such as S45C, which undergo heat treatment and receive an iron oxide coating. Alternatively, stainless steel, brass, or chrome-plated brass may be used. The length of the guide pin should be designed to be less than the height of the spring when it is at its maximum compression, with an added safety margin. The diameter of the guide pin should be smaller than the minimum inside diameter of the spring during compression.
Another specification for spring guide pins involves the use of raw, non-heat-treated alloy tool steel. The pin diameter is typically about 2 mm smaller than the spring’s inner diameter to prevent damage caused by wear to the spring’s inner diameter. When used horizontally, the spring should undergo initial deflection.
Spring pins are crafted from materials like spring steel, phosphor bronze, or other springy plate materials that are rounded. Pins with straight mating parts offer high shear strength and are suitable for dynamic or impact loads. Corrugated pins are less prone to entanglement and are suitable for automatic insertion. Corrugated types designed for light loads are used when the pin thickness is thin, and the material in use is aluminum or resin.