Overview
ISO 8017:2007 - Tools for moulding - specifies the dimensions and tolerances (in millimetres) for headed, straight and shouldered guide pillars and for shouldered locating guide pillars used in moulds. The standard defines three pillar types (A, B and C), gives drawing conventions, surface texture indications and a clear designation system for specifying guide pillars in procurement and design.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and units: All dimensions and tolerances are given in millimetres for use in mould tooling.
- Pillar types:
- Type A - Straight guide pillars (headed or unheaded).
- Type B - Shouldered guide pillars.
- Type C - Shouldered locating guide pillars.
- Dimensional data: The standard provides tables and figures that list available diameters, shoulder dimensions, lengths and standard sizes (examples in the standard include diameters such as 12, 16, 20, 25, 32, 40, 50 mm and corresponding length/shoulder options).
- Features and tolerancing: Drawings in the standard show optional centre holes, blending radii or recesses, and other details; tolerances for these features are specified in the tables and figures.
- Surface texture: Surface roughness indications are aligned with ISO 1302:2002 for consistent specification of machining finishes.
- Designation rules: A pillar is designated by type and size following the format:
Guide pillar ISO 8017 – A 12 × 40 (examples for types B and C use L×L where two lengths are needed).
Applications
- Mould and die designers use ISO 8017 to select and specify guide pillars that ensure accurate alignment between upper and lower mould plates.
- Toolmakers and manufacturers apply the standard to produce components with consistent dimensions for interchangeability and predictable fit.
- Procurement and quality teams rely on the standard designation and tolerances for purchasing and inspection acceptance criteria.
- Maintenance and repair operations benefit from readily available standard sizes to replace worn pillars and prevent incorrect assembly of mould halves.
Related standards
- ISO 1302:2002 - surface texture indication (referenced for finish notation)
- ISO 4957 - tool steels (material reference)
- ISO 6753-2 - machined plates for moulds
- ISO 8018 - guide bushes (headed) and locating guide bushes
ISO 8017 supports compatibility and repeatability in mould tooling by providing a compact, practical specification for guide pillar geometry, tolerancing and designation - essential for consistent mould manufacture, maintenance and procurement. Keywords: ISO 8017, guide pillars, shouldered guide pillars, locating guide pillars, moulding tools, dimensions and tolerances.
Open preview (PDF)Tools for moulding — Guide pillars, straight and shouldered, and locating guide pillars, shouldered
