Seeger retaining systems can only fulfil their function if they are assembled correctly. During assembly the ring is subjected to higher stresses than when it is in operation. Improper assembly damages the ring and/or the groove.
Axially-mountable Seeger-Rings
These rings are equipped with assembly holes and are typically fitted and dismantled using special pliers. It is important to use the appropriate pliers as designed for each single ring. Please refer to the pliers data chart for the correct pliers/ring combination. If rings are over-expanded, elastic deformation of Seeger rings can occur during assembly and this leads to very high bending stresses and so it is important to note:
During assembly, a Seeger-ring should be expanded or closed only to the extent necessary to pass over the shaft or into the bore. The shaft and bore must be of the same nominal diameter as the ring.
This rule applies particularly to rings made of materials with lower elastic yield such as bronze and corrosion-resistant stainless steel. Overstressing during assembly leads to plastic deformation resulting in a ring that fits loosely or without adequate pre-stress in the groove. Bore rings should only be closed just enough to allow insertion into the bore.
Figure 4.1: Taper Assembly in Bore
Special attention should be paid to shaft rings, as there is always a risk of overexpansion because they have no physical limit. Assembly tools with “stops“ or limits should therefore be used to avoid overexpansion. Since the rigid grip rings are particularly endangered by overexpansion, the appropriate pliers are equipped with limiting screws. The most reliable protection against overexpansion is assembly using tapered mandrels.
Figure 4.2: Taper Assembly on Shaft
Since circlips are not equipped with assembly holes, it is best to assemble them using tapered mandrels. Circlips with pointed ends for shafts (type SW up to 38 mm nominal diameter) can be assembled using circlips pliers and, to some extent, can also be dismantled with them. Dismantling circlips, however, poses special problems, particularly in the case of smaller and relatively rigid rings. Special tools are not available and the rings must be levered out of the groove.
Seeger L rings and Seeger W rings must be assembled on the shaft, or inserted in the bore, using pliers and then pressed on with a bush or drift until they snap into the groove. Seeger circular self-locking rings for shafts or bores and Seeger triangular retainers must be assembled using special bushes or drifts. Please contact our technical advisory service for more information.
Radially-mountable Seeger-Rings
The main advantage of radially-mounted Seeger rings is that they are easily assembled. These Seeger rings - types RA and H - are assembled simply, and without the need for a special tool, by pressing them into the shaft groove.
Delivery of Seeger-Rings
Since open ended retaining rings tend to hook together or tangle when supplied loose in boxes or bags, it makes removal and use very time-consuming. Seeger can provide rings in shrink wrapped stacks and it is recommended to order this stacked packaging for most assembly operations. Stacking eliminates excess handling, facilitates automated assembly, and virtually eliminates the potential of mixed material. Our technical advisory service will be pleased to answer further inquires.
Engineering support is available by phone:
T: +49 6174 205-0
