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Medical-Grade Retaining Rings & Wave Springs for the MedTech Industry
Precision Components for Medical Equipment, Surgical Instruments & Implantable Applications
From diagnostic equipment and implantable devices to imaging systems and dental tools, Smalley components support a broad range of medical applications. With more than 100 years of engineering and manufacturing experience, Smalley provides innovative solutions that help manufacturers meet the demanding requirements of the medical industry.
As medical devices continue to shrink, the demand for smaller retaining rings and wave springs continues to grow. Smalley components help engineers reduce assembly size and weight, improve assembly efficiency, and simplify installation across a wide range of medical devices. As the inventor of the Spirolox® Retaining Ring and Crest-to-Crest® Wave Spring, Smalley advances coiling technology while offering space-saving solutions that support precise retention and spring performance in compact assemblies. Backed by extensive engineering expertise, scalable manufacturing capabilities, and a broad range of standard and custom components, Smalley helps manufacturers meet both design and production 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 Medical Engineers Choose Smalley
Diameters as small as .157" (4 mm) from stock and .118" (3 mm) for customs
316 stainless steel parts from stock
40+ materials including Elgiloy and medical-grade titanium
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™
Prototyping available to ensure proper fit and function before production
All parts proudly made in the State of Illinois, USA
Medical Application Examples
- Surgical Instruments
- Powered Surgical Tools
- Precision Handheld Devices
- Imaging Systems
- Scanning Equipment
- Motion Control Assemblies
- Precision Positioning Systems
- Dental Tools
- Dental Devices
- Precision Mechanical Assemblies
- Monitoring Equipment
- Sensors
- Actuators
- Precision Instrumentation
- Injectable Devices and Pens
- Orthopedic Implants
- Joint Replacement Systems
- Implantable Medical Mechanisms
Medical Application Spotlight
Hip Replacement
Common Smalley Solutions for Medical
Spirolox® Retaining Rings
Crest-to-Crest® Wave Springs
Single-Turn Wave Springs
WaveRing® Retaining Rings
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.
