What Is A Slip Ring

Revolving automation in a number of applications requires slip rings. The same is true of control systems like index tables, turntables, and robots.

Examples of common slip rings applications include industrial washers, beverage processing, satellite communications, medical scanners and wind turbines.

This means that they have a lot of industrial applications. So, What is a Slip Ring? A slip ring is a connection that allows electrical current to pass between two devices: a rotating one and a stationary one.

Slip rings are also commonly referred to as rotary electrical joint or rotary electrical connector. Unlike cables, slip rings rotate without any impediments. They do not twist and are unlikely to break.

How slip rings work

For a slip ring to work effectively, it needs a brush, which it holds against a conductor ring. The conductor rings make some rotating motions while the brush remains stationary. Lead wires attached to both the brush and the conductor ring provides the electrical connection for electricity to flow to devices attached on either side of the slip ring.

A brush holder that is encased holds the brushes in place. Inside the casing are ball bearings that support the rotor. These components (bearings, rotor, and casing) are metallic. This helps to mitigate against such factors as temperature. However, non-metallic materials can be used for some of the components to take into account such considerations as cost, ruggedness, size, and weight.

Other components of the device are made of conductive materials. These components include the conductor ring, the brush, and all the electrical connectors. The choice of these materials depends on rotational speed, voltage drop current density, bandwidth, resistance variation, and temperature.

Having tackled the question on What as a Slip Ring and how they work, let us turn our attention to how to choose a slip ring.

How to choose a slip ring

Slip rings are classified based on the design of the conductor ring and brushes. Depending on the application, the contact technology will vary.
Some of the common slip rings types include:

i. Through bore slip ring
ii. Capsule slip ring
iii. Wind turbine slip ring
iv. High-frequency slip ring
v. Separate slip ring
vi. Fiber optic rotary joint
vii. Pancake slip ring
viii. Electrical rotary connector

Most slip rings are made of silver, gold alloy or copper. This enhances their longevity. There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a slip ring.

The main consideration for your slip ring should be based on application. The environment of operation, the weather exposure and the size of the machine are all important considerations. Also important is the power that the machine will need during the operation.

Some slip rings are designed to revolve slowly. These are the kinds used on swivel doors and other such applications. On the other hand, other slip rings operate under super-fast rotation environments. Slip rings used in jet turbine engines come to mind when talking about this category.

For every application, there is a suitable slip ring. In fact, it is possible for most manufacturers can customize a slip ring to suit your application. These applications include the wind turbine, agriculture machines, auto-wrap machines, antenna slip rings and industrial cranes. Consult an expert for the slip ring that is best suited for your needs.   

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