Retaining rings

Retaining rings (also known as spring rings) are a special open element designed for reliable fixation of a part on a shaft. One of the use cases is securing bearings, axles, and other components.

These rings are most widely used in various machine-building industries; they are used in the assembly of moving units of machinery and vehicles. Externally, they are an open ring fitted with external or internal lugs or other elements for fixation.

Design features

Retaining rings of various types are manufactured in accordance with the Russian GOST standards, as well as the international DIN and ISO standardization systems. The standards specify permissible size ranges, materials used, and other manufacturing features. Depending on manufacturing features, retaining rings are generally divided into the following types:

• External. They are installed on the outer side of the shaft; for secure fixation, they are fitted with external lugs and other mounting features.
• Internal. These, conversely, are designed for installation into a prepared bore. For fixation, they may be fitted with internal mounting lugs of various configurations.

Rings are also divided into concentric and eccentric types depending on the shape of mating with the groove. The first type has equal width around the entire circumference, and the centers of the outer and inner diameter coincide in such products. Eccentric rings have additional ears, and the ring itself narrows. Each of these variants has its own application features in the assembly of units and machinery.

Materials

Retaining rings are also divided by manufacturing material. The most common are retaining rings made from various grades of spring steel: 65G, 60S2A, 40×13 and other grades. These materials are resistant to mechanical loads, and spring steel can withstand prolonged exposure. Retaining rings made of stainless steel grades A1-A5 are also widely used in industry. These alloys are not subject to corrosion, which makes them suitable for prolonged use in various conditions.

To extend the service life of steel retaining rings, the metal is coated with a protective layer that prevents corrosion. The following protective coating options are possible:

• Chemical oxidizing. As a result of this treatment, a thin oxide film forms on the metal surface: it stops the further oxidation process and prevents the metal from being destroyed by corrosion. This is one of the most common protection methods.
• Zinc-plating. In this case, the surface of metal products is coated with a thin layer of zinc. It provides protection against corrosion, so such parts are not affected by high humidity or sharp temperature fluctuations.
• Phosphate, cadmium and other types of coating. They are more expensive, so they are used less often. The protective layer provides strong protection against corrosive environmental effects.

Retaining rings also differ from one another in manufacturing features. When made from metal strip, they have a square or rectangular cross-section, while those made from wire have a round cross-section. The optimal type of retaining ring is selected depending on the product’s purpose and operating conditions.

Applications of retaining rings

Parts of this type are widely used in various areas of industrial production. They perform the following functions in various units and assemblies of mechanisms:

• Ensuring secure fixation of parts during rotation on a shaft or when installed in a bore. The use of such devices increases the reliability of the connection and ensures stable, trouble-free equipment operation.
• Ensuring continuous operation of a rotating mechanism. Installing retaining rings prevents displacement of parts during the operation of the mechanism, which increases the reliability of its use.
• Fixation of rolling bearings — one of the most common use cases.

Special tools are used to install retaining rings, and installation and removal require practiced skills. When properly installed, such products can last a very long time; they are suitable for continuous operation thanks to their strength and corrosion resistance. Products of this type are actively used in the automotive industry, instrument manufacturing, machine tool production, industrial equipment and more. The FLOK catalogue allows you to select suitable products for a variety of tasks.

Fastener ordering terms

The FLOK catalogue features retaining rings of all existing types. FLOK offers wholesale supply in batches of any volume; you can order supply for your enterprise in small, medium or large wholesale quantities on an ongoing basis. Products are supplied directly from major manufacturers, so you can source quality goods without intermediaries or additional markups.

All types of fastener products are offered with delivery to any region of Russia.

Cross-section size, mm	Internal diameter D, mm	Weight, kg/100 pcs.
3	25	1.1
5	35	1.4
7	40	2.1
10	80	3.2