Smalley WaveRing® retaining rings - multiple

WaveRing⁠® Retaining Rings

Retaining Rings with Integrated Spring Force

WaveRing

WaveRing⁠® Retaining Rings

WaveRing⁠® Retaining Rings combine the retention function of a traditional retaining ring with the compressibility of a wave spring. Designed to fit into a groove, they apply continuous force against both the groove axial wall and the retained components to compensate for tolerance stack-up, reduce looseness, and minimize vibration within an assembly. 

  • Retention & Spring Force in One Component 
     Combines retaining ring and spring functions in a single part. 
  • Applies Continuous Preload 
     Exerts force against both the groove axial wall and retained components. 
  • Reduces Looseness & Vibration 
     Helps improve assembly stability and compensate for tolerance variation. 
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Overview

WaveRing⁠® Retaining Rings are spiral retaining rings with an axial waveform that combine the functions of a retaining ring and a wave spring. Installed in a groove, they apply pressure against both the groove axial wall and the retained components while compensating for overall length tolerances within an assembly. 

The integrated spring force helps reduce looseness and vibration while maintaining retention. Available in single-turn, two-turn, and multi-turn configurations, WaveRings can be engineered to provide the retention and spring characteristics required by the application. 

WaveRing Types

WaveRing

Standard Series

Series Unit Diameter
WHW (Internal) Imperial 0.750 - 5"
WSW (External) Imperial 0.750 - 5"

Designed to Meet Your Exact Specifications

Smalley stocks more than 6,000 Retaining Ring part numbers in carbon steel and stainless steel. When a standard part won't do, our engineers can help you develop a custom solution built around your application's requirements. 

With more than 40 material options and countless configurations available, Smalley provides the design flexibility needed for unique applications. Our edgewinding process minimizes material scrap, making premium materials such as Elgiloy, Inconel, and titanium cost-effective choices. Best of all, all custom parts come with No-Tooling-Charges⁠™ 

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Design Support & Custom Solutions

Expert Engineering Team

Custom Design Services

Application Optimization

Applications

WaveRing⁠® Retaining Rings provide bearing preload and retention in a single component. By applying continuous force to the bearing race, they help minimize vibration caused by high rotational speeds.

WaveRing in bearing preload application
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