Ball & Spring Plungers
Spring and Ball Plungers are devices that enclose a spring in a threaded capsule and provide a means of applying accurate and repeatable spring end forces through a ball or rounded nose. Also known as Spring Loaded Devices (SLDs), the unique features of ball and spring plungers make them essential components in thousands of applications for indexing, positioning, fixturing, latching, locking, ejecting, electrical contacts and many others.
These plungers have different installation methods including hex socket, slotted drive and top slot for blind-holes and have light, standard, or heavy end forces available to them. Types of ball & spring plunges include inch ball nose plungers, metric ball nose plungers, slotted drive with lock plungers, hex drive lock plungers, press fit body plungers, press fit body with collar plungers, short body stainless steel nose plungers, short body heavy pressure plungers, and many more.
Encapsulating the spring inside the body has several advantages over standard, unprotected springs: installation is fast and easy, side forces can be applied to the assembly and repeatable end forces and extension are maintained throughout the life of the plunger.
Ball Nose Spring Loaded Plunger
Most installations can be done with a screwdriver, but care must be taken since the body is hollow and does not have the strength of a bolt or screw.
Specifications:
- Body made from steel, stainless steel or brass
- Ball and plunger are steel, stainless steel or non-marring nylon
- Spring is piano wire or stainless steel wire
- Standard, heavy and light end forces
- 4-48 to 1-8 threads (depending on style)
- Optional nylon locking component for locking body into place
- Custom sizes, forces and materials available upon request
Standard Spring Plunger
These plungers combine positive, controlled spring pressure with a long-travel plunger.
Used extensively in fixtures, dies and assemblies. Available in black oxide or stainless steel with a hardened steel or nylon plunger.
Short Spring Plunger
These plungers have the same design as standard spring plungers, but the shorter body and slightly shorter travel make it ideal for use where space is limited. Available in black oxide or stainless steel with a hardened steel or nylon plunger. Also available in 316 stainless and brass.
Ball Plunger
This compact plunger is used in positioning, indexing and retention applications. The controlled and repeatable spring pressure ensures reliable, consistent operation. Available with a steel or stainless steel body and a hardened chrome steel or stainless steel ball. Also available in 316 stainless and brass.
Press Fit Ball Plunger
Press Fit ball plungers are made from high-grade stainless and black oxide plated steel. They are available in sizes ranging from 1/8″ to 1/2″. The ball, either steel or nylon, is crimped into the hollow tube for a fit that gives, but doesn’t give up.