TFC have been working closely with two leading German manufacturers of wind farm technology by supplying Smalley retaining rings for use in their wind turbines.

This particular application required a retaining ring to hold the rotor bearing in position within the turbine. Made from exotic alloys, which are resilient to salt water conditions and high temperature environments, the Spirolox retaining ring was an ideal choice for the hostile locations that many wind farms are located.

Now available from TFC, Smalley™s new Windpower Series covers the large retaining ring sizes required by the power industry, now manufacturing diameters up to 3 metres or 120 inches.

Like all of Smalley’s products, the Windpower Series products are coiled on edge rather than stamping. This means that the rings have no lugs to interfere with mating components and are compatible with standard snap ring grooves. There are also no gaps allowing for tight radial applications. Rings can be manufactured for gear boxes, seals, motors and bearings up to 3 metres in diameter. Standard materials are stocked and ready for production, resulting in quick lead time and delivery in as little as three 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. TFC has been able to solve many design challenges for those in the industry because of the ability to produce specials quickly and economically. The no tooling method of manufacture reduces material waste and allows Smalley to offer a lower cost retainer solution, that previously was not available to the industry.

Johannes Lambertz, TFC Germany™s Business Manager, “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.”

Further information is available at www.tfc.eu.com or by contacting TFC’s engineering team.