|
While Smalley has a large selection of stock retaining
rings to choose from, the uniqueness of
applications often demands a ring to conform
to application-specific requirements.
A major segment of Smalley manufacturing is in “special”
or prototype retaining rings. Common Smalley specials
include balanced, multi-turn (4,5,6 turns and more) and
special ends in diameters from .200 in – 90 in (5 mm –
2,300 mm) and larger. Because there are no tooling costs, no job is too big or
too little. Prototypes can be quickly and economically
produced to test a design, in days, not weeks.
The Smalley No-Tooling-Cost™ process provides an
economical alternative, to produce a custom ring or
spring to meet your exact specifications. Think of it as
modifying a standard; change the diameter, material
size, alloy or nearly any product characteristic to fit
within your assembly. It’s really a simple solution to
get exactly what works best.
At Smalley, specials are standard, as many of our accounts take advantage
of getting exactly what works best. Retaining rings and
wave springs are often the last design consideration in
an assembly and commonly have to fit in restrictive
spaces and need to provide critical operating
characteristics. Having the ability to easily specify
non-standard sizes, offers a preferred option designers
will often follow.
A common misconception of special designs is the cost.
Because of Smalley’s unique manufacturing process,
application specific retaining rings or wave springs can
be an economical solution for your unique needs. With
Smalley’s No-Tooling-Cost™ process we have the
flexibility to quickly manufacture products of different
diameter, thickness, material and finish at a minimal
cost. This means that during the prototype stage we can
produce alternative designs with no tooling
modifications. It’s not uncommon to produce one
prototype for evaluation and subsequently make
dimensional adjustments for a second single prototype.
That’s two setups, No-Tooling-Charges and a final
product ready quickly and economically.
Smalley is vertically integrated with onsite material
manufacturing and large warehouse. We are able to
produce custom rings or springs using a wide variety of
readily available materials or can produce custom raw
material sizes to meet delivery requirements. For
customers who use just-in-time inventory control,
Smalley will offer to stock parts for immediate
shipment, ready for the next purchase order or blanket
order release.
Whether you are looking for prototypes, short-runs or
high volumes, Smalley’s unique No-Tooling-Cost™
manufacturing process allows for special designs to be
manufactured in a timely fashion. Since no special dies
or forming tools are necessary for custom rings or
springs, prototypes can be designed and produced in
days, not weeks.
For more information about Smalley custom options,
please contact
Application Support.
|
