A German manufacturer of automated test and measurement systems was designing a new fixture for precision sensor alignment. The fixture required multiple locating pins to position sensor modules during calibration, and step pins to actuate a spring-loaded alignment mechanism. The pins needed consistent dimensions to ensure repeatable positioning across thousands of test cycles.
The Challenge
The client's fixture design required:
Locating pins: 6mm diameter with ±0.01mm tolerance, 20mm length, 304 stainless steel, passivated
Step pins: 8mm major diameter, 4mm minor diameter, 25mm overall length, 303 stainless steel
Quantity: 300 locating pins and 300 step pins for initial fixture production
The client needed a manufacturer who could produce both pin types with consistent dimensions and surface finish.
Our Solution
Tingfeng Hardware reviewed the pin drawings and tolerances. We proposed manufacturing both pin types from stainless steel on our CNC turning equipment. Key process steps included:
Precision CNC turning for all diameters and step features
Passivation per ASTM A967 for corrosion protection
100% diameter measurement on functional surfaces
Surface finish verification on sample parts
We produced the 600 pins in 10 days, with each part inspected for diameter and critical dimensions.
Outcome
The locating pins provided consistent positioning across all test fixtures. The step pins actuated the alignment mechanism smoothly, with no binding or sticking. The client has standardized on our pins for all new test fixture designs.