Retaining Rings

SPEC retaining rings are specially suited for retaining mating component parts. Typical applications include power transmission assemblies, pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders, bearing retainment, shaft retainment, as well as many other uses.

Sizes other than those listed are available as a special run. Delivery depends on availability of raw material.

Material

• Spring Steel.
  Commercial - SAE 1070-1090
  Military - MIL-S-46049
• No charge for certification of compliance when requested; certificate of chemical analysis available, See Price Book.
• High carbon rings are not recommended for applications where the temperature exceeds 250 Deg. F. (121 Deg. C).

Finish

Standard finish is that of the normal wire. Plated finishes furnished on request.

Installation

SPEC Retaining Rings are designed to be installed into a groove by inserting the end of the ring into the groove and then working the immediate coil into the groove. Continue around the ring until fully installed and properly seated.

Application Considerations

Thrust load is a maximum force that can be applied to the ring without the ring material shearing. To approach this level of thrust load the groove must be sharp, with minimal diameter clearance between retained components, and the load applied uniformly to the load surface of the ring.

In most cases the load carrying capacity of the groove is less than the ring due to lower tensile strengths of the groove material. For additional information regarding thrust loads contact our Engineering Department

Factors that can have an effect on thrust load include: Radii and Chamfer of groove - generally the larger the radii or the chamfer the lower the load.

Centrifugal force on shaft installations could cause the ring diameter to grow on external applications which results in less retaining surface within the groove. Contact Engineering Department for additional information.

Rotation of mating parts can dislodge the ring. If the application requires rotation we suggest contacting our Engineering Department.

Yield strength - This pertains to both the yield strength in compression of the groove as well as that of the ring. Three failure combinations can occur.

• Groove Deformation - The yield strength of the groove is less than that of the ring.
• Ring Failure - The yield strength of the groove is greater than the yield strength of the ring. The result is the shearing of the radial section of the ring material.
• Combination Failure - This condition occurs when the groove yield and the ring yield strengths are similar.