At FTC, we pride ourselves in fulfilling the fastener needs of commercial and military aerospace clients across the globe.

Plunger Pins
Plunger pins are used in the aerospace production process for a range of functions, including positioning, aligning and joining parts together.  They come in a wide variety of structures depending on the use that they will be put to on the production line; however, they typically operate by pressing the knob or button at the top to apply pressure to a spring, which forces down a pin into a pre-determined hole.  The knob can also be used to retract the pin, should the assembly not be permanent.  An example of when this would be the case would be if the components were being aligned and held in place temporarily whilst they were being machined or formed.
 
Depending on the specific purpose of the pin, there may be permitted movement of the part that is being joined, or the pin may hold the part in an entirely rigid position.  Considerations such as these determine both the details of the precise shape of the plunger pin and also the material used. An additional factor is the available space for the process of assembly.
 
Materials Used for Plunger Pins
Where strength and stability are the overriding concerning, stainless steel is a frequent choice for the pin.  Aluminum is a lighter and less expensive option, but it will not bear as much weight. Titanium has the best strength to weight ratio, but it is a more expensive option. The outer housing of the pin can be manufactured from a different material from the pin in order to optimize weight and cost considerations. Our expert team of engineers are on hand to advise our customers on the most effective design and material for plunger pins, to meet your specific project requirements.