Titanium pins are small components, but their function often depends on accurate diameter, straightness, length and fit. They may be used for alignment, locating, hinge connections, retention, positioning or assembly between two or more parts.
Sunrise Industrial manufactures custom titanium pins according to customer drawings, samples and application requirements, including plain pins, stepped pins, grooved pins, threaded pins and other precision-machined configurations.
What Is a Custom Titanium Pin?
A titanium pin is a cylindrical or mostly cylindrical component designed to locate, align, retain or connect other parts. Some pins are simple straight cylinders, while others include shoulders, grooves, holes, threads, chamfers or different diameter sections.
The correct design depends on how the pin is installed and what type of movement or load the assembly must accommodate.
Why Use Titanium for Pins?
Titanium may be selected for pins when the project requires corrosion resistance, reduced weight or a combination of mechanical performance and low density. This can be useful in assemblies where many small metal components contribute to total weight.
The titanium grade should be selected according to the engineering requirements of the application. Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V is commonly used for higher-strength machined components, while commercially pure titanium may be specified for other projects.
The Hole and Pin Must Be Considered Together
A pin cannot be specified correctly by looking only at its outside diameter. The mating hole, bushing, slot or receiving component also determines the required fit.
A pin intended for free assembly may need different clearance from one designed for a close locating fit. If the pin is expected to rotate, the hole and surface finish may need to be reviewed differently from a fixed alignment pin.
A nominal pin diameter without a defined mating-hole condition does not fully describe the required assembly fit. Include the hole size, tolerance and intended movement whenever possible.
CNC Turning of Titanium Pins
CNC turning is the main process for most round titanium pins. It can produce the outside diameter, end faces, shoulders, chamfers, grooves and many threaded features with repeatable control.
For small parts, workholding and tool access are important because the component may have limited clamping area. Stable machining conditions help reduce burrs, dimensional variation and damage to finished surfaces.
Common Features on Custom Titanium Pins
A custom pin may need additional features beyond a simple cylindrical shape. These features often determine how the pin is installed, located or removed from the assembly.
- Shoulders: control insertion depth or axial position.
- Chamfers: assist insertion and reduce edge damage.
- Grooves: provide a location for retaining rings or other features.
- Threads: allow fastening or removal with a nut or threaded hole.
- Cross Holes: support locking wires, retaining pins or secondary assembly features.
- Flats: provide tool access or prevent unwanted rotation.
Diameter Tolerance and Surface Condition
The required diameter tolerance depends on the pin's function. A locating pin may require a close fit, while a removable assembly pin may need more clearance for installation and maintenance.
Surface condition also matters. Burrs, sharp edges or a rough surface can affect insertion, movement and service life, especially when the pin works with a close-fitting hole or bushing.
When a specific surface roughness is required, it should be identified on the drawing together with the functional diameter.
Long, Small-Diameter Pins
Long pins with small diameters can be more difficult to machine than short, rigid pins. Deflection during turning may affect straightness, diameter consistency and end-to-end alignment.
The machining route may require suitable support, a carefully selected sequence and controlled cutting conditions. If straightness is functionally important, it should be defined separately instead of relying only on the outside-diameter tolerance.
Inspection of Titanium Pins
Typical inspection may include outside diameter, overall length, shoulder position, groove dimensions, thread acceptance and visual surface condition.
Micrometers and other dimensional tools can be used for diameter checks, while gauges or mating parts may be useful for confirming functional fit. More complex pin geometries can be measured with optical inspection or CMM according to the drawing requirements.
For repeat production, a clear inspection method helps maintain consistent fit from one batch to the next.
How Pin Design Affects Cost
Prototype and Repeat Production
For a new titanium pin design, a small prototype quantity can help confirm the relationship between the pin and the receiving component before larger production quantities are released.
Once the fit, surface condition and inspection method are approved, the CNC program and production process can be maintained for repeat OEM orders.
What to Include in a Titanium Pin RFQ
- 2D drawing with diameter and length tolerances
- STEP or other 3D model when available
- Titanium grade
- Mating hole, bushing or receiving-part dimensions
- Intended fit: fixed, locating, sliding or rotating
- Threads, grooves, cross holes or flats
- Surface roughness and edge requirements
- Prototype quantity
- Expected repeat quantity
Custom Titanium Pin Manufacturing at Sunrise Industrial
Sunrise Industrial manufactures custom titanium pins and other precision CNC components according to customer drawings and samples. Our capabilities include CNC turning, turn-mill machining, multi-axis milling, grinding and dimensional inspection.
We support prototype development, small-batch production and repeat OEM supply for titanium, stainless steel, aluminum and other specified materials.
Need Custom Titanium Pins?
Send us your drawing, titanium grade, mating-hole details, quantity and critical fit requirements. We can review the pin geometry, machining process and inspection method before quotation.
Request a QuoteAbout Sunrise Industrial
Sunrise Industrial is an ISO 9001:2015 precision CNC machining and custom component manufacturer specializing in titanium machining. We manufacture prosthetic components, titanium dental discs, sputtering targets, fasteners and custom CNC machined parts according to customer drawings and specifications.
