FALL 2019

74 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S

74 THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK SPIROL INTERNATIONAL CORP. 30 Rock Avenue, Danielson, CT 06239 TEL 1-860-774-8571 FAX 1-860-774-2048 EMAIL info@spirol.com WEB www.spirol.com WHICH AUSTENITIC STAINLESS STEEL SPRING PIN IS BEST FOR DYNAMIC LOADING? by Michael J. Pasko, Application Engineer Austenitic nickel stainless steel Spring Pins are typically manufactured from grade SAE 302/304 (18-8 (1.4310)). Chemical and physical properties of both grades overlap such that mills may produce a single material capable of certification to either specification. Austenitic stainless steel is most frequently selected for its inherent corrosion resistance. While this material possesses the spring characteristics required for proper function of a Spring Pin, it does work harden if subjected to sufficient loading. Austenitic stainless steel is an excellent material in many, but not all, applications. Austenitic stainless steel is generally not the best solution for applications where the pin will be subject to dynamic loading at high frequency. Though mills use work hardening to achieve high yield strength, it is critical to understand this is a continuous process. As yield strength increases, ductility decreases. In dynamic applications, vibration, impact, and movement will continue work hardening the pin at a rate commensurate with severity and frequency. Excessive work hardening of austenitic stainless steel can lead to fatigue failure evident as cracking or loss of retention. Both Coiled and Slotted Spring Pins will function properly under the right conditions, though the Coiled Pins’ superior design provides improved endurance. All Spring Pins are designed with a pre-installed diameter larger than the recommended hole. Slotted Spring Pins are manufactured with a gap that allows compression of the pin during installation. This differs from Coiled Spring Pins that are designed with a seam. Once installed, a Spring Pin is held in tension and this provides retention. A Spring Pin may also maintain desired fit and function by dampening vibration and shock which prevents damage and/or deformation of the host hole. A Slotted Pin can only flex along its spine 180°opposite the gap, much like opening and closing a book. This focuses all stress in one location (see Figure 2) leading to rapid fatigue and potential cracking (see Figure 3). Similarly, once the metal has lost ductility, it can no longer recover to maintain tension within the hole. FIGURE 1: SLOTTED PIN AND COILED PIN FIGURE 2: HIGH STRESS AREA OF A SLOTTED PIN FIGURE 3: A SLOTTED PIN CAN ONLY FLEX ALONG ITS SPINE 180° OPPOSITE THE GAP, MUCH LIKE OPENING AND CLOSING A BOOK. TECHNICAL ARTICLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 148

THE DISTRIBUTOR’S LINK 75 The Olander Family of Companies is thrilled to announce the expansion of our sales teams. To further enhance our commitment to customer service, we have welcomed new Business Development Managers into the Olander Family. We are now able to provide added service and accessibility in the Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Washington State regions, as well in Silicon Valley, where our BDMs continue to deliver personalized solutions for our customers. Whether looking for Vendor Managed Inventory, individualized solutions and services, or a fastener one-stop-shop, we can provide a knowledgeable trusted BDM who is accessible to our customers right where you are. And Olander continues to stay steadfast in our legendary service standards. Olander has been helping companies hold it together since 1962. We offer the broad selection of specialty fasteners, easy ordering process, real-time inventory information, VMI, kitting services, and speedy deliveries you deserve. The Olander Company, Inc. is a full-line distributor of standard and metric fasteners, including commercial and specialty fasteners, precision hardware, electromechanical components, tools, adhesives, and wire management products. We started in the Silicon Valley in 1962. Today, we have customers in more than 45 countries. Companies in the semiconductor, medical device, aerospace, telecommunications, alternative energy, and robotics industries can find what they’re looking for within our in-house inventory of more than 65,000 items in stock. The list includes a broad inventory of Heli- Coil products, such as Nitronic 60 inserts. Our relentless focus on serving customers stems from our founder’s service to country. Philip Olander was a World War II hero who served as an Engineer in the United States Army Air Corps. Once he returned home to California, Phil was inspired to create a business that solved many of the problems and frustrations he had faced as an engineer and aircraft mechanic. He especially wanted to address the challenges and delays that often came with trying to order and obtain fasteners and other parts for maintenance and repairs. Phil’s inventory management theory and commitment to taking care of people have propelled The Olander Company to its status as a global distributor of precision hardware. Since 2016, Phil’s granddaughter Anna L. Olander has led the company. For more information contact The Olander Company, Inc. at 144 Commercial Street, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Tel: 408-735-1850, Email: rfq@olander.com or visit the “new and improved” website at www.olander.com.