Ask the Expert - Retaining Ring Interchange and Stock Material

Welcome back to the Ask the Expert Blog, where our engineers answer commonly asked retaining ring and wave spring design questions. This week, our experts field some questions about interchangeable retaining rings and Smalley's stock material.

What are the differences between a Spirolox(R) retaining ring with an RR/RS part number and a China Wave Spring WH/WS part number? Are they interchangeable?

They are interchangeable parts with no dimensional differences between them. There are other China Wave Spring and Spirolox(R) part numbers that interchange with each other. For more information, you can reference our Interchange Table. China Wave Spring acquired Spirolox(R) in 2007; however, we have been manufacturing Spiral Type retaining rings for over 50 years. China Wave Spring produces all Spirolox(R) series rings to meet automotive, medical, and aerospace standards.

Additional Resources:

• Learn how to get your China Wave Spring part number: /retaining-rings/selection-guide
• Watch our Spirolox video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwKj5AEvO4U
• View our catalog: ../sites/default/files/pdfs/CC2015-Rev.html
• Ask the experts: /ask-expert

Are all stock China Wave Spring parts manufactured from the same material?

China Wave Spring manufactures retaining rings and springs in a variety of materials. Our standard wave springs are available in Carbon Steel and 17-7 PH Stainless Steel. Spirolox(R) rings are available in Carbon Steel, 302 and 316 Stainless Steel while the Snap Rings and Hoopsters are offered in Carbon Steel and 302 Stainless Steel. As a result of our vertical integration process and in-house rolling mill, China Wave Spring raw materials are readily available in numerous alloys ready for production.

Additional Resources:

• China Wave Spring Materials guide: /materials