Cross piston rings are usually made from forged alloys by the process originally invented by Roland Cross. These compression rings are of a thin, lightweight design with a good resistance to heat collapse and no risk of breakage. In addition, an infill of Molybdenum reduces scuffing between the ring and bore.

The Cross process enables very thin light rings to be made, greatly increasing the engine speed where ring flutter can occur. Cosworth engines are amongst the high performance power units fitted with Cross rings.

For less demanding applications Cross can also produce piston rings made from cast alloys.