Materials
- Carbon spring steel (ST)
- Stainless steel – PH-15-7Mo (SS)
- Beryllium copper alloy #25 (BC)
- Stainless steel – DIN 1.4122 (SG)
- Phosphor bronze alloy #5218 (PB)
Constant Section Retaining Rings / Snap Rings
Constant Section retaining rings, commonly known as Snap rings, feature a uniform width along their circumference (radial wall), ensuring three points of contact with the groove. This lug-free design makes them highly effective in tight clearances or limited space. Rotor Clip Snap Rings are chosen for their robust cross-section, enhancing their ability to withstand impact loads effectively. They provide constant contact across a range of loads, with the shoulder securely holding assemblies in place.
Features & Benefits
- Uniform width across circumference
- Excel in applications with tight clearances or limited space because of lug free design
- Ease of assembly – special tools are not required, however some configurations have notches on the end for easier installation
- Simple automation allows for production assembly flexibility
Sizes available from:
- Standard: .157 to 10” (4 mm to 150 mm)
- Custom: .157” to 44” (4 mm to 1200 mm)
Constant Section Rings / Snap Rings Materials & Finishes
Rotor Clip Constant Section rings / Snap Rings are available in a diverse range of materials to suit your unique needs. Whether you need stainless steel, beryllium copper, or phosphor bronze, our expert engineers utilize metallurgical expertise to ensure your snap rings provide exceptional strength and performance.
Finishes
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Snap Rings For Nearly Any Application
Constant section rings (snap rings) are extensively used in the Off-Highway, Construction, and Agriculture industries due to their heavy-duty, impact-loading capabilities. Common application examples include hydraulic cylinders, steering gear assemblies, brake systems, and other critical construction and agriculture equipment.
Clutch with Constant Section Ring / Snap Ring
Clevis Joint with Constant Section Ring / Snap Ring
Hydraulic Cylinder with Constant Section Ring / Snap Ring
Custom Snap Rings For Any Application
At Rotor Clip, we’re here to help you every step of the way to customize your constant section retaining rings. Whether you need adjustments in load capacity, rotational tolerance, end configurations, section thickness, or specific materials and finishes, we’ve got you covered. From start to finish, we ensure your rings meet your exact needs.
Talk To Us About Customization
Snap Ring Installation
Constant section rings, also known as snap rings, are installed horizontally into grooves in housings or on shafts. They are designed for easy installation and removal, often without the need for special tools. Some constant section rings come with notches at the ends to facilitate simpler installation. Their straightforward application makes them a versatile choice for various industrial and mechanical uses.
A constant section ring (often referred to as a snap ring) is a metal fastener or retaining ring used to secure components within mechanical assemblies. This ring is designed to snap into a groove on a shaft or within a housing/bore. Snap rings come in various styles and sizes, including internal and external types, and can feature an open end to facilitate easy installation and removal. They are commonly made from carbon steel or stainless steel, but other exotic alloys can be used based on specific requirements.
Snap rings are installed using various methods depending on the application and ring series. We support our snap rings with a complete line of manual and pneumatic tools. Our engineering design team can assist you in designing custom application equipment for specialized or high-volume assembly.
Circlips and snap rings are both used to secure components in machinery, but they have distinct differences. Circlips, also known as tapered section rings, offer higher thrust loadings due to their design and are ideal for applications requiring robust retention. Snap rings, or constant section rings, have a uniform width, excel in tight clearances, and are better suited for high-impact applications. Circlips typically require more clearance for installation and offer easier removal with lug holes, while snap rings are easier to install without special tools.
Need help selecting the perfect retaining ring for your application?
Resources
With over 65 years in the retaining ring business, we’ve designed and specified snap rings for nearly every industry and environment. Our extensive experience has earned us a reputation as trusted experts in the field.
Explore some of our most popular resources about retaining rings, snap rings, and circlips.
