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Workholding Technology Pt. 2:
Locating Basics
By Brooke Bartos  August 23, 2016  4 min read  0 Comments  In Featured Articles  2624 vie

Introduction

One of the most common ways of workholding is by location with reference to an external surface. Th
 there
known as locating to a datum surface. Flat surfaces are commonly used for locating. However,
various types of locators depending on the application.

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Locating Pin Method

The most common method used for locating is with the help of locating pins. Locating pins are availa
variety of standard sizes and shapes depending on the application they are to be used in. For examp
“diamond” head pin is used as a feature to help with the locating operation in situations with machinin
inaccuracies while a flat face with chamfered head style pin is used in applications with short strokes
different kinds of pins available can be seen in the figure below.

Styles of locating pins

Locating datum pin method

With the use of locating pins a principle known as the “3-2-1 rule” was put into practice. It is named a
because of a procedure with three steps which uses three points of known locations, then two, then o
point to locate the part. An example of this can be seen in Figure 5 where three pins are used to form
bottom datum in the z axis, two are used in the x axis and one pin forms the remaining y direction.

“3-2-1 rule” pin layout

For applications with work pieces that experience heavy external forces and are prone to shifting ano
method exists to help secure the part. In this case a different pin shape would needed. Along with thi

number of pins used would need to be increased to prevent excess movement. This layout can be se
Figure 6.

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Example of clearance free location pin layout

Locating pins are one of the most crucial components in a fixture design. Not only do they restrict mo
but also ensure precise positioning for consistency. In the next article we will expose a common issue
affect the quality of your end-product.

In Part 3 of our Workholding Technology series we will examine ways of locating with the intention of
burrs and reducing the negative effects burrs can cause.

4.5 (90%) 6 votes

JIGS AND FIXTURES LOCATING LOCATING PIN LOCATING PINS WORKHOLDING WORKHOLDING PIECES

      

 Previous Post
Work Holding Technology Pt. 1: Introduction to Workholding Technology Pt. 3: Lo
Work Holding Intention of

ABOUT BROOKE BARTOS

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Related Articles More By Brooke Bartos More In Featured Articles

Workholding Technology Pt. 3:

Locating with the Intention of
Avoiding Burrs
Workholding Technol
Workholding Technology Pt. 4:  August 30, 2016  4 min read
Locating Basics
Locating of Workpieces with
External Forces Applied  August 23, 2016  4m

 September 6, 2016  7 min read

Work Holding Technology Pt. 1: E2E Video: Locating Pins Pt. 4 – E2E Video: Locating P
Introduction to Work Holding Alignment Concerns Types of Locating

 August 11, 2016  5 min read  February 9, 2016  1 min read  November 12, 2015 

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