Official Answer
Answer
Axial play is the total possible movement of the retained components along the shaft or housing axis. It is calculated as $Play = G_w - (T_{ring} + \sum T_{comp})$, where $G_w$ is the groove width, $T_{ring}$ is the ring thickness (including its dish/flatness tolerance), and $\sum T_{comp}$ is the sum of the tolerances of all retained components. In high-precision optical or aerospace assemblies, axial play must be minimized to prevent vibration-induced wear. This is often managed by using a wave spring in tandem with the spiral ring to provide a constant axial preload, or by selecting a 'balanced' spiral ring which has a more uniform thickness across its circumference, reducing the 'snaking' effect within the groove.
