How To Customize Through Bore Slip Rings: A Comprehensive Guide
BY NBG
2025-05-20
VIEWS: 697
How to Customize Through Bore Slip Rings: A Comprehensive Guide
A through bore slip ring is a type of slip ring with a hole in the middle. They are key in robotics and automation for parts that require a rotation of 360°. This slip ring customization guide shows how the slipring works and how to design it.
Understanding Custom Through Bore Slip Rings
How Through Bore Slip Rings Work
As the ring turns, the brushes stay in place. They keep contact with the ring tracks. This makes sure power or signals stay steady across the rotating joint.
Components:
These parts keep the system connected:
● Hollow Shaft: This is the center hole that fits around other parts.
● Rings: These carry the electrical signals or power as they spin.
● Brushes: These stationary parts keep in contact with the rings to make sure that power and signal is carried across.
● Seals: They keep out any form of dust, water, or oil.
Custom Hollow Shaft Slip Ring vs. Standard Versions
Standard slip rings work better in simple setups, but many systems need better parts, which is where custom hollow shaft slip rings come in. Custom rings offer:
● A much better fit
● More options for power or signal lines
● Stronger materials
The standard version often doesn’t fit right or break too soon, but the custom rings handle the job better.
Key Design Parameters
When designing a custom hollow shaft slip ring, you need to know how the parts are required for your system’s performance.
What to Choose | Why It Matters |
Bore Size | The hole needs to match the shaft or pipe exactly. A loose fit will cause misalignment, and a tight fit adds stress or blocks airflow. The best size is one that fits without force
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Circuit Number | Since each line carries a signal, this means more circuits will allow more devices to run through one ring. For example, robot arms may need power, data, and sensor lines.
|
Voltage & Current | Slip rings must carry enough load without overheating. If rated too low, they burn out. Too high and you waste money or space.
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Speed Rating (RPM) | All rings have a top speed. If your machine spins faster, the ring can overheat, shake loose, or wear down fast. Always check RPM before choosing. |
Not all rings carry every signal. High-speed data like HDMI or Ethernet needs shielded lines and low-noise paths.
| |
Protection Level (IP) | The IP rating shows how well the ring resists water or dust. IP65 blocks most dust and water spray. IP68 can handle full submersion.
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Temperature Range | Some rings fail in heat or freeze in cold. If the system runs outdoors, near engines, or inside freezers, the ring must survive those extremes. |
Air/Fluid Channels | Special channels let you pass air, coolant, or oil through the ring. This matters in packaging, robotic grippers, or CNC tools that use pressure systems.
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Customization Options
Tailor-made Bore Sizes and Connector Types
Some shafts are large. Others are narrow. The bore needs to match your exact setup. If not, it might slip or crack. You can also pick how the wires plug in. Some use screw clamps. Others need sealed ends or snap connectors.
Fiber-Optic and Coaxial Integration
Fast signals like fiber or coaxial cables need special care. A custom ring keeps them stable as it spins. It also protects them from noise or damage, which is common in high-speed systems like radar.
Media Channels: Hydraulic, Pneumatic
Some machines use air, oil, or coolant. These must pass through the center without leaking. A custom slipring can transfer these fluids while still sending power or data.
Material Choices & Coatings for Durability
The outside and inside must handle the work site. Gold and silver help with signals. Steel holds up in rough places. Coatings stop rust or wear. You choose based on where and how the slip ring is used.
Industry-Specific Use Cases
● Robotics: Through bore slip rings help robot joints spin 360° constantly and are needed for optimal performance.
● Automation: Slip rings for automation help fit tight control boxes found in packaging lines, rotary tables, and CNC hubs.
● Medical & Imaging: Custom slip rings help keep signal flow during scans and make sure the machines spin fast without wearing out.
● Renewables: Wind turbines also use custom slip rings to control blade pitch.
Design & Manufacturing Process
Gathering and Analyzing Requirements
The size of the shafts needed, circuit count, voltage, and speed need to be analyzed properly to determine what the system requires.
Collaboration with Manufacturers (CAD, Reviews)
The manufacturers will then make a 3D model (CAD) to make sure that it aligns with the items picked out. It’s best to review it together with the manufacturer before the build is done.
Prototyping: Balancing, Signal Testing
A test slip ring is built here to make sure that the system runs optimally at full speed. If there are signal losses or heat buildup, changes are quickly made.
Certification and Quality Assurance Processes
The finished slip rings must pass tests such as CE or Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS). It is necessary to always ask for these test results.
Installation & Maintenance
Mounting and Alignment Best Practices
Slip rings need to be installed carefully to avoid any form of strain. If an angle is off or there is a small tilt, it can lead to early failure.
Troubleshooting: Wear, Noise, Signal Loss
Always check for any signal losses or worn-out parts early and swap them out to prevent the damage from reaching other parts.
Cost Considerations
Standard vs. Customized Slip Rings
Unlike standard slip rings, customized slip rings cost more. However, they are better suited for your system and reduce the chances of constant wear and signal losses.
Price Drivers: Complexity, Materials, Volume
Using more circuits, better materials, or more channels means more expenses. A single slip ring built to handle fiber, power, and air costs more, which is why buying in bulk helps to lower prices per unit.
Budgeting: Evaluating Total Cost of Ownership
A cheap slip ring has the tendency to fail often, which is why it’s better to think beyond the first price. A well-built custom slip ring may cost more now, but need fewer repairs later. That’s better for your budget long term.
Conclusion
When done right, a slip ring keeps machines moving with less trouble. A custom through bore slip ring moves power or data through spinning systems. It fits around shafts and can also carry air or fluids. Picking the perfect size, circuit type, and material will help your setup work better and last for longer periods.
NBG Innovations Group Pte.Ltd.
#13-13A, International Plaza, 10 Anson Road, Singapore (079903)
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