For ten years, Lispring has been focusing on the R&D and production of wave springs and spiral retaining rings in the past, present and future, aiming to provide reliable and satisfactory products to global high-tech customers. We welcome your inquiries at any time.
Internal Retaining Rings
Internal retaining-rings are designed to be installed inside a bore or a housing. They consist of a circular or semicircular piece of metal with small gaps or discontinuities in their circumference. These gaps allow the ring to be expanded or contracted for easy installation and secure retention. Internal retaining-rings are ideal for applications where components need to be held within a cylindrical bore, preventing them from moving outward.
External Retaining Rings
External retaining-rings, on the other hand, are intended to be installed on the outside of a shaft. Like their internal counterparts, they also have gaps or discontinuities around their circumference, enabling them to expand or contract. External retaining rings are used when it is necessary to keep components from moving off the end of a shaft.
Applications
Both internal and external retaining rings find applications across various industries and machinery. Here are some common uses for each type:
Internal Retaining Rings:
Automotive Industry: Internal retaining-rings are often used in transmission systems to secure gears and bearings within housings.
Aerospace: They can be found in aircraft engines to retain components within cylindrical bores.
General Machinery: Internal rings are widely used in industrial machinery, such as pumps, to secure impellers and bearings.
External Retaining Rings:
Automotive Industry: External retaining-rings are employed in wheel hubs to prevent wheels from sliding off the axles.
Agriculture: They can be found in farm machinery to secure various components on rotating shafts.
General Manufacturing: External rings are used in assembly applications for holding components in place on rotating shafts.
Installation and Removal
Proper installation and removal techniques are essential for the effectiveness and serviceability of retaining rings. Here’s an overview of the procedures for each type:
Installing Internal Retaining-Rings:
Insert the internal retaining-ring into the bore, ensuring it is properly positioned.
Use specialized internal retaining-ring pliers to expand the ring and secure it in the groove.
Ensure the ring is fully seated and properly engaged.
Removing Internal Retaining Rings:
Use internal retaining-ring pliers to compress the ring and remove it from the bore.
Exercise caution to avoid damaging the ring or the bore during removal.
Installing External Retaining Rings:
Slide the external retaining-ring over the shaft, ensuring it is properly positioned in the groove.
Use external retaining-ring pliers or other appropriate tools to expand the ring and secure it in place.
Verify that the ring is fully engaged and holding components securely.
Removing External Retaining Rings:
Use external retaining-ring pliers or specialized tools to compress the ring and carefully slide it off the shaft.
Handle the ring with care to avoid deformation or damage during removal.
Conclusion
The choice between internal and external retaining rings is a critical one that directly affects the functionality and reliability of machinery and components. By considering the application requirements, space constraints, forces involved, environmental conditions, and other factors, you can make an informed decision to select the right type of retaining-ring.
Ultimately, the proper selection and installation of retaining-rings ensure the safety, longevity, and performance of machinery in a wide range of industries. It’s a decision that engineers, designers, and maintenance professionals must make with care and precision to meet the demands of their specific applications.
