In production industries and other operations involving rotating machines, the use of a slip ring is inevitable. That is because it acts to transfer current and signals between the rotating and stationary parts. One type of slip ring is the through-hole slip ring. As a manufacturer, do you know where you need to use the slip ring? What are the advantages of using the through-hole slip rings? How can you install it to perform on your machines? Here you will know more about the through-hole slip ring, including how to fix it.
What Is A Through-Hole Slip Ring
A slip ring is a mechanical device that aids in the transmission of signals, current, and data between the rotating part and stationary parts in rotating machines. They come in handy when you have a rotating device that is continuously rotating and need to pass signal, data, or electricity in it. When it comes to through-hole slip rings, type of slip ring has a hole at the center. They are convenient to use when you have to pass a signal in a machine that is rotating 360°C continuously in a compact space. In this slip ring, the hole connects the rotor part and the stationary one. The diameter of the hole varies. Depending on the manufacturer, it can range from 3mm to 30 mm. Customers buy it depending on where they are going to install the through-hole slip ring. They are the best for transferring electrical currents since they have space to house the wires.
How To Install Through Hole Slip Rings
Once you have the slip ring, do you know how to install it? Many slip ring manufacturers give instructions on how to install the through-hole slip ring once you purchase it. It ensures that the slip ring is installed correctly in place and functioning in the way it is supposed to. Through-hole slip ring has two parts, namely:
Mechanical Part
It is the machine or the equipment part. It acts as the house to the slip ring. When installing the slip ring, it gives support to the slip ring and enables it to function correctly. It also provides grade, dimension, weight, and protection to the slip ring.
Electrical Part
It does the transferring of the currents. It is a complicated part, and an error in this part can lead to dysfunction of the whole system. The power and signaling part is essential, as it is the part that is responsible for communicating. It is essential to note that depending on the type and specification, installing the through-hole can be done in two places. The channel or hole part and the outer or flange part. The following are the installation steps for both parts:
Inquire about Through-hole Slip Ring compatibility with your system.
Shaft Part
- Position the slip ring: The first thing you need to do is position the slip ring where you want to mount it. Make sure it is free from moisture and dirt before you continue.
- Tighten the screws: Take the four screws and tighten them to the shaft.
- Route the wires: The next thing you want to perform is to route the cables and make connections for the slip ring to work. Make sure the cables are in the right position and do not prevent the rotor from rotating.
The outer flange part
- Align the slip ring on the mounting hole onto the flange to the mounting base
- Install all flat washers
- Tighten the screws in place
- Route the wires and make the necessary connections.
Things To Remember When Installing Through Hole Slip Ring
Every manufacturer needs to be careful when installing the slip ring. Just like regular slip rings, they are sensitive, and a slight mistake in installation can lead to the failure of the slip ring. Remember the following points when installing the slip ring:
- Do not add any weight or pull: The through-hole slip ring is light and sensitive. Make sure the machine’s part housing the slip ring has enough support before installing. You should not add weight to the slip ring as it might result in it not functioning correctly.
- Keep away from dust or moisture: The slip ring works well under temperatures below 80° C and minimal humidity. It means that if you are to use the slip ring in extreme weather conditions, you have to insulate it to protect it from weathering due to the extreme conditions.
- Separate: It is essential to note the parts that need separation. Keep the stationary leads away from the axis, and the rotary leads away from fixed parts. That is to avoid any friction that may result from the parts touching each other. The friction may lead to parts wearing out, thereby increasing the cost of maintenance.
Advantages Of Using A Through-Hole Slip Ring
What are the benefits of using the slip ring? Yes, slip rings indeed enable the transfer of current and signals between rotating and stationary parts, but the following are the advantages of using the through-hole slip ring:
- The slip ring supports the transmission of both power and signals: It is suitable to use in processing plants, generators, and even in turbines since it can transmit the current and signals effectively, fast, and in a reliable way.
- Uses fiber brush technology: Most slip ring manufacturers use fiber material. That is because it rarely rusts and requires no lubrication and that reduces maintenance fees.
- Produces less noise when working: Since there is no friction or rusting in the slip ring, the machine works silently with no sound making the working environment quiet and peaceful.
Uses single channel: It can combine both power and signal in one channel. For manufacturers who want to transmit more than one channel, the through-hole slip ring enables them to do so. A through-hole slip ring is a slip ring with a hole at the center. It allows the transfer of signals and power in a compact space that rotates 360° continuously. Having the right installation guide enables every manufacturer to install the slip ring correctly for maximum functionality.
