Alumina Ceramic Pin for Welding Fixtures and Automation

The alumina ceramic pin is used to connect, position, and fix workpieces in welding fixtures and mechanical assemblies. It prevents movement under heat and load, while providing electrical insulation and stable locating accuracy in high-temperature production environments.

Catalog No. AT-CP-L001
Material ≥ 95% Al2O3
Diameter Range Ø2mm – Ø20mm (±0.01–0.05mm available)
Max Operating Temperature 1600°C
Vickers hardness (HV) 1700–1800 HV (≈ 17–18 GPa)
24H Standard Dispatch
Small Batch Support OEM
Factory Direct
Expert Engineering Support

Alumina ceramic pin is a high-temperature locating and insulating pin made from alumina (Al₂O₃) ceramic, used in welding fixtures, jigs, and automation equipment to position parts accurately under heat and electrical load. Compared with steel pins, an alumina ceramic pin offers electrical insulation, high wear resistance, and stable dimensions in repeated welding cycles, so fixtures keep consistent reference points and require less maintenance and cleaning.

Alumina Ceramic Pin Key Advantages

  1. Dimensional Stability Under Repeated Thermal Cycles
    Each alumina ceramic pin maintains stable geometry during repeated heating and cooling in welding operations, which helps fixtures preserve consistent positioning accuracy over long production runs and reduces the risk of positional drift caused by thermal deformation.

  2. Strong Resistance to Weld Spatter Adhesion
    The dense ceramic locating surface resists weld spatter bonding more effectively than untreated steel pins, so the locating diameter remains more consistent over time, reducing manual cleaning frequency and minimizing unplanned fixture downtime.

  3. Reliable Electrical Insulation for Welding Processes
    The alumina ceramic pin electrically isolates the workpiece from the fixture body during resistance and projection welding, which stabilizes current paths, lowers the risk of short circuits through the fixture, and improves overall welding process control.

  4. Precision Ground Fit for Standard Bushings and Sleeves
    The pin diameter and key locating features are precision-ground to controlled tolerances, allowing direct fitment into standard bushings and locator blocks without secondary modification, which simplifies fixture assembly and replacement procedures.

  5. Upgrade Compatibility with Existing Metal Fixtures
    Non-standard tip shapes, stepped sections, shoulders, and transition radii can be produced to match existing metal pin geometries, so customers can replace steel pins with alumina ceramic pins while keeping the original jig structure unchanged.

  6. Consistent Wear Behaviour at High Contact Areas
    In high-contact locating points, the alumina ceramic pin shows stable wear behaviour compared with softer metal pins, which helps maintain repeatable contact conditions between the pin and the workpiece over extended operating cycles.

  7. Stable Performance in High-Temperature Welding Environments
    The alumina ceramic pin remains mechanically stable at typical resistance and projection welding temperatures, so it does not soften, creep, or plastically deform as metal locating pins may do under continuous heat exposure.

Al2O3 Ceramic Pin Properties

Property Unit 99.5% Al₂O₃ 99.6% Al₂O₃ 99.7% Al₂O₃ 99.8% Al₂O₃ 99.9% Al₂O₃ 99.99% Al₂O₃
Alumina content % 99.5 99.6 99.7 99.8 99.9 99.99
Density g/cm³ 3.89 3.91 3.92 3.93 3.94 3.98
Open porosity % 0
Color Ivory Ivory Ivory Ivory Ivory Ivory
Water absorption % 0 0 0 0 0
Young’s modulus (Elastic modulus) GPa 375 356 357 358 359 362
Shear modulus GPa 152
Bulk modulus GPa 228
Poisson’s ratio 0.22
Compressive strength MPa 2600 2552 2554 2556 2558 2570
Flexural strength MPa 379 312 313 314 315 320
Fracture toughness MPa·m¹ᐟ² 4
Hardness GPa 14.1 (≈1440 kg/mm²) 23 24 25 26 30
Thermal conductivity W/m·K 35 32–37 33–38 34–39 35–40 36–42
Thermal shock resistance ΔT °C 222 223 224 225 228
Maximum use temperature (no load) °C ≤1750 1755 1760 1765 1770 1800
Coefficient of thermal expansion 10⁻⁶/°C 8.4
Specific heat J/kg·K 880
Volume resistivity Ω·cm >1×10¹⁴ >1×10¹⁴ >1×10¹⁴ >1×10¹⁴ >1×10¹⁴ >1×10¹⁴
Dielectric constant (relative permittivity) 9.8 9.83 9.84 9.85 9.86 9.92
Dielectric strength kV/mm 16.9 23.2 23.4 23.6 23.8 24
Dissipation factor (loss factor @ 1 kHz) 0.0002

 

Alumina Ceramic Pin Specifications

Type 1: Alumina Ceramic Pin with Thread

size of alumina ceramic pin

Alumina Ceramic Pin with Thread
Item No. D (mm) d (mm) L1(mm) L2 (mm) L(mm) Purity(%)
AT-CP-L001 6 4 7 3 9 M2 96-99
AT-CP-L002 7.5 5.5 25 16 29 M2.5 96-99
AT-CP-L003 8.6 6 65 40 70 M3 96-99
AT-CP-L004 9 7.5 50 35 55 M3 96-99
AT-CP-L005 10.5 9 43 27 47 M5 96-99
AT-CP-L006 11.8 8 67 42 72 M4 96-99
AT-CP-L007 12.5 8 52 33 56 M8 96-99
AT-CP-L008 15 10 46 24 50 M8 96-99
AT-CP-L009 16.4 11.5 80 40 84 M10 96-99
AT-CP-L010 18 14 53 35 57 M12 96-99
AT-CP-L011 21 15.5 45 35 48.5 M14 96-99
AT-CP-L012 23 16 32 22 36 M14 96-99

 

Type 2: Alumina Ceramic Pin without Thread

size of alumina ceramic pin 1

Alumina Ceramic Pin without Thread
Item No. D(mm) d (mm) L1 (mm) L (mm) Purity(%)
AT-CP-D001 8 6 9 11 96-99
AT-CP-D002 10 6 5 8 96-99
AT-CP-D003 11 5 13 16 96-99
AT-CP-D004 11.8 6.3 15 18 96-99
AT-CP-D005 12.6 8 16.5 20 96-99
AT-CP-D006 13.5 10 20 24 96-99
AT-CP-D007 15 10 14.5 17 96-99
AT-CP-D008 16.4 11 21 23 96-99
AT-CP-D009 18.5 14 40 45 96-99
AT-CP-D010 20 15 43 47 96-99
AT-CP-D011 24.2 16.2 52 56 96-99
AT-CP-D012 25 20 16 20 96-99
AT-CP-D013 30 18 40 46 96-99

 

Alumina Ceramic Pin Packaging

  • Each alumina ceramic pin is first wrapped or separated in protective blister cells or foam slots to prevent ceramic-to-ceramic contact during transport.

Alumina Ceramic Pin Packaging

Al2O3 Ceramic Pin Applications

  • Automotive Body and Chassis Welding Fixtures

    ✅Key Advantages

    1. Stable Positioning in High Cycle Nut Welding
    – The alumina ceramic pin maintains a consistent locating diameter after thousands of nut welding cycles, so body components keep the same hole and nut position.

    2. Reduced Fixture Downtime from Spatter Build-Up
    – The smoother ceramic surface collects less weld spatter than bare steel, which can cut cleaning intervals and reduce fixture stop time.

    3. Extended Fixture Component Life
    – The alumina ceramic pin operates at welding temperatures without softening or deforming, which allows the fixture to run more parts before a replacement is required.

    ✅ Problem Solved

    In one high volume nut welding cell, metal locating pins needed replacement or cleaning every one to two shifts because weld spatter changed the locating diameter and caused misaligned nuts. After switching the critical stations to alumina ceramic pins, the cleaning interval was extended from several times per day to once per week, and pin replacement frequency dropped significantly. The resulting reduction in unplanned stops helped the line maintain its planned daily output and decreased scrap and rework rates.

  • Welding Fixture and Automation Integrators

    ✅Key Advantages

    1. Flexible Geometry for Project-Based Jigs
    – The alumina ceramic locating pin can be produced in project-specific geometries so integrators can keep their fixture concepts while upgrading to ceramic hardware.

    2. Consistent Quality Across Repeat Projects
    – Once a design is validated, the same alumina ceramic pin specification can be reordered for future lines, which supports standardization across projects.

    3. Support for Mixed Material Tooling
    – The use of alumina pins together with steel and aluminum fixture components helps integrators manage thermal expansion and insulation requirements in complex tools.

    ✅ Problem Solved

    A welding automation integrator needed to deliver several similar fixtures for different plants, each with its own nut and stud layout. By standardizing the ceramic locating pins and keeping only small dimensional changes, the integrator shortened fixture design time and simplified spare parts management. The alumina pins showed longer service life than hardened steel pins in early production, which helped the integrator demonstrate stable operation during the ramp-up phase.

  • General Metal Fabrication and Component Welding

    ✅  Key Advantages

    1. Improved Repeatability in Small Batch Welding
    – The alumina ceramic pin keeps the same locating reference even when small batches with frequent changeovers are welded.

    2. Lower Maintenance Workload on Jigs
    – Ceramic locating surfaces reduce the need for frequent hand grinding and reworking of pins, which is important for workshops with limited maintenance staff.

    3. Compatibility with Existing Steel Fixtures
    – The alumina ceramic pin can be dimensioned to fit existing holes and sleeves in steel jigs, so workshops can upgrade step by step without new fixtures.

    ✅  Problem Solved

    A metal fabrication shop used simple steel jigs for repeated welding of brackets and supports. Over time, conventional steel pins deformed and collected spatter, which caused misalignment and extra inspection time. By replacing the most critical positions with alumina ceramic pins that matched the existing holes, the shop noticed a lower rework rate and less time spent reconditioning the fixtures, so operators could keep more focus on production rather than jig maintenance.

 

Alumina Ceramic Pin Usage Instructions

  • Installation

    1. Install the alumina ceramic pin into a properly machined bushing or locator block, and avoid forcing the pin into undersized holes to prevent stress concentration.
    2. Use light tapping with a soft hammer or use threaded retainers or clamps where possible instead of direct hammering on the ceramic pin.
    3. Ensure the fixture support surface is flat and clean so that the shoulder or reference face of the pin sits without bending.

  • Operation and In-Process Use

    1. Use the alumina ceramic pin within the recommended temperature range and avoid sudden contact with very cold liquids immediately after welding.
    2. Keep weld schedules within the expected current and cycle times for the process so the pin is not exposed to unnecessary overheating.
    3. Plan regular visual inspection intervals to check for chipped edges or unusual wear, especially at high contact areas.

  • Storage of Alumina Ceramic Pins

    1. Store spare alumina ceramic pins in the original protective packaging or in separate compartments to avoid ceramic components touching each other.
    2. Keep storage areas clean and dry, away from heavy tools or steel parts that might fall and impact the ceramic pins.

  • Cleaning and Maintenance

    1. Remove spatter and contaminants with plastic or brass tools rather than steel scrapers to avoid scratching the ceramic surface.
    2. If chemical cleaning is necessary, use compatible cleaning agents and rinse thoroughly; avoid storing pins in aggressive solutions for long periods.
    3. Record cleaning intervals and observed wear so that fixture engineers can adjust maintenance planning and replacement quantities.

  • Typical Misuse Points and Recommended Solutions

    1. Misuse: The alumina ceramic pin is pressed into an oversized or misaligned hole and then cracks during operation.
    Solution: Check the hole diameter and alignment before installation, and use bushings with defined tolerances so that the pin is supported evenly along its locating length.

    2. Misuse: Operators hit directly on the ceramic tip with a steel hammer during fixture adjustments and chip the end of the pin.
    Solution: Instruct maintenance staff to use soft-face hammers or adjust fixtures by loosening clamps instead of striking the ceramic, and provide clear instructions near the fixture.

    3. Misuse: Hot pins are sprayed with cold compressed air or contacted with coolant immediately after welding, leading to thermal shock damage.
    Solution: Allow the alumina ceramic pins to cool gradually in air, and avoid direct contact with cold media when the pins are still at high temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Alumina Ceramic Pin

  1. Q: What is an alumina ceramic pin used for in welding fixtures?
    A: An alumina ceramic pin is used as a locating and insulating element in welding fixtures, jigs, and automation lines, where it positions the workpiece and withstands the heat and weld spatter generated during resistance, projection, or nut welding.
  2. Q: Why choose an alumina ceramic pin instead of a steel locating pin?
    A: An alumina ceramic pin offers better electrical insulation and higher temperature stability than a steel locating pin, and it is less affected by weld spatter build-up, which reduces cleaning frequency and helps keep fixture positioning stable.
  3. Q: What is the typical lifetime of an alumina ceramic pin compared with metal pins?
    A: Under comparable welding conditions, an alumina ceramic pin can run many more cycles than a conventional steel pin because it does not soften at welding temperature and its surface is less damaged by spatter; the exact ratio depends on the process but is often several times longer.
  4. Q: Can an alumina ceramic pin be made to match my existing fixture drawing?
    A: Yes, alumina ceramic pins can be manufactured according to customer drawings with specified diameters, shoulders, tip shapes, and tolerances so that they fit existing fixtures without major design changes.
  5. Q: What tolerances can be achieved on the diameter of an alumina ceramic locating pin?
    A: For standard sizes, the diameter of an alumina ceramic locating pin can be ground to tight tolerances in the range of a few hundredths of a millimeter, depending on length and design.
  6. Q: Can ADCERAX support small trial orders for custom alumina ceramic pins?
    A: ADCERAX can support small batches of custom alumina ceramic pins for trial fixtures and pilot lines, so that customers can validate material and geometry before moving to larger quantity orders.

Alumina Ceramic Pin Reviews

  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    ADCERAX supplied a complete set of custom alumina ceramic locating pins for our new welding line. The dimensional consistency and clear labeling helped us manage installation and spare stock, and the overall cost was competitive for a drawing-based solution.
    -- Laura P., Purchasing Manager, Nortech Metal Components Inc.
  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    We switched several high wear positions in our nut welding fixtures to alumina ceramic pins and saw more consistent nut alignment across long production runs. The pins from ADCERAX matched our drawings and dropped into existing bushings without rework.
    -- Michael S., Tooling Engineer, AutoTech Fixtures GmbH
  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Our operators reported less time spent cleaning spatter from the fixtures after we introduced alumina ceramic pins on critical stations. The change reduced short stops during the shift and made fixture maintenance more predictable.
    -- Kenji T., Production Supervisor, Osaka Welding Systems Co.
  • ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Working directly with the ADCERAX factory on a ceramic rotary index table for a packaging machine allowed us to integrate insulated test stations on the same dial without changing the basic machine layout.
    -- Carlos R., Owner, BRW Fabrication Solutions
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Custom Alumina Ceramic Pin Manufacturer

ADCERAX supports drawing-based manufacturing for alumina ceramic pins to match existing welding fixture designs while maintaining the functional advantages of technical ceramics.

  • Outer & Step Diameters: Tight tolerance control on locating diameters, typically within ±0.01–0.03 mm depending on pin size and geometry.

  • Overall Length & Engagement Length: Total pin length, shoulder position, and working engagement length can be defined to match jig layout and clamping space.

  • Tip Geometry: Flat end, chamfered end, conical tip, radius tip, or custom profiled tips for nut welding and stud welding positions.

  • Pin Structure: Cylindrical pins, stepped pins, and shouldered pins are compatible with existing bushings and locator sleeves.

  • Material Grade: Selection from 95% alumina for general welding fixtures to higher purity alumina for applications requiring stronger electrical insulation.

  • Surface Finish: As-fired surface for non-critical areas, and precision ground or polished surfaces on locating diameters and contact zones.

  • Anti-Rotation & Positioning Features: Optional grooves, flats, keyways, or anti-rotation details for fixed orientation in fixtures.

  • Drawing Format: Support for 2D technical drawings and 3D models, with engineering review for dimensional feasibility and manufacturability.

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