Retention Features Manufacturing

Engineered for Holding Power

Four Feature Types, One Process

Electropin Technologies LLC manufactures pins with diverse retention features to ensure functionality without sacrificing the advantages of automatic die rolling. All features are formed during the cold-form process with no reduction in production speed and no increase in waste.

Features formed during cold-form die rolling
No speed reduction during manufacturing
Expert guidance on selecting the right feature
Each type optimized for specific applications

Retention Feature Types

Choose the right retention feature for your application. Our DFM experts can help you select the optimal solution.

Star

Highest retention and anti-rotational strength. ~50% diameter expansion. Ideal for circuit boards and high-stress applications.

Tabs / Spline

Strong retention with minimal expansion. Best for plastic and metal inserts where tight tolerances on housing dimensions are critical.

Inscribed Square

Retention without protrusion beyond the pin diameter. Ideal for automation and applications requiring a clean, compact profile.

Flat

Maximum anti-pullout force with 90-degree orientation. Ensures the pin stays securely seated in the most demanding applications.

Choosing the Right Feature

1
Star -- Choose when you need the highest retention and anti-rotational strength. The ~50% diameter expansion provides maximum holding power, making stars ideal for circuit board applications.
2
Tabs / Spline -- Choose when housing dimensions are tight and minimal expansion is critical. Best for plastic and metal inserts where the pin must not significantly enlarge the receiving hole.
3
Inscribed Square -- Choose when the pin must not protrude beyond its nominal diameter. Ideal for automated assembly processes where a clean, compact profile is required.
4
Flat -- Choose when maximum anti-pullout force is the priority. The 90-degree orientation provides secure seating in applications with high axial loads.

Manufacturing Advantages

                
                All features formed at full production speed - up to 5 pins per second
              
                Zero scrap produced regardless of feature type
              
                Cold-form process preserves material strength in the retention area
              
                DFM experts help select the optimal feature for your application
              
                Available in lead-free brass and stainless steel
              
                1 in 600 million defect rate across all feature types

Quick Facts

Star Features: ~50% diameter expansion, highest retention
Tabs / Splines: Strong retention, minimal expansion
Inscribed Squares: Retention without protrusion
Flat Features: Maximum anti-pullout, 90-degree orientation
Speed Impact: None - full production speed maintained

Other Services

What Our Clients Say

Trusted by manufacturers across industries for precision retention features.

"Electropin Technologies LLC's zero-waste process saved us 30% on material costs while delivering pins that exceed our quality standards. Their DFM team identified design improvements we hadn't considered."

Mark T.

Engineering Director, Automotive OEM

"We've produced over 50 million pins with Electropin Technologies LLC and haven't had a single quality issue. Their defect rate claims aren't marketing -- they're real."

Sarah K.

VP Supply Chain, Electronics Manufacturer

"From first consultation to first delivery in under three weeks. Electropin Technologies LLC's turnaround time is unmatched in the industry."

James R.

Procurement Manager, Medical Device Company

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about our retention feature manufacturing.

It depends on your requirements. Stars provide the highest retention and anti-rotational strength. Tabs/Splines offer strong retention with minimal expansion. Inscribed Squares retain without protrusion. Flats maximize anti-pullout force. Our DFM experts can help you select the optimal feature for your specific application.

No. All retention features are formed during the standard cold-form die rolling process with no reduction in production speed and no increase in material waste. The feature is built into the progressive die, so there is no added cost per pin.

In some cases, yes. Depending on pin geometry and application requirements, it may be possible to incorporate multiple feature types. Our DFM team can assess feasibility for your specific design and recommend the best approach.

The cold-form process actually preserves and can enhance material strength in the retention area. Unlike machining, which removes material, our die rolling process reshapes the metal, maintaining its grain structure and strength properties.

Yes, but it requires a new progressive die to be created for the updated feature. Our team can engineer a new die set and have updated production running quickly. Contact us to discuss design changes for existing pins.