Top 10 things an engineer looks for in a retaining ring supplier

The experts at Rotor Clip offer their ten top tips for things that an engineer might consider when evaluating a retaining ring source.

Quality: Engineers look for a supplier who can provide high-quality retaining rings that are designed to last, meeting industry quality standards and made from high-strength and durable materials. The supplier needs to manufacture parts to the highest quality standards to best serve their application needs.

Rotor Clip has a long history of earning customer trust by manufacturing only the highest quality parts. This reputation is backed up with international quality certifications, in-house laboratory testing, as well as continuous improvements that ensure the highest quality retaining rings.

Variety: Every application is different, so that means having a retaining ring that meets specific application requirements, whether that’s size, thickness, custom end-types or materials to suit certain environments. Having a supplier that offers a broad selection of products is essential to ensure the optimal part.

Rotor Clip is the only manufacturer of every retaining ring style on the market, meaning it doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution. Rotor Clip ensures you have the right part for the right application, whether standard or custom.

Technical support: Engineers may require technical expertise to determine the correct size, material, and design of the retaining ring required for their project. So, a supplier that offers knowledgeable technical support is highly valued.

If you need assistance with selecting the right part, Rotor Clip’s metallurgical, design and technical sales engineers are there to be available to support retaining ring selection at any point in the purchasing journey. From prototype through to production, Rotor Clip can assist in the manner you choose, whether that’s web conferencing, face-to-face or via phone or email.

Price: Cost is a crucial factor for any engineering project, so an engineer will seek a supplier that provides competitive pricing without compromising quality.

Rotor Clip is a vertically integrated manufacturer, which means all our processes are in house, from material rolling all the way through to production. With no reliance on third parties, Rotor Clip maintains tight control on costs, allowing you to maintain your bottom line.

Availability: Timelines are an important part of any project, and as such a supplier should have the products available when needed.

With thousands of stocked parts on the shelf, Rotor Clip can provide parts when needed. If one of its thousands of stocked standard retaining rings doesn’t suit your application, Rotor Clip has custom solutions available. As well as a huge material inventory readily available, the company is ready to supply you with the right part for your application, every time.

Local support: Having a supplier with multiple global locations can result in improved overall supply chain efficiency. With manufacturing in the United States and Europe, as well as warehousing and sales and engineering locations located strategically across the globe, Rotor Clip is positioned to support you wherever you are.

Delivery times: The supplier’s delivery time must be reasonable to match the engineer’s project schedule. Rotor Clip’s vertical integration also means that with in-house processes and no reliance on third parties, the company controls its own lead times ensuring they suit the customer’s requirements and deadlines.

Order quantities: Some projects may require a large number of retaining rings, so the supplier must have the capability to handle bulk orders. As the sole manufacturer of every style of retaining ring, and its vertically integrated manufacturing process, Rotor Clip controls its own processes, meaning its works with you to ensure a production schedule matches your needs, from prototype through to final production.

Compatibility: Engineers want to ensure that the retaining ring should be compatible with the chosen assembly or component without causing any damage or degradation. Rotor Clip offers custom options that ensure damage to the housing or shaft is never an issue. Whether it’s a custom end type, or custom packaging option, our team can recommend the right retaining ring solution.

Environmental sustainability: Engineers who value environmental sustainability will look for suppliers who have a green and eco-friendly approach to manufacturing and sourcing materials.

Rotor Clip understands and embraces its obligation to protect and preserve the environment and communities that surround our facilities. The company takes pride in its in-house water treatment, state of the art air processing and filtration equipment, and is committed to reducing its footprint.