Pilots

The main reason of a pilot is to position the stock strip accurately. Pilots also bring the stock strip within proper position for blanking and piercing operation concurrently. If strip is fed by hand, it may go beyond proper position because of strip stop. In such a situation, pilot takes it back to proper position in a direction away from the strip stop. Pilot also avoids buckling of strip. While the strip is fed through hand, under feeding of strip occurs and pilot pulls the strip forward. Diameter of pilot is commonly 0.002 to 0.003 inch smaller than punch diameter for average work and 0.0005 to 0.001 inch smaller than punch diameter for precision work.

                                                                    Figure: Pilot

Length of pilot is at least 1/4 inch longer than punches. In that way, pilot will take care of proper positioning before real cutting. Pilot nose contour is display in Figure.