Retaining Ring Manufacturing Process

Different retaining ring designs require different manufacturing routes. Each production stage is carefully controlled to ensure dimensional accuracy, mechanical strength, and reliable retention performance.

External & Internal Retaining Rings

STEP 01

Wire Forming

STEP 02

Stamping

STEP 03

Heat Treatment

STEP 04

Surface Treatment

E-Clips

This process is applied to E-Clips and external and internal retaining rings to achieve consistent dimensions, mechanical strength, and retention performance.

STEP 01

Stamping

STEP 02

Heat Treatment

STEP 03

Surface Treatment

OEM Manufacturing Services

Support for customized retaining ring production according to drawings, samples, and project-specific requirements.

Why do retaining rings come off during operation?

Retaining rings may come off when axial loads exceed groove capacity, the ring is not fully seated in the groove, or dimensional and elasticity deviations reduce proper groove engagement. Incorrect installation can also lead to dislodgement during operation.

Why does a retaining ring lose elasticity?

Loss of elasticity is typically related to material selection and heat treatment conditions, such as incorrect steel grade, insufficient tempering time, or unstable microstructure after heat treatment. Improper mold design causing dimensional imbalance, inconsistent hardness distribution, or incorrect installation (excessive expansion for shaft-type rings or insufficient compression for bore-type rings) can also reduce spring performance.

Why do retaining rings fracture during use or installation?

Fracture is commonly caused by raw material defects such as segregation or non-metallic inclusions, or excessive hardness resulting from improper quenching. Inadequate tempering can leave internal stress unrelieved, while post-heat-treatment deformation correction may introduce crack initiation points. Corrosion from residual quenching media or long-term improper storage can also contribute to crack formation and brittle failure.

Why does corrosion protection fail on retaining rings?

Corrosion issues are often linked to insufficient surface cleaning before coating, leaving residual oil or contaminants that affect coating adhesion. Improper phosphating or coating process control, such as incorrect solution concentration, unstable temperature, or short processing time, can lead to uneven coating coverage. Product stacking during processing may also prevent uniform film formation on all surfaces.