Do you sit down and wonder what the functions of a slip ring are? Here is the best place to have your question answered. You are going to know what it is, what its features are, and what makes it function effectively. So let us start.
A Slip Ring Has One Primary Function Only
You already know what a slip ring is, right? Well, if it is your first time to hear it, let me put it solely for you. A slip ring is nothing but an excellent electromechanical device. Well, this device will allow the transmission of signal, data and electric current from stationary to motor in machines.
Whenever you see a machine with a motor, there is a lot of rotating taking place, and probably there is a slip ring. You know, it is impossible to transmit electric currents, signals or data from a moving part to a non-moving part directly. That is because it can lead to damage, and that is where the slip ring comes in.
How Does a Slip Ring Function
Now that you know the purpose of having a slip ring in your device, how does it work to function? A slip ring has two main parts, and those are the parts that enable it to function. The slip ring has s rotating metal conductor and the brushes that brush against the metal to transmit the signal, electricity or data.
Here is what happens. The metal conductor acts as a middle point between the stationary and rotary parts. The brushes are on one end, and they are responsible for bringing signal and electric currents to and from the metal conductor and in the process, transmit signals or electricity.
For that reason, manufacturers should make the slip ring using a high-quality conductor and brush material. That is because they are the primary components and are responsible for making the slip ring function.
So, how do you make sure the slip ring function without any hitches?
Consider the Following Points
Choose the Right Slip Ring for the Purpose
There are many slip ring types available in the market. What you need dot know is that merely do not go to the market and buy one? You must carefully look at the device you want to put the slip ring, the environment to come up it the best slip ring.
Manufacturers make different slip rings depending on the market standards, purpose and customer specification. If it for a manufacturing company, it is good to work with an expert to get the right slip ring for the machines. It can be a pancake, electrical, USB or any other type available in the market.
The Slip Ring Material Should Be Right
Different manufacturers make slip rings using different materials to suit the purpose. Hen looking for a slip ring, it is good to look for one that is of the right equipment. Slip rings are sensitive and transmit current, data and signal; you have to look at the material that will make it function properly.
A suitable material should be rusting free, resistant to external pressure like extreme temperatures, and should transmit signal, data, and electricity without loss, mix-up or noise. One such material is gold-to-gold contact and fiber tech for brushes in the USB slip ring.
Look at the Environment to Use the Slip Ring
Yes, for the maximum functionality of the slip ring, the environment must be right. If you get the wrong slip ring, it can lead to an increase in the maintenance cost, mix up of information while being transmitted and can also lead to earing out of the brushes.
The environment also gives you an idea of what type of slip ring to use. For example, CCTV cameras require smaller slip rings, while people with limited space go for pancake slip rings. The environment also gives you a hint on how you are going to maximize its functionality.
Rotation per Minute
Yes, the slip ring indeed enables the transfer of information and power from a moving part to rotary. Still, before you pick a slip ring, you must look at its rotating power. For example, you cannot compare the rotating force of a turbine slip ring and that of a USB slip ring, right? RPM gives you an idea of how powerful the slip ring is and how efficient it will be once you have in your device.
How Well Does the Slip Ring Fit?
At times, you might go for a custom-made slip ring or get a slip ring separate from your device. For a slip ring to function well, it must sit on the surface and fit well. All the screws and nuts should fit to make sure the slip ring does not move around when rotating.
How Do You Increase the Slip Ring Lifespan for Longer Functioning
After buying the slip ring and it is the right for your device, how do you make sure you have it for longer? Is there any suitable way that you can make sure you have the slip ring for longer? Use the following easy steps to increase the lifespan of your slip ring:
· Maintain your slip ring regularly. If you got the right material, you do not have to do it more often. It depends on the environment in which the slips ring is working.
· Lubricate rotating parts to avoid fiction hen the slip ring is working. Friction causes brushes to wear out quickly. It also results in noise when the brush brushes against the conductor metal, so lubricating helps.
· Not often, but at a time, you may be required to change the slip ring brushes. They are prone to friction, and after a while, you might be demanding to change them to increase efficiency. Make sure you get a slip ring with brushes of the right durable brushes to avoid turning them more often.
When it comes to slip ring functions, it plays one primary purpose. The electromechanical device works to transfer signals, electricity, and signals from stationary to the rotary part. With that said, looking at what to look at when buying a slip ring and how to increase lifespan aids you in maintaining the slip ring functionality.
