Smalley can assist with the design of custom application specific tooling to simplify the installation and removal of Spirolox Retaining Rings. While no special tooling is required for installation, simple tooling can be manufactured to expedite the assembly process.

A new section has been added to Smalley's website with several examples of how custom tooling helped application engineers. In the application featured, an internal, 2-Turn Spirolox Retaining Ring is being installed into the bore. Smalley has assisted with the development of a custom plunger and tapered sleeve.

Tooling can be developed for both manual or automated installation. More information on Spirolox Retaining Ring assembly and removal can be found at:

• Manual Installation


• Production Assembly


• Removal Methods

Contact a Smalley engineer today for help with your application.

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Smalley Steel Ring Company, announces the launch of a new Parts and Engineering Catalog.

The new catalog combines previously existing Spirolox Retaining Ring and Wave Spring series with newly released series including Hoopster Retaining Rings, Constant Section Rings, Metric Wave Springs and Small Series Wave Springs.

Smalley is pleased to offer the new catalog to its customers. Bill McClelland, Smalley's Director of Engineering says, “The new catalog offers our customers a comprehensive look at all of Smalley's 10,000 standard parts. Newly updated content features 130 pages of part tables, engineering guides, design information and expanded part offerings. The catalog is an ideal resource for engineers needing detailed product information for quick prototypes.”

The new catalog is offered both in paper and PDF formats. Both versions can be requested by going to: www.smalley.com/getcatalog.

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Smalley introduces the new Windpower Retaining Ring Series. The Windpower Series consists of Spirolox® Retaining Rings in large sizes up to 120" specifically for the windpower generation industry.

Like all of Smalley's products, Smalley Steel Ring Company coils its Windpower Series products rather than stamping them. This means that Spirolox Retaining Rings in the series have No Ears to Interfere® with mating components in an application and are compatible with standard snap ring grooves. There are no gaps or lugs, allowing for tight radial applications. Rings can be manufactured for gear boxes, seals, motors and bearings up to 120" in diameter. Standard materials are stocked and ready for production, resulting in quick lead time and deliver in as little as two weeks.

Spirolox® Retaining Rings in the Windpower Series require no special tools for installation or removal. Special designs are crucial to the power generation industry because of the unique large size requirements necessary. Smalley has been able to solve many design challenges for those in the industry because of the ability to produce specials quickly and economically. The Windpower Series are manufactured with a No-Tooling-Charge™ process to satisfy precise operating conditions found in many Windpower applications. The process also allows Smalley to create a lower cost retainer solution, that previously was not available to the industry.

Bill McClelland, Smalley's Director of Engineering notes, "There has been an overwhelming response to the Windpower Series by those in the industry. Smalley's unique design and production process, combined with collaboration with wind industry designers, resulted in providing products for the wind industry that in the past were expensive and difficult to obtain. This is certainly a step forward for those looking for an economical solution."

Smalley Steel Ring Company is a member of AWEA and EWEA. Smalley offers complete information on the Windpower Series. Information is available at www.smalleywindpower.com or by contacting Smalley engineering staff at 847-719-5900 or windpower@smalley.com.

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Smalley Wave Springs are used by shoe manufacturers for cushioning in the soles of both athletic and casual shoes.

Wave springs are used because of their space saving abilities and lightweight design compared to conventional coil springs. Wave springs, which are half the height of coil springs, provide an accurate repeatable load in both the heel and ball of shoes. A single Crest-to-Crest Wave Spring in the heel and two parallel wave springs in the ball of the shoe absorb the impact associated with athletic activities, reducing stress on joints.

The springs were specifically designed to handle the extensive cycle life that is associated with the wear of the shoes. Smalley Wave Springs offer accurate, repeatable loads for the duration of the spring life. The spring is designed to outlast the life of the shoe itself.

A thicker wire and radial wall allows the springs to compress within themselves with only a minimal pilot shaft to hold the springs in place. 17-7 stainless steel, available from stock, provides for both protection from the elements and an aesthetically appealing design.

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Smalley introduces new Hoopster Retaining Rings. Hoopster rings fit into much shallower grooves than regular snap rings or retaining rings.

The Hoopster’s low profile, precision circularity and small radial size allow it to be an unobtrusive component in an assembly. Hoopster Retaining Rings are suitable for light to heavy loads and are ideal for thin wall tubes. An additional advantage of the Hoopster is its potential for high thrust capacity. The low radial profile will not twist or deform under load as with conventional retaining rings.

Hoopster Retaining Rings are easily installed without special tools. Standard sizes are stocked from ¾" to 3" and offered in carbon and 302 stainless steel. Specials can be made with No-Tooling-Charges™.

Smalley offers complete information on the Hoopster Retaining Ring including a new catalog supplement featuring part numbers and material options.

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