The Benefits of Stainless Steel for Your Retaining Rings and Wave Springs

Stainless steel is known for its ability to resist rust, corrosion, and staining, making it an essential material for a wide range of demanding applications. This resistance comes from the inclusion of chromium, which forms a protective, invisible oxide layer on the surface of the steel. This layer shields the underlying metal from corrosive elements, preventing rust from spreading and weakening the steel’s internal structure. Though stainless steel is not completely impervious to staining or corrosion, its durability, strength, and ability to maintain its integrity under harsh conditions make it the material of choice for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical.

Key Benefits of Stainless Steel for Your Parts:

High Resistance to Corrosion

In applications exposed to seawater or other highly corrosive environments, stainless steel stands out as an ideal choice. Its superior corrosion resistance guarantees that your retaining ring or wave spring will maintain their performance and reliability over time, effectively preventing degradation and reducing the risk of failure.

Heat Resistance

For applications exposed to intense heat over extended periods, stainless steel retaining rings and wave springs provide exceptional resistance to damage, deformation, and melting. Unlike standard carbon steel, which can weaken under high temperatures, stainless steel maintains its structural integrity.

Aesthetics

Stainless steel’s reflective properties make it an excellent choice for applications where aesthetic appeal is important. Its polished finish can enhance the visual quality of the retaining rings and wave springs, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their environment. Additionally, stainless steel is easy to clean and resistant to discoloration, ensuring that the part maintains its fresh, new appearance over time.

At Rotor Clip, we understand the importance of choosing the right material for your application, and our team is here to help you navigate your options. We offer a variety of high-quality stainless steel grades, like 302 and 316, to meet your specific needs. Plus, we provide a range of other materials, including high carbon spring steel, beryllium copper, and exotic alloys, ensuring our parts can handle high temperatures, fluctuating loads, and corrosive environments. Whether you need retaining rings, wave springs, or hose clamps, Rotor Clip delivers precision and performance tailored to your exact specifications, no matter the industry. 

Stainless Steel Grades for Tapered & Constant Section Retaining Rings (Circlips & Snap Rings): 

• PH 15-7 Mo (Rotor Clip Designation SS) 

An extra strength corrosion resistant stainless steel, capable of preventing atmospheric oxidation at temperatures up to 900 º F. 15-7 Mo also offers the following advantages: 

1. Minimal distortion due to unique heat-treating process. 
2. A minimum of 225,000 psi for high ultimate tensile strength. 
3. High creep strength. 

(Note: We reserve the right to substitute PH 17-7 stainless steel material for PH 15-7 Mo on larger rings.) 

• DIN 1.4122 (Rotor Clip Designation SG) 

A grade of stainless steel commonly used on DIN standard retaining rings, and a less expensive alternative to PH 15-17. Since general corrosion resistance for this material is less than PH 15-7, use of this material depends upon the application. 

Stainless Steel Grades for Spiral Retaining Rings: 

• AISI 302 (Rotor Clip Designation SJ) 

These general-purpose stainless-steel offers corrosion resistance and can be cold worked to high tensile strengths. 302 stainless allows for temperatures up to 400 º F. 

• AISI 316 (Rotor Clip Designation SU) 

This type of stainless steel is heat resistant with superior corrosion resistance than other chromium nickel steels. It offers high creep strength at elevated temperatures and resistance to pitting. 316 stainless is often specified in the medical industry or for saltwater exposure. 

• A286 (Rotor Clip Designation SY) 

This grade of stainless steel is a nicked based alloy that exhibits strength, oxidation resistance and can operate in temperatures up to 1000 º F. 

Stainless Steel Grades for Wave Springs:

• PH 17-7 (Rotor Clip Designation SQ) 

17-7 stainless steel is used for high stress and fatigue applications. It has higher corrosion resistance than SAE 1070-1090 and can withstand much higher temperatures without losing spring qualities. 

• A286 (Rotor Clip Designation SY) 

This grade of stainless steel is a nicked based alloy that exhibits strength, oxidation resistance and can operate in temperatures up to 1000 º F. 

Rotor Clip’s team of engineers are here to help guide you in selecting the right part in the right material for your application. Get started now.