Slip Ring Applications

They are a mechanical device used to transfer electrical power and signals from a stationary to a rotary system. They, therefore, simplify the operation of a system or improve mechanical performance. They are compact devices and suitable for applications where space is restricted. They are a good solution to avoid cable twisting.

Other terms for slip rings include rotary joints or electric rotary joints.

Slip Ring Applications

Slip rings are used throughout many industries, some of these are; oil and gas, water treatment, medical, aerospace, electronics industry, agriculture and construction.

Heason has helped solve applications issues in all the above industries, some of the most common applications for slip rings include;

Bottle labelling machines - bottle labelling machines use rotating carousels to run the bottles through the machines. The bottles need to rotate for the labels to be applied. A slip ring is used to transfer the power supply and controls from the stationary aspects of the machinery to the rotating parts.

Wind turbines – slip rings are used on wind turbines, as the turbine rotates, a slip ring is used to eliminate cables twisting and becoming tangled. This allows for the wind turbine to rotate in either direction depending on the wind direction. This is important for the efficiency of the turbine itself. The slip ring also transfers power from a few hundred watts to several dozen kilowatts making them highly reliable and economic.

Intelligent Lighting - intelligent lighting or moving head projectors are a type of lighting rig used in theatre. They use various motors to allow for movement along the lighting rig and to rotate for various angles. In this type of application, a slip ring is required to avoid cables becoming twisted and tangles when the light is rotated in each direction.

Other Slip Ring Applications

• Video systems
• Capping machines
• Control systems
• Medical equipment and systems
• Packaging machines
• Robotics
• CCTV cameras and systems

Benefits of Using a Slip Ring

Slip Rings are often selected for the following benefits;

• Cost effective
• High quality
• IP protection rated
• Suitable for extreme environments
• Long life

Types of slip ring

Slip rings are available in different types to suit different applications, some options are available as standard options or can be customised to suit requirements.

Rugged Slip Rings – these slip rings have a stainless steel or aluminium housing making them well suited to harsher environments. They are IP65 rated as standard and have robust, mechanical construction.

Capsule Slip Rings – capsule slip rings have a reduced diameter which guarantees a low peripheral speed between rings and brushes. This reduces material consumption and lengthens the lifetime of the slip ring. Compact design with body diameter from 12.4mm to 25mm. Available with flange mounting and IP65.

Faston Slip Rings – this type of slip ring offers easy connection via “faston” connection spades. Fibre brush technology offers longer life due to multiple contact points. These are a compact and cost-effective solution.

Through Bore or Hollow Shaft Slip Rings – this type of slip rings can be easily mounted into the application using the hollow shaft which can vary from 3mm to 100mm. 20A power as well as fieldbus signal channels and fluidic, combined solutions.

Slip rings from Heason

We have a range of slip rings available to view on our website. These are in the following categories;

• Capsule Slip Rings
• Hollow Shaft Slip Rings
• Flat Slip Rings
• Slip Rings for Harsh Environments
• Bespoke design slip ring solutions

Browse our products on our website, please contact us for more information or to discuss your application.