An Overview of Circlips and Their Main Applications
05 June 2023
Circlips are retaining rings commonly used in mechanical engineering applications to effectively secure components to a shaft or bore. They are normally snapped into a groove in the said places, providing a secure and reliable way to hold a component in place.
These retaining rings, also known as C-clips, rotor clips, or snap rings, maximise a semi-flexible metal ring with open ends that can be snapped into place. They can generally help prevent lateral movement of the components, making sure the bearing, gear, pulley, and other assemblies can carry out their functions without any issues or compromises.
Common Types of Circlips
To date, there are two types of circlips that industries can utilise today. These types are internal circlips and external circlips.
Internal circlips are fitted into a groove in a bore. They feature a uniform cross-section and are often installed using circlip pliers, which expand the circlip and allow it to be placed into the bore. They are often used in automotive, industrial, and aerospace applications to effectively secure bearings, gears, pulleys, and other components inside a housing or on a shaft.
External circlips, alternatively, are fitted onto a shaft. They have a tapered or uniform cross-section and are likewise installed through circlip pliers. They can also be maximised in the same applications, securing bearings, gears, and others onto a shaft or in a housing.
Both types of circlips can come in a range of sizes and materials to effectively suit different applications. They are easy to install, cost lower than other types of retaining rings, and are effective at providing secure retention of components.
Circlip Common Benefits
Many benefits are associated with circlips. Some of them are as follows.
• Cost-effective: Circlips are a cost-effective solution compared to other types of retaining rings such as threaded fasteners. They are also reusable, making them an even more cost-effective solution over the long term.
• Space-saving: These retaining rings are also a space-saving solution compared to other types of retaining rings. They require minimal space to install and are designed to be low profile, which makes them ideal for use in tight spaces.
• Easy to Install: Circlips are likewise easy to install and can be fitted into a groove in a shaft or bore using a simple set of pliers. They can also be removed swiftly if required, which makes them a versatile solution for a range of applications.
• High Strength: Circlips are designed to be high-strength and can withstand high-stress conditions. They are also resistant to fatigue and can withstand repeated use without losing their strength or integrity.
Key Applications of Circlips
Many industries can take advantage of circlips. The automotive industry, for instance, use circlips to secure gears, bearings, and pulleys to a shaft or bore. The industry can use them in engines, transmissions, and other mechanical systems to retain the position of components even under high-stress conditions. Circlips can also be beneficial for the aerospace industry as they can be fitted onto aircraft engines and landing gear systems.
The electrical industry, alternatively, uses circlips to secure the components of motors and generators to a shaft or bore. Ultimately, industrial machinery applications like conveyors, pumps, and compressors can take advantage of circlips to secure shafts, bearings, and gears, ensuring they will operate reliably for a long time.
Circlips are a type of retaining ring widely used across various industries to secure components to a shaft or bore. They are a cost-effective, space-saving, and high-strength solution that can withstand high-stress conditions. Circlips may come in a range of sizes and materials, making them a versatile solution for a range of applications. You should ensure that you get them from a reputable supplier to prevent any issues along the way.
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