AS9100:2016, ISO 9001:2015, and IATF 16949:2016 quality certified
Retaining Rings & Wave Springs for High-Performance Defense and Military Systems
Engineered for Critical Applications Across Land, Sea, and Air
From ground vehicles and naval systems to aircraft, communications equipment, and defense electronics, Smalley components support a wide range of military and defense applications. With more than 100 years of engineering and manufacturing experience, Smalley provides innovative solutions that help manufacturers meet the requirements of these demanding applications.
Smalley components help engineers reduce assembly size and weight, improve assembly efficiency, and simplify installation across critical defense systems. Backed by extensive engineering expertise and a broad range of standard and custom components, Smalley helps manufacturers select the right solution for their design requirements.
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 Defense Engineers Choose Smalley
ITAR registered facility
40+ material options and a variety of finishes
Dedicated engineering team with application expertise
Capacity to support low- and high-volume production
Extensive inventory with over 11,000 standard part numbers
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
Defense Application Examples
- Tactical vehicles
- Armored vehicles
- Support vehicles
- Powertrain assemblies
- Suspension systems
- Flight control assemblies
- Actuators
- Avionics systems
- Engine systems
- UAV and drone systems
- Shipboard mechanical systems
- Control assemblies
- Propulsion support components
- Navigation equipment
- Communication systems
- Radar equipment
- Electronic control systems
- Circuit board assemblies
- Sensor platforms
- Precision mechanical assemblies
- Optical systems
- Stabilization mechanisms
- Positioning systems
- Portable power systems
- Generator equipment
- Hydraulic systems
- Environmental control systems
Common Smalley Solutions for Defense
Spirolox® Retaining Rings
Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs
Constant Section Retaining Rings
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.
