3. Tapered Retaining Rings

A) Axial Assembled

It is generally fitted along the Centre-point of an axis (horizontally). These rings have a “tapered-section.” When you apply pressure to compress the lugs so as to fit the ring in a housing (or expand them in order to install it over a shaft), the height of the ring tends to get on a descending side symmetrically from the top to the ends which are free. This construction is the reason for the rings to impose a circular shape when it is proceeded inside the groove, which then allows the ring to have a stronger grip on the bottom of the groove along the entire edge of the ring. This feature provides the system with much needed high thrust load capacity.

B) Radial Assembled

These rings are installed along the circle (vertically). These retaining rings with external shafts are designed for conditions which are characterized by thrust loadings which are low. They do not have lug holes or lugs, and do not extend as further around the groove’s circumference as their axial counterparts, thus they tend to absorb less force. But for most of its applications they are pretty much cost effective.

C) Self-Locking

It is installed along the Centre-point of an axis (vertically)

1. Come in various sizes including small sizes for applications with thrust loadings which are very low.

2. They do not compulsorily require a groove for their installation.

3. Most of them cannot be easily removed once they are installed.

4. Constant Section Retaining Rings

As the name suggests, Constant section retaining rings consists of a constant, uniform section. This simply means that the material taken in use for the construction of the ring is of the same width throughout any point considered on the ring circumference. They usually cost less than spiral retaining rings and tapered retaining rings and are only known to have three-point contact with the groove.

Advantages of constant section containing rings

1. Edges consisting of radius, no stamping burrs

2. No assembly/disassembly lugs = space saving in radial direction

3. No special tooling is required in this case for exotic materials

4. Square edge wire for sharp-edged installations

5. Higher ring shear

6. No special tooling for installing and removal necessary

7. Contains heavy duty sections for higher rotational capacities

8. Customized special ends for specific applications

5. Custom Retaining Rings

Retaining rings can also be customized as per the requirements of the application. Usually, rings produced from coiling are comparatively easier to customize. Often not much of a complex setup is required (with no tooling) to produce any specific ring. If the application requires a specific configuration or end type, this is easier to produce from a coiled ring rather than with the help of a stamped ring. Custom rings can be manufactured in sizes which range from 0.157 in. (or 4 mm) to 120 in. or 3,000 mm in diameter. A custom stamped ring would ask for an additional die and setup.

Advantages of Retaining Rings

• It reduces and avoids complex machining such as under cuts and threads

• Comparatively cheaper than other fastening methods

• Compact in design

• Uses less amount of raw material for any given size

• It requires no special training for assembly

• Can be assembled very fast

• Easier to install

• Considerably Light weight

• Unlike other alternatives which are threaded, it significantly reduces the production cost