Find HS Code and trade information for retaining ring

Retaining Ring

A retaining ring is a fastener used to axially secure components on a shaft or in a housing/bore. They occupy radial space and prevent axial movement of the assembled parts. Unlike threaded fasteners like nuts and bolts, retaining rings rely on snap-in installation, offering a fast and efficient method of assembly.

Material

Retaining rings are manufactured from a variety of materials, selected based on application requirements such as load, temperature, and corrosion resistance. Common materials include:

• Spring Steel: The most common material, offering high strength and flexibility for snap-in installation. Typically carbon spring steel (e.g., SAE 1074, EN SV9254) is used.
• Stainless Steel: Provides excellent corrosion resistance, suitable for harsh environments. Common grades include 302, 304, and 316 stainless steel.
• Carbon Steel: Used for applications where corrosion resistance is not a primary concern, often requiring a coating (e.g., zinc plating) for protection.
• High-Strength Alloys: Used in demanding applications requiring high load capacity or elevated temperature resistance (e.g., Inconel, Hastelloy).
• Plastic: Used in low-load applications or where electrical isolation is required. Materials like Delrin, nylon, and PTFE are common.

Purpose & Function

The primary purpose of a retaining ring is to provide a simple, cost-effective means of axial positioning. Specifically, they:

• Prevent Axial Movement: They hold components in place along a shaft or within a bore, preventing them from drifting or separating.
• Reduce Part Count: They eliminate the need for more complex fastening methods, reducing the number of components in an assembly.
• Simplify Assembly & Disassembly: They offer a quick and easy installation and removal process, particularly compared to threaded fasteners.
• Provide Consistent Positioning: They ensure accurate and repeatable positioning of components.

Usage Scenarios

Retaining rings are used in a wide range of applications, including:

• Automotive: Securing pistons, bearings, and other engine components.
• Aerospace: Holding shafts, gears, and other critical components in place.
• Hydraulic Systems: Retaining seals, pistons, and valves.
• Pneumatic Systems: Similar applications to hydraulic systems.
• Electrical Motors & Generators: Securing bearings, rotors, and stators.
• Gearboxes & Transmissions: Positioning gears, shafts, and bearings.
• Power Tools: Holding components within the tool housing.
• General Machinery: Numerous applications across various industries.

Common Types

Retaining rings are categorized based on their cross-sectional shape and installation method. The main types include:

• External Retaining Rings (Snap Rings): Installed in a groove on the outside of a shaft. They expand to fit into the groove.
• Internal Retaining Rings (Snap Rings): Installed in a groove on the inside of a bore. They contract to fit into the groove.
• Spiral Retaining Rings: A continuous, coiled spring wire that fits into grooves. They offer a self-locking feature and are suitable for applications with high vibration.
• Stamped Retaining Rings: The most common type, manufactured from flat stock and formed into a ring shape.
• Wire Retaining Rings: Formed from a continuous length of wire, offering high strength and flexibility.
• Tapered Retaining Rings: Designed for applications requiring high axial loads.
• Self-Locking Retaining Rings: Feature a design that prevents unintentional removal.

Based on the provided information, classifying "retaining ring" requires careful consideration of its material and application. Here are potential HS codes based on the reference material:

• 8308909000: This code covers “Other, including parts” within the category of “Clasps, frames with clasps, buckles, buckle-clasps, hooks, eyes, eyelets and the like, of base metal, of a kind used for clothing or clothing accessories, footwear, jewelry, wrist watches, books, awnings, leather goods, travel goods or saddlery or for other made up articles; tubular or bifurcated rivets, of base metal; beads and spangles, of base metal.” If the retaining ring is made of base metal and used in applications like clothing, accessories, or made-up articles, this could be applicable. The total tax rate is 57.7%.
• 7326110000: This code covers “Other articles of iron or steel: Forged or stamped, but not further worked: Grinding balls and similar articles for mills”. While seemingly unrelated, if the retaining ring is made of iron or steel and functions as a component in machinery (similar to grinding balls in a mill), this code might be considered. The total tax rate is 80.0%.
• 8487900080: This code covers “Machinery parts, not containing electrical connectors, insulators, coils, contacts or other electrical features, and not specified or included elsewhere in this chapter: Other Other”. If the retaining ring is a component of a larger machine and does not have electrical features, this could be a suitable classification. The total tax rate is 83.9%.
• 7415390000: This code covers “Nails, tacks, drawing pins, staples (other than those of heading 8305) and similar articles, of copper or of iron or steel with heads of copper; screws, bolts, nuts, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of copper: Other threaded articles: Other”. If the retaining ring is threaded and made of copper or steel, this code may apply. The total tax rate is 58.0%.
• 7415290000: This code covers “Nails, tacks, drawing pins, staples (other than those of heading 8305) and similar articles, of copper or of iron or steel with heads of copper; screws, bolts, nuts, screw hooks, rivets, cotters, cotter pins, washers (including spring washers) and similar articles, of copper: Other articles, not threaded: Other”. If the retaining ring is not threaded and made of copper or steel, this code may apply. The total tax rate is 58.0%.

Important Note: The classification of retaining rings heavily depends on the material composition and specific application. It is crucial to verify the material and intended use to determine the most accurate HS code.