Slip ring selection is a process that should be carried out with utmost care and consideration for the purpose for which it would be used as well as other key aspects. Your choice significantly determines the performance of a slip ring. It is, therefore, crucial to select the right type of slip ring if you want to get maximum efficiency from its use.
But how can you identify the best type of slip ring? To help you in your selection, we shall look at three steps that you may take if you want to select the right slip ring that will be highly efficient and long-lasting.
Focus on the aspect of technical information When selecting a slip ring, you must know about some critical technical information. Knowing about the technical requirements of a slip ring will help you determine it is capacity and design conditions. The necessary technical details that you have to take into consideration when selecting a slip ring include the following:
Voltage Requirements
The voltage requirements of slip rings have to be considered to effectively ensure the right specification for the rotary and electrical connectors. Choosing a slip ring with the right voltage requirements also helps to limit the occurrence of failures such as crosstalk and shorts.
An ideal slip ring should have a minimum voltage of about 600V. It should also be able to support multiple channels as well as accommodate a finite AC/DC voltage required for single contacts.
Having a broad knowledge of the voltage requirements of a slip ring helps you choose an efficient and cost-effective slip ring to meet your needs.
Current Requirements
When selecting a slip ring, one key aspect that has to be considered is the amperage or current requirement of the application. Having a good knowledge of the required amount of current needed to operate equipment will help you choose the right slip ring that can meet that purpose. A slip ring with a hundred percent rated duty cycle with consideration for current drawn as well as an in-built safety margin will help prevent any damage to your equipment due to a surge in current.
When selecting a slip ring, ensure that it is capable of withstanding a hundred percent overload. Also, make sure that it is designed to operate at rated amperages continuously. When you want to make use of a slip ring with a low rating, the current duty cycle is taken into account. Select a slip ring that will be less susceptible to failure or permanent damage in the case of high current situations.
Revolution Per Minute Requirement
A standard slip ring is usually rated to a value of 2000 revolutions per minute. However, some slip rings have a speed rating that far exceeds this value. By considering the RPM requirement of slip rings, you can be able to know the relevant equipment or application it can be used for. A standard slip ring is designed with electrical connections that can rotate at a speed that is higher than the traditional brush contacts. You may even select a slip ring that provides a cooling medium to help reduce the effect of heat generated during operation.
Requirements for Signal Type and Electrical Frequency
Selecting the right slip ring for your equipment is hinged on the signal type and the electrical frequency requirement. A standard slip ring should be able to accommodate low-level signals and provide support for different types of communication protocols such as Ethernet, LAPNet, Coaxial, Modbus, CAN-Bus, CC-Link, etc.
You may consider buying a slip ring that can effectively support devices with significantly lower signal levels like a thermocouple or RTD (resistive temperature detection) devices without producing skewed or inaccurate results.
Number of Contacts Needed for the Effective Operation
Another important aspect that may influence your selection of slip rings is the number of contacts needed to function properly. Some slip rings provide single contact over a hundred multiple-channel units with several options and sizes. To select the right type of slip ring, there should be a good understanding of the number of signals or channels it comes with.
Get Relevant Information about the Application
Other relevant information, such as operating temperature, mounting, time frame, and quantity requirements, are some of the important information that is needed to help you make the right slip ring selection.
Requirement for Space
A good slip ring should be able to meet your requirements for space. This could be achieved by combining or reducing an assembly’s channel count.
Requirements for Mounting
An ideal slip ring should also be suitable for mounting without stress. When making your selection, ensure that the slip ring is well-configured to meet the mounting needs of an application. It should have mounting options such as shaft and body mount flanges.
Operating Temperatures
The operating temperature of a slip ring is another factor that can help you in your selection. A standard slip ring can operate at temperatures of up to 160°F. Some slip rings are designed with liquid jackets for the purpose of cooling. They also integrate other mechanisms in the rotatory system to prevent overheating.
Time Frame and Quantity Requirements
When selecting a slip ring, your production volume should be considered. It has to meet your current and projected needs and has to be cost-effective and efficient. Select a slip ring that would give you a timely and fast response while accommodating a longer run-time
Accessory Information
An ideal should be easily integrated with other accessories to improve performance and overall efficiency. A standard slip ring may be able to accommodate the following accessories:
FORJ (Fiber Optic Rotary Joints)
As an additional feature, an ideal slip ring should easily integrate a FORJ system into its component to increase functionality.
Rotary Union
For electrical signal or fluid medium applications that require a seamless and free rotation, a slip ring should provide rotary unions in several models, and passage counts.
Encoder
A good slip ring should easily integrate with standard encoder solutions, which are useful in measuring rotation and shaft positions, including rotary fillers, cappers, and indexing turntables.
Conclusion
The factors for selecting the right type of slip ring have been listed above. Ensure that you take these factors into consideration to enable you to choose a slip ring that will be of high performance, durable, and meets your requirement.
