Official Answer
Answer
The edge-winding process used to create spiral rings induces significant residual tensile stresses on the outer diameter and compressive stresses on the inner diameter. Stress relieving (typically at $350^∘C$ to $450^∘C$ for 30-60 minutes) is critical to stabilize the ring's dimensions. Without this, the ring may 'relax' over time, changing its free diameter and losing its grip on the shaft or bore. Additionally, stress relieving reduces the peak residual stresses that would otherwise add to the operational stresses, thereby increasing the fatigue threshold. This is especially important for rings used in high-vibration aerospace connectors.
