Axial Tapered Section Rings / Circlips: Design, Installation, and Benefits 

Axial tapered section retaining rings, also known as circlips, are the most widely used styles of retaining rings, selected for their versatility and strength. These rings feature a tapered design, where the height of the radial wall decreases symmetrically from the top of the ring to the free ends and lugs. This unique geometry helps distribute stress evenly and improves load-bearing capabilities. It also provides reliable retention and axial load support, allowing the rings to securely grip the groove and effectively withstand significant thrust loading. 

Rotor Clip’s circlips are the trusted choice for many applications. Available in a wide range of sizes, materials, and finishes, our rings can also be customized to meet specific requirements. Our tapered section rings are manufactured in-house, from raw material processing to finished products, and meet global ANSI, DIN, and JIS standards.  

Features and Benefits of Circlips (Axial Tapered Section Rings): 

Rotor Clip’s axial tapered section retaining rings provide several key advantages over alternative retaining rings. Here’s how they can enhance your application: 

• The tapered design ensures almost complete circular contact with the groove, providing a secure grip and enabling the ring to withstand higher thrust loadings than other fastening methods.
•  Their unique shape allows them to support significant axial and thrust loads, making them ideal for a variety of demanding applications.
• Featuring lugs and lug holes, these rings can be easily installed and removed using circlip pliers, applicators, or dispensers, enabling automated and high-speed assembly processes.
• Customization options and various materials, finishes, and sizes to meet specific application requirements.

• Sizes from: 

Standard .040” to 15” (1 mm to 1000 mm) 

Custom .040” to upwards of 47” (1 mm to upwards of 1200 mm) 

• Available in Inch, Metric, DIN, ANSI, and JIS 

Circlip Installation: 

Axial tapered section rings are designed for efficient installation, using lugs and lug holes for easy handling. Follow these key steps for proper installation and removal to ensure reliable performance. 

1. Choose the correct size: ensure the ring matches the groove dimensions in diameter and width. 
2. Use proper tools: retaining ring pliers or specialized tools are typically used to compress or expand the ring, allowing it to be positioned into the groove. 
3. Ensure proper seating: the ring should sit securely in the groove without excessive movement or misalignment.
4. Check for clearance: ensure adequate clearance for the retained component to move without interference.
5. Perform a functional test: After installation, operate the assembly to confirm the ring remains secure under operating conditions. 

Ordinarily specified for production assembly, Rotor Clip’s retaining rings are designed for easy integration into automated assembly processes, reducing costs and boosting efficiency for high-volume installations. Our engineering team ensures optimal feed equipment design, tailored to the helix and pitch limitations of each retaining ring, minimizing additional processing and complexity. For lower-volume assemblies, our rings can be manually assembled with simple tooling. Learn how we can support your large-scale production needs with our automated assembly today. 

Common Axial Ring / Circlip Application Examples: 

Circlips are commonly used in automotive, industrial, and medical applications for their thrust-loading capabilities and secure retention.  Some common applications include actuators, rotary unions, clutch assemblies, valves, transmissions, and medical devices, ensuring long-lasting durability in demanding environments.  

Engineering Support and Customization Capabilities 

As the only manufacturer of every style of retaining ring, our experts can provide comprehensive engineering support to customize tapered section rings (circlips) to your specific requirements. Whether you need adjustments in load capacity, rotational tolerance, end configurations, section thickness, or material and finishes, our team is ready to collaborate with you. From prototype to production, we ensure you receive the ideal ring solution tailored to your exact specifications. With manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Europe, and engineering, customer service, technical sales, and warehouses positioned globally, our team is always on standby to assist, no matter where you are. It’s more than just parts; it’s a partnership. Send us your requirements, and a member of our engineering team will be in touch. 

Learn more about our axial tapered section retaining rings now or explore our product range now.