What are electrical rotary joints (slip rings)?
An electrical rotary joint is a device that allows the transmission of electrical signals between stationary and rotating parts in equipment, while preventing twisting of wires. With these joints, you can avoid the problems associated with twisting wires and cables connecting parts that rotate against each other. These connectors carry various types of electrical signals, including power, control (e.g. CANopen, Ethernet), high-frequency signals and many others.
Applications of rotary joints in industry
Slip rings are widely used in various industries. They are used in construction machinery, mobile platforms, drums, cable reels, equipment in sewage treatment plants, industrial robots, turntables, wrappers, machine tools and mobile masts. They are also used in process control systems, packaging machines and other applications where electrical signals are required to be transmitted between stationary and rotating parts.
Benefits of using rotary joints
Slip rings offer a number of benefits, including reliability, durability, flexibility, cost savings and safety. They allow electrical signals to be transmitted without loss, which is crucial in applications requiring high signal quality. In addition, they can be customized to meet specific application needs through various contact configurations.
Electrical parameters of rotary joints
Electrical parameters of rotary joints include the number of circuits, rated voltage, current and maximum operating speed. The type of signal carried and the associated parameters are extremely important for proper joint selection. Slip rings play a key role in transferring electrical signals to rotating components. Electrical signals include not only power, but also control and measurement signals, indicating the wide range of applications for these joints. It is also important to consider the environmental conditions in which the slip ring will operate, such as the required temperature and IP rating. Proper installation of electrical cables is important to avoid tangles and ensure lossless transmission of electrical signals.
Technological innovations in rotary joints
Today’s rotary joints are the result of continuous technological development, which has enabled the creation of increasingly efficient and reliable solutions. One of the most important developments is the increase in rotational speed, which allows joints to be used in increasingly demanding applications. Thanks to modern materials and advanced technologies, rotary joints can now operate under extreme conditions, providing lossless output and minimizing electrical noise. These innovations are making rotary joints an indispensable component in automated systems and other advanced industrial applications.
Safety and compliance with standards
Safety and compliance with standards are key aspects in the design and manufacture of rotary joints. Manufacturers must ensure that their products meet stringent safety and environmental requirements. To this end, they use advanced testing and certification methods to confirm that rotary joints are safe and reliable for use. The slip rings must comply with international standards such as ISO, IEC and UL, which guarantees their high quality and durability. As a result, users can rest assured that the rotary joints will operate smoothly and require no additional maintenance.
Reconditioning and maintenance of rotary joints
Even the highest-quality slip ring has a finite lifespan. Even a carefully maintained unit can fail after thousands of hours of operation. Therefore, remanufacturing and maintenance of rotary joints is essential to ensure their long life and reliability.
Production and availability of rotary joints
Slip rings are manufactured by various manufacturers that offer a wide range of products. They are available in a variety of configurations and parameters to suit specific application needs. Among them are slip rings, which are characterized by low cost and flexibility to adapt to unusual applications. Rotary joints, with their long service life and maintenance-free operation are a popular choice over other technologies. Feel free to contact our sales department to select the right solution for your application.
Technical support
Rotary joints manufacturers typically offer technical support, which includes technical documentation, installation and operating instructions, and troubleshooting assistance. Such support is essential to ensure proper operation of rotary joints and their long service life.
Michał Gałdyn
Technical Director
AMG Industry Supply and Automation