Developing the Quick-Release Pin and Receptacle: Genesis of a new product

The Quick Release Pin is a complex assembly of a number of precision parts, like springs precision balls, turned parts and adhesives. And one company cannot make them all. In particular, the precision balls (similar to those used in bearings) must be procured, and this particular product had stringent requirements on tolerances and hardness, that could be met only by the most expert of manufacturers. For a while, importing seemed to be the only solution, but eventually our strong contacts in manufacturing yielded a domestic solution. The pin shafts were hardened and ground, manufactured on state-of-the-art machines. All parts were heat treated for the required strength and wear resistance. In addition, the receptacle and precision balls had stringent electroless nickel plating requirements with specified thickness and hardness, and our expert plating suppliers rose to the occasion and supplied the parts withing a week. Within two weeks, we had a prototype ready, but some of the hardenable stainless steel grades were tough to procure in bulk, so we had to search down select vendors to obtain the most reliable supplier.