AS9100:2016 quality certified
Aerospace Retaining Rings & Wave Springs for Mission-Critical Applications
Precision Components Engineered for Aircraft, Satellite, & Spacecraft Subsystems
Smalley is the leading manufacturer of Spirolox® Retaining Rings and Wave Springs for the aerospace industry. Our components help engineers reduce assembly size and weight, improve assembly efficiency, and simplify installation while providing precise retention and spring performance.
From flight controls and fuel systems to actuators, valves, connectors, propulsion components, avionics, and bearing assemblies, Smalley products support a broad range of aerospace applications. All Smalley parts can be manufactured to meet aerospace quality and performance standards for AS9100 certification if required.
Smalley's industry-experienced engineers can recommend retaining ring and wave spring solutions to help optimize your design. Free CAD models and part samples are also available to support fast evaluation, prototyping, and implementation.
Why Aerospace Engineers Choose Smalley
40+ material options and a variety of finishes
Dedicated engineering team with application expertise
Extensive inventory with over 11,000 standard part numbers
Capacity to support low- and high-volume production
Custom parts with No-Tooling-Costs™
Free samples and CAD models to ensure proper fit and function
All parts proudly made in the State of Illinois, USA
Aerospace Application Examples
Aircraft Engines, Wheels, Flaps, Fuel Systems, Igniter Assemblies, Flight Controls, Actuators, Throttle, Landing Gear Assemblies, Valves, Connectors, Bearing Preload, Exhaust Diffusers, Seals in Combustion Chamber, Caps, Circuit Boards, Fan Blades, Auxiliary Power Unit, AC Ventilations, Buttons, Gages and Switches, Yoke, Thrust Controller, Prop Control, and Servovalves.
Satellite mechanisms, antenna deployment systems, reaction wheels, connectors, sensor assemblies, avionics.
Rocket engines, igniter assemblies, valves, propulsion components, fuel delivery systems, exhaust systems.
Robotic arms, mobility systems, scientific instruments, actuators, bearing assemblies, electronic enclosures.
Circuit boards, connectors, switches, instrumentation, environmental control systems.
Valves, seals, bearing preload assemblies, fluid handling equipment, rotating machinery.
Common Smalley Solutions for Aerospace
Spirolox® Retaining Rings
Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs
Single-Turn Wave Springs
Nestawave® Wave Springs
Design & Material Considerations
Every application presents a unique set of design and performance requirements. Smalley engineers are available to review your application and help identify the appropriate retaining ring or wave spring for your needs. The considerations below highlight some of the key factors engineers evaluate when specifying Smalley components.
- Assembly size and weight objectives
- Available axial and radial space
- Required force or travel
- Light-, medium-, or heavy-duty retention
- Installation and removal requirements
- Material strength requirements
- Quality and performance standards
For information on available material and finish options, refer to our Material Selection Guide. For a more comprehensive review of design considerations and component selection requirements, contact a Smalley engineer for a free design consultation.
Case Study
How did Spirolox® Retaining Rings help shape the future of air transportation technology?
The Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at the University of Texas at Austin is advancing research and testing for innovative stacked rotor helicopter technology. To secure bearings within the rotor transmission, the team selected two Spirolox® Retaining Rings.
Compared to alternative retention methods, Spirolox Rings helped reduce weight, lower costs, and simplify the overall assembly, supporting the development of this next-generation aerospace technology.
