Smalley Introduces New Windpower Retaining Ring Series

Smalley introduces the new Windpower Retaining Ring Series. The Windpower Series consists of Spirolox® Retaining Rings in large sizes up to 120" specifically for the windpower generation industry. 

Like all of Smalley's products, Smalley Steel Ring Company coils its Windpower Series products rather than stamping them. This means that Spirolox Retaining Rings in the series have No Ears to Interfere® with mating components in an application and are compatible with standard snap ring grooves. There are no gaps or lugs, allowing for tight radial applications. Rings can be manufactured for gear boxes, seals, motors and bearings up to 120" in diameter. Standard materials are stocked and ready for production, resulting in quick lead time and deliver in as little as two weeks.

Spirolox® Retaining Rings in the Windpower Series require no special tools for installation or removal. Special designs are crucial to the power generation industry because of the unique large size requirements necessary. Smalley has been able to solve many design challenges for those in the industry because of the ability to produce specials quickly and economically. The Windpower Series are manufactured with a No-Tooling-Charge™ process to satisfy precise operating conditions found in many Windpower applications. The process also allows Smalley to create a lower cost retainer solution, that previously was not available to the industry.

Bill McClelland, Smalley's Director of Engineering notes, "There has been an overwhelming response to the Windpower Series by those in the industry. Smalley's unique design and production process, combined with collaboration with wind industry designers, resulted in providing products for the wind industry that in the past were expensive and difficult to obtain. This is certainly a step forward for those looking for an economical solution."

Smalley Steel Ring Company is a member of AWEA and EWEA. Smalley offers complete information on the Windpower Series. Information is available at www.smalley.com or by contacting Smalley engineering staff at 847-719-5900 or windpower@smalley.com.