I’m sure you are probably wondering, what is the use of slip rings, right? Well, eliminating wires and other crucial elements through using slip rings is mostly effortless. But what is the use of slip rings?
More importantly, since slip rings are essential and can still be versatile, there are several uses in different electrical devices, no matter the industry of use. Slip rings send signals from the stationary part of the device to the rotational component. In this case, slip rings work like a bridge between the fixed part and the rotational parts of any electrical equipment.
Main Parts of Slip Rings
Typically, slip rings have few parts. But that doesn’t reduce their effectiveness. The less the elements in this device, the more efficient it will be. Slip rings have a stationary metal contact or graphite that works by rubbing against the rotating part of the machine. The moving part features a metal ring.
When the metal ring turns, signal or current moves between the metal ring and the stationary part. Hence that creates a connection between the two parts. As much as this device has a simple design, it’s quite crucial in most electrical appliances and industrial devices. More importantly, it works perfectly in machines that would otherwise not be able to transmit signals or power without the use of the slip rings.
How it Works
Like I said earlier, slip rings do not consist of a lot of parts. And on top of that, the slip ring only has one purpose, and that is to transmit signals or power. So, by now, I’m sure you understand if you have an electrical system that has stationary parts and moving parts, a slip ring should be inside it.
You have to transfer power from one place to the other. And that’s where slip rings come in. That’s because slip rings create contact between the stationary brush when the ring turn. Therefore, the device allows a seamless flow of current or signal between the metal ring and the metal brush. In the end, the slip ring will ensure you have a steady and reliable current transmission between the stationary and the moving part.
As much as this is a simple design, slip rings are electromechanical devices that have purpose and action. That’s all thanks to their efficiency and simplicity. And to this very day, slip rings have been used for decades.
All in all, there are different variations of the slip rings types, but that’s because they have different functions. Some of the slip ring types have more brushes, while others have more rings stacked around the rotation axis. However, the principal between these devices remains the same.
What is the use of slip rings?
Now that you understand how slip rings work, there are several uses for this device. You might find slip rings in most devices.
Some of the most common places where you can get slip rings to include conveyors, mills, cranes, and even hoists. All these places enjoy the benefits that come with using slip rings, including:
- Speed: With the right slip ring, it’s easy for you to achieve a smooth acceleration, especially under heavy loads. More importantly, slip rings help to control the speed of traction, lifts, and elevators.
- Inertia loads: in case you need to move massive loads around, then the best option is to use slip rings. That’s because it will save you money and also time.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg! Slip rings will fundamentally change how you use your devices and their efficiency in almost every industry that uses machinery. When it comes to speed control, then slip rings are your go-to option.
Tips when using slip rings
Here are some of the tips that will help smoothen your operations when using slip rings:
- Always choose precious metals since they will help improve the performance of the slip rings.
- Decide on the configuration of the slip ring before buying it. Typically, slip rings are designed in two configurations; that is, bore and drum configurations. Each of these types is unique in their way.
- Certain types of material choices could, in the end, be toxic to the operations of the devices. One material that could damage your slip ring is mercury. So, always try and avoid the use of mercury, especially in places where slip rings are available.
Finding the Right Slip ring manufacturer
It’s crystal clear that you need to use slip rings in your industry, especially if you are working with machinery. That said, one of the most challenging parts of getting the right slip ring is finding the best manufacturer. Without a doubt, the manufacturer of this device will typically affect the performance of their slip rings.
So, for your workflow to operate smoothly, you will need the best manufacturers in the business. For more information about this article, you should take a look at https://www.grandslipring.com/the-function-of-slip-ring/. Hopefully, you will find a slip ring that fits your needs.