Internal retaining ring VK series

for light-duty applicationsspiral

Overview
A spiral retaining ring (single turn internal) rolled from flat metal wire. It provides a continuous 360° retaining surface with good elasticity and toughness after heat treatment and surface treatment. Manufactured economically in various materials including carbon steel, stainless steel, copper and other alloys. Single-turn, double-turn and multi-turn designs are used according to load requirements for axial positioning in shafts and housings.

Key points

• No gap: 360° retaining surface for full contact with the fitting
• Manufactured by coiling flat wire (no scrap), enabling economical production in stainless steel and other materials
• Easy installation and removal
• Adaptable to light, medium and heavy loads by changing material thickness and number of turns

Features

• Continuous circumference profile with full contact—no notch
• Smooth inner circle that does not interfere with mating parts
• No burrs on inner and outer diameters; facilitates disassembly and assembly
• Material- and process-efficient production (no corner waste, no molds required)
• Adjustable load capacity via material choice and number of turns

Scope of application

• Hydraulic parts assembly
• Valves and instruments
• Lock core components
• Needle roller bearings, pulleys, connectors, quick connectors
• Various mechanical assemblies requiring reliable axial retention

Processing steps

• Design → Drawing → Flatten the wire → CNC machining → Heat treatment → Surface finish → Finishing → Quality inspection → Packing

Primary competitive advantages

• High-quality products
• Competitive (factory-direct) pricing
• Good service and problem-solving capability
• Quick production lead times
• Free samples available from stock when applicable

How they work
Spiral retaining rings use a spiral shape to provide radial flexibility and a friction fit that secures shafts or components in axial position. The ring expands or contracts slightly to fit into the groove, creating reliable retention.

When to use
Used when high axial retention, space efficiency, corrosion resistance (with appropriate material choice), and simple installation/removal are required. Suitable for applications needing alignment maintenance and prevention of axial play.

Benefits

• High strength and durability
• Easy and quick installation and removal
• Compact, space-efficient design
• Cost-effective compared with some alternative retention methods
• Corrosion resistance when made from appropriate materials (e.g., stainless steel)

Factors to consider when choosing a spiral retaining ring

• Diameter: match shaft or bore diameter
• Width: match groove width
• Material: spring steel, stainless steel or other alloys depending on environment
• Load capacity: ensure ring withstands expected forces
• Corrosion resistance for harsh environments
• Operating temperature range
• Ease of installation (some designs may require tools)
• Compliance with relevant industry standards when required

Specification table (part selections)
Part Number | Use | OD (mm) | Radial Wall (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Turns | Housing Diameter (mm) | Groove Diameter (mm) | Groove Width (mm)
VKM-140 | Internal | 145 | 5.72 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 140 | 143.5 | 1.7
VKM-145 | Internal | 150.17 | 5.72 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 145 | 148.62 | 1.7
VK-575 | Internal | 151.21 | 5.72 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 146.05 | 149.71 | 1.7
VKM-150 | Internal | 155.3 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 150 | 153.76 | 1.7
VK-600 | Internal | 157.78 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 152.4 | 156.21 | 1.7
VKM-155 | Internal | 160.46 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 155 | 158.88 | 1.7
VK-625 | Internal | 164.34 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 158.75 | 162.71 | 1.7
VKM-160 | Internal | 165.64 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 160 | 164 | 1.7
VKM-165 | Internal | 170.82 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 165 | 169.13 | 1.7
VKM-650 | Internal | 170.94 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 165.1 | 169.24 | 1.7
VKM-170 | Internal | 175.99 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 170 | 174.25 | 1.7
VKM-675 | Internal | 177.5 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | 171.45 | 175.74 | 1.7
VKM-175 | Internal | 181.17 | 6.73 | 1.55 | Single Turn | (not specified) | (not specified) | (not specified)

Caractéristiques / Spécifications techniques

• Materials: spring steel, stainless steel (and other alloys such as copper where applicable)
• Manufacturing method: coiled from flat wire (no scrap), rolled design
• Design forms: single-turn, double-turn, multi-turn depending on load
• Typical thickness examples: ~1.55 mm (table entries)
• Typical radial wall values in table: 5.72 mm or 6.73 mm depending on part
• Groove width examples: 1.7 mm (table entries)
• Housing and groove diameters provided per part number in specification table above
• Surface and heat treatments applied to achieve required elasticity and toughness