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FAQ: TFC's Smalley Ring & Spring Products

TFC Ltd News and PR from TFC Ltd - Published 06 March 2018 Frequently asked questions on TFC's Smalley parts.
1. What industries are your Smalley products used in?

Our Smalley product customers are worldwide and encompass a broad range of environments and applications. Whilst our products are specified in almost every industry, we have expertise in the
Petro-Chem, Defence, Off-Road and Automotive industries. You can find our Smalley parts specified in many other industrial markets and they have even been used to put a spring in the step of running
trainers!

2. Are your catalogue parts manufactured in Inconel and, if so, is it still deemed a standard part?

Our standard materials are carbon steel, 17-7 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel and 316 stainless steel depending upon the product. However we can supply parts from the standard range catalogue in a wide
variety of exotic alloys and, since our parts are manufactured by edgewinding rather than die-stamping, there are no tooling costs involved. As we have hundreds of alloy sections readily available from stock,
in the factory, we can readily supply non-standard items within very short lead times. Our technical sales team are on hand and will find an appropriate solution.

3. How are your Smalley parts manufactured?

Our Smalley products have been developed using an exclusive edgewinding manufacturing process that
requires no special tooling. A precision coiling process is utilised that coils flat wire on edge to produce the highest quality rings and springs available in the market.

Smalley parts can be manufactured to your
exact specification in almost any diameter, any number of turns and in any quantity. The minimal no-scrap process employed virtually eliminates waste and allows for the economic production of small
prototype quantities and for parts produced in exotic alloys.

4. Why can't you just quote it?

TFC strive to offer the perfect Smalley part first time, every time. In order to make sure the parts fit your application and dimensions perfectly, we may ask questions in the early stages to ensure we are going to supply the exact part you need. We like to understand the application and any environmental
constraints in order to provide you with the most cost effective solution.

5. Can we obtain free samples of your Smalley products?

TFC is proud to offer free samples of our standard catalogue parts that include Spirolox® retaining rings, wave springs and constant section rings for you to test in your application. If a standard part will
not satisfy the application, we have a specific pricing policy that allows for the economic production of a small quantity of prototypes for proving purposes.
Why can't you just quote it?

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