In the complex realm of automotive manufacturing, the smallest components are often the most vital. Something as seemingly simple as pin selection can have a far-reaching impact on the reliability, safety, performance, and cost of a vehicle.
Pins serve as fundamental components in fastening various parts of a vehicle, from the engine to the interior fixtures. The selection of appropriate pins ensures that components are securely held together, and will withstand vibrations and shocks, maintain precise alignment, resist rust and corrosion, improve fuel efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately contribute to higher-quality vehicles.
There are thousands of applications for pins in cars and other automotive vehicles, so choosing the right pin becomes even more consequential. That’s why Vogelsang offers its exclusively designed automotive spring pin – a fastener that sets completely new standards in performance at a much lower cost.
Here is what you can expect from a Vogelsang automotive spring pin and the benefits and advantages it can afford your application.
Designed For Insertion Into Soft Materials
As auto manufacturers seek weight savings for improved fuel efficiency, many previously metal parts have been replaced with softer plastics and aluminum. These materials are more easily damaged during assembly, so pin choice becomes even more crucial.
The automotive spring pin in uniquely designed to resolve insertion problems.
Its slot edges sit at the intersection between the chamfer and the slot below the surrounding diameter. That means the pin can be driven into the bore hole without any scraping action, eliminating any risk of damage.
Its tapered slot edge design means damage to the insides of the bore hole is avoided. And the slightly rounded intersections from the bearing surface to the chamfer allow for a burr-free installation.
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Reduce Weight, Retain Strength, Improve Fuel Efficiency
Unlike traditional solid or coiled pins, slotted pins are lighter, made from high quality spring steel that provides the necessary holding power without adding excess mass.
The form factor of a slotted pin over other typical pin selections will reduce the overall weight of a vehicle and subsequently improve fuel efficiency.
The automotive spring pin takes this a step further. Through a combination of heat treatment and materials, the automotive spring pin achieves the optimum combination of elasticity and hardness, making it stronger than a standard slotted pin, and lighter than a traditional solid or coiled pin, affording weight savings without sacrificing quality.
A heat treatment process called Bainitic hardening enhances the strength, durability and toughness of high quality C67S (a non-alloyed stainless steel in accordance with DIN EN 10132-4:2003).
Unlike martensitic hardening, Bainitic hardening retains a significant degree of ductility, reducing the risk of brittleness. Pins hardened through this method have improved wear resistance, and can withstand high impact shock without fracturing.
These pins also have a defined pre-tension that provides them with a secure hold in the bore hole. Their design allows them to compress and expand, ensuring a secure fit with minimal material. This not only reduces the overall weight of a vehicle but also enhances fuel efficiency and performance.
Save On Cost
Slotted pins in general are a more economical choice than solid or coiled pins. Less material and a more cost-effective manufacturing process mean greater savings on a per-piece basis.
But these pins can help auto manufacturers realize savings in other, less obvious ways, too.
The open slot allows for simple installation in a standard H12 bore hole, which means no special hole design is required. This can greatly reduce design and manufacturing costs.
The pin allows for larger bore tolerances than is the case with abrasive sleeves and solid pins, which means there is no need for cost-intensive processing steps.
As a result of optimized chamfers and a defined design, these pins are non-interlocking and avoid part nesting. This makes them ideally suited for automatic feeding without high costs.
And unlike coiled pins, they accept plating fully, resulting in complete coverage that can further be salt sprayed for enhanced corrosion-resistance.
The simplicity and ease of use of these pins reduces manufacturing costs and assembly time, making them a cost-effective solution for large-scale automotive production
Manufactured to Exacting Standards
Vogelsang pins are 100% inspected and evaluated for quality and conformity to specified standards. Each pin is thoroughly checked for any defects, and undergoes examination for hardness, and monitoring of functional dimensions and third-party debris.
All of our pin manufacturing plants are IATF 16949 certified, with a quality management system that is audited by an independent third party at multiple stages.
These critical quality control measures provide confidence in the integrity and performance of our products, ensuring safety, reliability, and precision you can count on.
Purchasing Made Simple
At Vogelsang we’re committed to making the process of selecting and purchasing your products as easy and streamlined as possible.
Our product engineers are available for complimentary support to help you design or choose the right product for your application. We’re available to answer any technical or application questions you may have so that you can feel fully confident in your choice.
We will honor predefined specifications you may have for plating or salt spraying so that you receive precisely the fastening solution you need.
And when you’re ready to order, it’s easy to request a quote online. We will work with you to customize a purchasing program that works for you, whether with a blanket order, release order, letter of intent, or commitment letter.
Know the part you need? It’s easy to get a quote! Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll email a quote to you promptly.
Automotive Spring Pins Put You On The Road To Success
With so many pin applications in vehicles, minimizing the weight of fasteners can have a significant impact on a manufacturer’s ability to meet stringent weight reduction targets. With their unique advantages, it’s no wonder so many auto manufacturers are choosing automotive spring pins.
Through decades of practical experience we’ve designed them to afford myriad benefits including greater cost savings, improved fuel efficiency, and superior quality.
Whether you know precisely the part you need or you require assistance finding the right product to suit your application, our product specialists are here to help. Get a quote online, contact us with additional questions, or call us toll free at (800) 526-2376 to find out how we can support your fastening needs.