When choosing a material for your circlip or wave spring, it is crucial to consider various factors to ensure optimal performance in your application. Stainless steel is often the preferred choice for applications where a standard carbon steel part would not be protected, with the ring or spring being exposed to destructive factors such as grease, saltwater, chemicals or extreme temperatures. Rotor Clip offer many different grades of stainless steel, but it is important to assess the needs and application requirements to ensure the right solution is selected. Some of the main factors to consider in the selection of a stainless steel grade are:
- Budget– Stainless steel is typically a more expensive option than our standard material offering of carbon steel. The grade of stainless steel you select will result in differing prices. Although it may incur a slightly higher price, stainless steel has the ability to maintain higher strength to higher temperatures and has better corrosion resistance, making it a superior choice in many applications.
- Protection – It is important to consider what the ring will be subjected to once in the application and therefore what level of protection the part will require. For example, will the part be exposed to a saltwater environment and therefore require corrosion resistance? These factors will determine which grade of stainless steel would be most suitable for an application.
- Operational temperatures – In certain applications like jet engines and gas turbines, metals are subjected to extreme temperatures. Their ability to maintain strength can lessen and their properties change. High strength is essential to retain the shape of the part and the seating in the groove, or the shape of the spring.
- Magnetism – certain applications such as MRIs, or directional drilling machines, may require the part to have no magnetic properties. Stainless steels are typically non-magnetic, but due to certain manufacturing processes the parts can inherit residual magnetism, so be sure to consult with a Rotor Clip engineer before final purchase.
Rotor Clip’s vertically integrated manufacturing process allows for the production of standard and custom solutions. Our large raw materials warehouse is filled with standard and exotic alloys ready for stamping, coiling and processing.
For more on materials and finishes, visit rotorclip.com or contact info@rotorclip.com
