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Pins & Shafts

Pins and shafts are cylindrical machine components used for positioning parts relative to each other, as rotating shafts, and as pivots for hinges and links. Parallel pins are mainly used to fix the relative position of two parts by fitting into a hole, while precision shafts are combined with bearings or bushings as rotating or sliding shafts. Listed products are mostly small-diameter, with diameters of 0.1 to 10 mm and lengths of 2 to 150 mm, and stainless steel grades such as SUS304 and SUS303 are available. The outer diameters are finished to tolerances such as h7 and m6, and the fit with the mating hole determines whether a clearance fit (movable) or an interference fit (fixed) is achieved. They are used in prototyping, R&D, small-lot equipment assembly, and jig positioning.

How to choose Pins & Shafts

  1. 1. Select the diameter tolerance to suit the mating hole and application

    The outer diameter tolerance determines the fit with the hole. h7 and g6 lean toward clearance fits and are used for rotating or sliding shafts and positioning parts that are inserted and removed, while m6 leans toward interference fits and is used for press-fit retention. Choose based on whether the part must move or be fixed, together with the tolerance of the mating hole (such as H7).

  2. 2. Determine the diameter to match the bearing bore or hole size

    The diameter should match the bore of the bearing or bushing being combined, or the dimensions of the machined hole. Listed products are mostly small-diameter, at 0.1 to 10 mm. Thinner diameters are more prone to deflection and bending, so confirm that the diameter is sufficient for the load and support span.

  3. 3. Select the length based on support span and insertion depth

    Length is determined by the insertion depth and the distance between parts. Listed products range from 2 to 150 mm, and in some cases lengths over 50 mm are handled in separate series. Long, small-diameter combinations require attention to straightness and deflection.

  4. 4. Choose the material according to the operating environment

    SUS304 offers excellent corrosion resistance. SUS303 is a free-cutting stainless steel with added sulfur to improve machinability, and its corrosion resistance is slightly lower than that of SUS304. Select based on whether the environment involves moisture or chemicals, or whether machinability is the priority.

  5. 5. Check hardness and surface treatment if wear is a concern

    In applications involving sliding or repeated insertion and removal, surface hardness affects wear life. Listed products include examples with a hardness of 300HV. If higher wear resistance is required, check for surface treatments such as hardening or plating.

  6. 6. Check end face geometry related to insertability

    Chamfers or radii at the ends affect ease of insertion into holes and prevent galling during press fitting. Parallel pins are sometimes classified into types such as Type A and Type B based on end shape differences. Select the end face geometry to suit the assembly method.

This guide was written by AI based on the listed products' documents and specification items. Check each manufacturer's documents before adopting.