keystone rings(RIENECKER RINGS) are for use in engines with high combustion temps, diesels for example.the shape of the ring , and indeed the groove,causes ring side clearance to constantly change, which resists the formation of carbon deposits,and thus ring sticking , but can cause flutter on an overly ported two stroke. barrel faced rings,provide positive , and constant sealing function, they assist the bedding in of an engine , because of the small contact area ( remember, 2.5 mil ring, 1mm contact area) RIDGE DODGERS, have a small step in the top face , and are ideal for engines where a re-bore is not considered essential. TAPER FACED rings have a positive oil control, and a slight taper (1-3 degrees) machined onto the face, not suitable for most two strokes. internally stepped, or the opposite, reverse twist rings, can be used to scrape, or control the oil in the bore, NAPIER SCRAPER rings are more commonly found on four strokes, to scrape the oil off the bore, but i have succesfully fitted an "upsidedown napier" to a standard GP 200 stage four , to better oil retention in the bore. total success. PLAIN RECTANGULAR, as its name suggests , is the cheapest, but if chrome inlaid, can be very good for most applications. piston ring ends /gaps can also be specifically made. the usual combination is the "peg joint", whereby a ring sits over ring pegs. an internal pin joint reduces the gap and blow past. an internal peg , with a "HOOK JOINT" or "SCARF" joint , would be cosiderably better, but only on big bores. coatings can range from, chromium , molybdenum, nitriding,plasma moly coating, phosphating, CKS (chromium ceramic coating). graphite, tin,and copper can be used as periferal coatings to aid bedding in. an Asso chrome inlaid barrel ground piston ring will be more than suitable for most cast iron barrel applications. of course , steel wire rings are stronger due to the material used. but dont dis cast iron rings, their is more to cast iron rings than the £3.99 cheapo stuff you get. anyone driving a volvo, ford, vw, porsche, jag, riding a ducati , honda, aprillia, etc. you more than likely have cast iron rings in your engine! its like saying " that horse is slow, so all horses are slow" it just depends on what ring you choose for the job. next week, ALFIN INSERTS, ALTERNATING LOADS, AUSTENITIC CAST IRON, and AXIAL MOVEMENT..................
