What are the different types of tactile stud and strip fixing pins?

When choosing a tactile stud or strip you can be presented with an overwhelming number of options including their dimensions, metals, finishes, fitment methods, inserts, and the list goes on. One of the key points for consideration is oftentimes the fixing pin, as there are multiple choices with no real evident reason to have any preference.

Across our product set, we have three main types of fixing pins, the machined pin, welded pin, and the threaded pin. Some are more suited to different applications but it’s not uncommon to come across products where there is the option of two or more.

Machined Fixing Pin

A machined pin is when the fixing pin and the head of the stud are made from a single piece of metal. This style of stud ensures the integrity of the fixing pin as it has no fixing point that can be exploited by pressure, like in the case of a welded pin. This isn’t to say that welded pins are not secure, but having the pin derive from the same singular piece of metal gives that extra peace of mind and another level of durability. Monolith pins do come with the downside that they are generally more expensive than the welded pin alternative as the manufacturing process is a lot more complex and takes longer to complete.

Machined pins are generally found on studs as the piece of metal that’s fed through the machine is sized to the head of the stud and then the excess metal is cut away for the pin, this isn’t generally done with tactile strips due to their dimensions, as it would create a significant amount of waste metal.

Welded Fixing Pin

Welded pins are quite straightforward, both the head of the stud and the main body of the strip are made independently from their pins. They are then joined through the process of welding. This joining process usually happens via a machine that is programmed to weld a set number of studs at a time ensuring consistency at the point of manufacturing. Tactile studs and strips are normally cheaper than their monolith pin and threaded pin counterparts. It’s most common to find welded pins on both tactile studs and strips.

Threaded Fixing Pin

A threaded pin is similar in some ways to the welded pin, in that both the pin and the head of the tactile stud or strip are created separately before being joined. This is done by drilling a hole in the head of the stud or body of the strip and using a tap and die to create a thread. An M8 or M10 threaded bar is then screwed into the head of the stud and for extra security can also be welded in place.

Threaded pins are often found on larger studs, such as our anti-skate stud range. The advantage of a threaded pin is that it creates a larger surface area for the resin to bond to when filling a drilled cavity. This is especially important if the head of the stud is sizeable and is prone to being knocked through its application.

The most common choice will be between the machined and welded fixing pins as they tend to be used across the majority of studs. Welded pins are a good cost-effective alternative to monolith pins whereas the machined pin provides peace of mind through its nature as a single piece of metal.