Product category:
Springs, dampers, latches, locks and small components
News Release from: Rencol Tolerance Rings | Subject: Tolerance rings
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 23 November 2004
Tolerance rings reel in miniature
assemblies
Surface treatment of metal components used to mount miniature bearings can make accurate control of dimensions difficult.
Surface treatment of metal components used to mount miniature bearings can make accurate control of dimensions difficult, potentially placing undue pressure on housings and impacting on bearing performance Such problems may be faced in the assembly of a range of products from delicate instruments to components such as fishing reels, which must combine compact design with considerable durability
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 30 May 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
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Fishing reels provide a useful case in point as they frequently contain small bearings mounted between the two halves of the reel.
Reels are commonly anodised, to provide protection against the elements, but it can be very difficult to predict the precise dimension of components following treatment.
Explains Peter Safier of Rencol Tolerance Rings: "Small bearings usually have thin walls which are, therefore, relatively susceptible to damage".
"If surface treatment increases the thickness of the mount even by a few microns this can result in crush damage to the bearing housing".
"This will, of course, impair performance".
"By introducing a tolerance ring into the assembly, such surface variations can better be accommodated, with the ring acting as a spring which prevents undue pressure being placed on the bearing during assembly".
Tolerance rings are spring steel fasteners that have a series of wave forms around their circumference.
These locate against mating annular components to create a secure interference fit.
Rings are normally purpose-engineered for each application so as to provide exactly the right performance characteristics.
They are increasingly used in miniature applications, where diameters of 10mm or less may be required.
Because the rings allow simple push-fit assembly (either automated or manual) they can assist in speeding production levels and also allow ready disassembly, if required.
Tolerance rings can be designed to create an immovable joint under normal operation or to slip at predefined parameters to provide overload protection to other components. Request a free brochure from Rencol Tolerance Rings ...
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