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All You Need to Know About Ball Plungers
Ball plungers are one of the most common forms of indexing plunger, capable of indexing and positioning elements within various applications. Ball plungers typically come in the form of a spring-enclosed shaft with a ball, the ball being a shallow part at the top of the component. As ball plungers can be very beneficial for various indexing and positioning needs.
As stated before, ball plungers are a shaft with a ball at the top, and the shaft will contain an internal spring. On the outside of the shaft, exterior threading will line the sides, and a drive recess is situated on the opposite side of the ball. With the drive recess, one can drive the plunger into various surfaces or workpieces using a suitable tool. When force is induced on the ball plunger, the ball itself will begin to recede into the shaft while pressing down on the compression spring. This will cause the spring to shorten as the ball enters the shaft. Once force is relieved, the stored energy within the spring will cause it to rapidly return to its original size and shape, forcing the ball back out of the shaft to its resting state as well.
While ball plungers are fairly unique in their design, other forms of plungers will share similar elements. For example, spring plungers also feature a shaft with an internal spring, as well as threading across the exterior. Similar to ball plungers, they may also be used for a number of indexing and positioning needs. Despite this, they differ in the fact that instead of having a ball at the end of the shaft, they have a nose-shaped element. This nose will generally be longer and narrower than a ball, allowing the plunger to handle lateral movement better. Additionally, force is often exerted from the side of the nose to cause it to compress. Beyond the spring plunger, other variations are available with differing capabilities, so determining your particular needs prior to making a purchase is very important.
When deciding between ball plungers and other types, it is important to consider the form of indexing and positioning you need, as well as other factors that range from installation to price. When it comes to capabilities, ball plungers are best used for lighter loads where force is applied from the top of the component. When loads are much heavier and/or are exerted from the sides of the device, then the spring plunger may be a much better choice. With a ball plunger, any force applied from the side will not move the ball, making it fairly ineffective. Even when loads are applied from the top but are just very heavy, the ball plunger still may not be the most effective solution.
Despite this potential shortcoming, there are still reasons as to why one may want to procure a ball plunger when loads are lighter, even if one thinks it is better to have increased capabilities. For one, ball plungers are known for their relatively low price points, simple construction, and ease-of-use that makes them a beneficial option for a variety of applications. Additionally, their drive recess is designed to make installation very quick, as all one needs is the proper screwdriver to implement an optimal amount of torque. If you have considered the various needs of your operations and have decided which type of plunger is best, let the experts at ASAP Aero Supplies help you secure everything you require with competitive pricing and rapid lead times.
ASAP Aero Supplies is a website owned and operated by ASAP Semiconductor, presenting customers access to over 2 billion items that cater to a diverse set of industries and applications. As you explore our various part and manufacturer catalogs, note that all items are ready for purchase at any time. If you would like to request a quote for your comparisons on items of interest, fill out and submit an RFQ form as provided on our website, and a dedicated account manager will quickly connect with you to continue the purchasing process. If you have any further questions or concerns, give us a call or email at your leisure, and we would be happy to discuss your needs and how we can fulfill them!
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