The WaveRing is a spiral retaining ring with an axial wave form. It acts like a standard retaining ring with the additional feature of compressibility. It compensates for the overall length tolerance of stacked components, while still acting as a retaining ring. Once assembled the WaveRing will reduce looseness and vibration in the assembly.
Designed to fit into a groove, the WaveRing applies pressure in two directions: against the groove wall and against the assembly components. Single, double or multiple turns in the WaveRing are possible as well as a choice of materials, including our standard 17-7 ph stainless and carbon steel.
Smalley offers two series of WaveRings from stock:
- WHW Series(PDF)
Internal, Housing Rings available from .750" to 5" in carbon and 17-7 stainless steel
- WSW Series(PDF)
External, Shaft Rings available from .750" to 5" in carbon and 17-7 stainless steel
Application Example
Gear Bracket Application
The worm gear shaft is held in place and pre-loaded using a 2-Turn Smalley WaveRing. The WaveRing fits an internal groove and the waveform in the ring allows the gear/shaft to float axially as the gear rotates.
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Wave Spring and Retaining Ring
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