The font section retaining ring feature a uniform, constant section. This means that the material used to make the ring is the same width at any point along the circumference of the ring. These cost less than tapered and spiral retaining rings and provide only three point contact with the groove.
Retaining rings can be used in a variety of industries, especially in static mechanical and static sealing applications such as various types of hydraulic cylinders, injection molding machines, mining equipment, marine hydraulics, loading platforms, cranes and other heavy equipment.
A retaining ring, also widely known as a circlip or snap ring, is a fastener made of metal that fits in a groove on a shaft or in a bore or housing to retain a component. These devices hold parts in place with a lightweight, compact design that does not require extensive machining operations compared to other fastening techniques. (fastener type).
Engineers often distinguish font retaining rings based on their application:
The size of the font retaining ring can vary from 1mm to 1m in diameter. Various combinations of shapes, styles, sizes and materials can even lead to designs that perform efficiently in a variety of applications and industries. In a standard car, for example, there can be as many as 50 retaining rings in the system consisting of steering, safety equipment, powertrain, and more.
Font retaining rings can also be used in several other applications such as wind turbines, exercise equipment, bearing fixtures, door handles, bicycles, gas stations, office furniture, and more.
The main reason for using a font retaining ring is to provide a base or simply a shoulder to stop a component or subassembly from falling out of the housing hole or shaft.
Retaining rings are available in a variety of materials. Materials are determined by the application environment. Carbon steel is the standard material when the retaining ring is not exposed to corrosive environments. If the retaining ring is to be used in a corrosive environment, there is a range of stainless steel options available. In high temperature environments, special alloys may be required. These alloys include Elgiloy, Hastiloy and Inconel. Retaining rings can also be plated in different types or receive different coatings to withstand harsh environments. Common surface treatments include: black oxide, cadmium plating, oil immersion, passivation, zinc phosphate, vapor degreasing (cleaning), shaker or hand deburring.