This guide supports Extramet’s carbide pins by answering the practical engineering and purchasing questions that usually come before an RFQ.
Quick Answer
- Carbide pins are chosen when diameter stability and wear resistance matter.
- Common uses include locating, guiding, forming, metering, and high-contact wear.
- Grade, finish, edge condition, and support determine performance.
| Application | Why carbide helps | Design watchout |
|---|---|---|
| Locating | Maintains diameter over repeated cycles | Avoid side-load breakage |
| Forming | Resists wear at contact surfaces | Support the working edge |
| Guiding | Improves long-run consistency | Control finish and alignment |
Why pins move from steel to carbide
Steel pins can lose diameter, mushroom, gall, or wear unevenly under abrasive contact. Carbide pins are selected when the cost of wear, downtime, or dimensional drift exceeds the cost of the carbide component.
Grinding and finish matter
Many carbide pins depend on precise outside diameter, roundness, and finish. Centerless grinding is often a strong fit for simple cylindrical pins, while cylindrical grinding may be preferred for shoulders, steps, or datum-related geometry.
Grade selection for pins
A pin that sees steady abrasion may use a harder wear-resistant grade. A pin exposed to shock, side loading, or edge chipping may need more toughness. The application should guide the grade choice.
What to Include in an RFQ
- pin diameter, length, and tolerance
- grade or current failure mode
- finish and edge condition
- quantity and inspection needs
Related Extramet Resources
Reviewed for technical accuracy: This supporting article was prepared to align with Extramet’s tungsten carbide manufacturing, grinding, inspection, and quality capabilities in Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are carbide pins brittle?
They are more brittle than steel, so support, alignment, grade, and edge geometry matter.
Can carbide pins be polished?
Yes. Finish requirements should be specified with the diameter tolerance and application details.
Can Extramet grind pins from customer material?
Extramet can review customer-supplied material for grinding depending on grade, condition, and geometry.
