Support & Stands
Iron Ring & Boss Head
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Support & Stands

Iron Ring & Boss Head

Support Funnels & Flasks · Adjustable Height · Galvanised · Retort Stand Fittings

Iron rings and boss heads are the supporting and connecting fittings of a retort stand. The ring carries funnels, flasks, evaporating dishes and wire gauze to give heating and filtration a stable base; the boss head joins clamps to the rod and lets height and direction be adjusted. Together they let a set-up take shape at any height.

40 – 150 mmInner dia.
50 – 167 mmOuter dia.
90 – 140 mmStem
4 – 6 mmWire

Specifications are subject to confirmation with your enquiry.

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Ring Support Boss Head Adjustable Height Galvanised Stand Fitting

📐 Highlights:
Rings carry funnels, flasks and wire gauze · boss heads join clamps to the rod · galvanised finish · inner diameters 40 to 150mm

  • Ring — Supports funnels, flasks, dishes and wire gauze
  • Boss head — Joins clamps to the rod at any height and angle
  • Sizes — Ring inner dia. 40 / 60 / 80 / 100 / 120 / 150 mm
  • Material — Galvanised steel, rust resistant
  • Loading — Stable support for routine heating and filtration
  • Fitting — Retort stands, universal clamps, flask clamps, gauze
We will follow up on your inquiry as soon as possible. Custom sizes supported Samples available
Specifications

Specifications

Dimensions below are the standard production range for rings and boss heads. Sizes are given as a selection hint only; please check the actual product.

Request custom specs

Iron ring sizes

Inner dia. (mm)Outer dia. (mm)Stem (mm)Wire (mm)Suitable for
4050904Small funnels, crucibles
60721004Funnels, evaporating dishes
80931105Flasks, standard funnels
1001141205Large flasks, dishes
1201351306Large flasks, large funnels
1501671406Large vessels, batch support

Boss head sizes

ModelRod bore (mm)Aux. bore (mm)Length (mm)Material
Small10870Galvanised steel
Medium121085Galvanised steel
Large1412100Galvanised steel
Values are typical; reasonable tolerances apply between production batches. Please rely on actual measurement.
📌 Customization:
• Wire gauze or ceramic fibre mesh can be supplied with the ring
• Rings and boss heads also available separately
• Complete sets with retort stands and clamps available

Product Description

1. Overview

An iron ring is a circular support with a stem. The stem is held in a boss head on the rod, and the ring carries a funnel, flask, evaporating dish or wire gauze. For heating, wire gauze is placed on the ring so the flame or heat source spreads evenly under the glassware.

The boss head is the connecting piece: one bore fits over the rod and the other takes the stem of a ring, clamp or thermometer holder. Two screws lock independently, so height and direction can be set freely, making it the universal hub of a retort stand.

Ring inner diameters commonly run from 40mm to 150mm. Small rings suit small funnels and crucibles, large rings take flasks, dishes and large funnels. Check that the ring inner diameter suits the vessel base and that the boss head bore suits the rod.

🔬 Types & Features:
Ring support — a level base for funnels, flasks and wire gauze.
Boss head hub — one fitting sets both height and direction.
Galvanised — resists rust in humid air and reagent vapour.
Full range — inner diameters from 40 to 150mm.

2. Key Parameters

  • Ring inner dia.: 40 / 60 / 80 / 100 / 120 / 150 mm
  • Boss head bore: suits rods of about 10 to 12 mm
  • Material: galvanised steel with anti-rust finish
  • Locking: screw and grub screw clamping
  • Fitting: retort stands, universal clamps, flask clamps, gauze
  • Applications: heating support, filtration support, fitting joints

3. Material & Workmanship

Rings and boss heads are machined from steel and galvanised, giving an even, dense coating that resists rust and seizing during long exposure to humid air and reagent vapour. Screw tips are finished so they do not damage the rod surface.

Handling tip: fit the boss head to the rod first, then insert the ring stem and tighten both screws. When heating, always place wire gauze on the ring so glassware never meets an open flame.

Applications

Typical Uses

Heating support

ring and gauze under a heated flask

Filtration support

holding a funnel and filter paper

Evaporation

carrying an evaporating dish for concentration

Fitting joints

mounting clamps at any height on the rod

Industries

  • Chemical synthesis assembling heating and filtration set-ups
  • Analytical testing supporting sample preparation apparatus
  • Teaching laboratories demonstrating basic apparatus
  • Pharmaceutical R&D carrying and fixing pilot set-ups
  • Materials research supporting and adjusting high-temperature rigs

Selection Guide

Select by what is supported

Supported itemSuggested inner dia.Notes
Small funnels, crucibles40 ~ 60mmA small ring supports more steadily
Evaporating dishes, standard funnels60 ~ 80mmBalance of stability and access
Flasks (250 to 500 mL)80 ~ 100mmRing must overlap the flask base
Large vessels120 ~ 150mmUse with a large-base stand

💡 Tips: Match the diameter — the ring must be smaller than the vessel to hold it.
Gauze is essential — never let glass meet an open flame.
Both screws — tighten both boss head screws to stop slipping.
Check the bore — confirm the boss head suits the rod diameter.

Operation & Maintenance

Operation Guide

Fitting a ring and boss head looks simple, but locking and diameter matching decide how safe the set-up is. The steps below cover routine use.

03

Before Use

  • Check the ring for distortion and the galvanising for damage
  • Check the boss head screws for smooth travel and stripped threads
  • Confirm the ring inner diameter suits the vessel
  • Confirm the boss head bore suits the rod diameter
  • Have wire gauze ready for any heating task
04

Procedure

  1. Slide the boss head onto the rod and tighten the rod-side screw to position it
  2. Insert the ring stem into the other bore and tighten the accessory screw
  3. Adjust the ring height and orientation until it is level and firm
  4. Place wire gauze on the ring when heating
  5. Set the flask or funnel in the centre of the ring so it cannot tip
  6. Push the assembly gently to confirm neither ring nor boss head moves
  7. To dismantle, remove the vessel first, then release the screws and lift the ring off
05

Cleaning & Care

  • Wipe reagent residues off the ring and boss head after use
  • Dry off water promptly so the galvanising is not wet for long periods
  • Add a little lubricant to the screws to keep them free
  • Remove light rust with fine abrasive paper and apply a thin anti-rust film
  • Store dry and avoid load that could distort the ring

💡 Lab veteran tips: Ring smaller than the vessel — a ring larger than the vessel lets it fall straight through.
Never skip the gauze — direct flaming of glass causes rapid failure.
Tighten both screws — locking only one is the most common cause of a slip.
Moderate height — a very high ring raises the centre of gravity and reduces stability.

Care & Notes

Show care & notes

⚠️ Safety Notes

Gauze required

always use wire gauze over an open flame

Diameter check

the ring must be smaller than the vessel

Screw locking

tighten both boss head screws

Load limit

large vessels need a large ring and a stable stand

Heat protection

let the ring and vessel cool before removal

Need Iron Ring & Boss Head?

Iron rings from 40mm to 150mm inner diameter and boss heads in three sizes, with wire gauze and retort stands available as complete sets.

Iron Ring & Boss HeadInner dia. 40 – 150 mm Get a Quote