Differences, where they exist, are shown in Appendix A with associated rationale.

This SAE Standard defines the most commonly used terms for piston rings.These terms designate either types of piston rings or certain characteristics and phenomena of piston rings.

The terms and definitions apply to piston rings for reciprocating internal combustion engines and compressors working under analogous conditions.

Appendix B is included which lists equivalent terms in English, French, Russian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, and Japanese.

Rationale—

SAE J1588 is being discontinued because the content of this standard is also contained in ISO 6621-1. Therefore, to eliminate duplication and confusion in coordinating the standards between ISO and SAE, this document will be discontinued. The SAE Piston and Ring Standards Committee will now continue to support ISO in updating the standards as appropriate.