FAQs
Special Retaining Ring Designs
What type of retaining ring might I use if
accumulated tolerances or wear have caused
objectionable end play in my assembly?
There are two types of retaining rings you might consider using
to avoid this problem. Bowed rings are specifically designed to
have a resiliency to this issue by functioning as both a spring and
a fastener. They are also used to dampen vibration and oscillation
and are available as axial and radial retaining rings.
The second method involves a beveled retaining ring, which
provides a rigid end play take up, functioning as a wedge between
the groove and the retained part. It also reduces assembly time by
avoiding measuring of accumulated tolerances and using select
fit parts. Beveled rings are only available in an axial ring style for
applications greater than 1 in.
How would I calculate for bowed
and beveled retaining rings?
These formulas are easy to understand and implement. For bowed
retaining rings, it is necessary to locate grooves carefully in order
to maximize end-play take-up resilience. There are two basic
configurations you’ll run into, as shown in the drawings for internal
and external designs. The formulas for groove location are:
Amax = Bmin + Jmax,
Amin = Bmax + Jmin,
Jmax − Jmin = resilient
take-up tolerances of
groove location A and
width B of retained part.
For beveled retaining rings, there is a minimum and maximum insertion
measurement. Here is the methodology needed (see drawing):
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Ring take-up capability [d/2 (tan 15 deg.)] ≥ Δ A + Δ B + Δ U
Variation in retained part width (Δ B)
Variation in groove location (Δ A)
Variation in ring beveled edge (Δ U)
Groove location limits (Amin and Amax) can be calculated as follows:
Amin = Bmax + Umax + d/2 (tan 15 deg.)
Amax = Bmin + Umin + d (tan 15 deg.)
What if I have higher load requirements than
most other applications?
There are retaining rings for almost every application. For very-
high-load requirements, companies are able to provide reinforced
retaining rings offering greater thicknesses and different shapes,
depending on the application.
Are products available for custom groove
dimensions?
That depends on the company you’re working with. For example, in
addition to offering designs to fit standard groove dimensions, Rotor
Clip also offers unlimited spiral retaining ring designs made from flat
wire to fit custom groove dimensions. The number of turns on a flat wire
ring can be increased to improve ring strength and fill wider grooves.
This section view of an internal beveled retaining ring shows how it wedges
itself in the complimentary groove to take up tolerances while locking the
retained part rigidly in place.
I’ve noticed that retaining rings have an
rpm limit. What determines this?
When you have a rotating shaft that is using an external
retaining ring, you are susceptible to centrifugal forces.
This means that the ring you are using can fail when
these forces become strong enough to lift the ring out
of the groove.

How can I maintain higher rpm limits

and not lose the retaining ring?
Tapered rings with stronger radial spring force may be
considered to improve rpm limits. It is also possible to
increase your rpm limits by using spiral retaining rings
with a special interlocking feature in your application.

These are great examples. Is there

anything specific I’ll need to consider
when designing in a retaining ring?
One of the important things to consider when selecting
a retaining ring is clearance. This is important for
several reasons. Even if you choose the perfect
retaining ring for your application, if you don’t have
room to install it on the production line, you’ll have
a problem. The same holds true for removing and
reassembling a retaining ring during inspection, field
service, or repairs. Further, axial and radial clearances
must also be considered in relation to abutting or
adjacent components in the assembly.

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