Slip rings

Slip rings for transferring power, signals and data across rotating interfaces. A slip ring lets cables and conductors follow unlimited rotation without twisting or wearing out. SCN supplies slip rings from JINPAT: capsule slip rings, through-bore slip rings, pancake, miniature and high-current slip rings. We also offer Ethernet, USB and HDMI versions, fibre optic and RF coaxial rotary joints, and pneumatic and hydraulic rotary unions.

Our slip rings are used in packaging machines, robots, indexing tables, camera systems, cranes and wind turbines. If no standard model fits, we build a custom slip ring to your specification. Our engineers help you choose the right number of circuits, current rating, bore size and IP rating for your application.

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Slip rings – transferring power, signals and data through rotating joints

A slip ring is an electromechanical rotary joint that transfers power, signals and data from a stationary to a rotating part, so that cables can follow unlimited rotation without twisting. Brushes slide on rotating rings, one ring per circuit. Slip rings are used in packaging machines, indexing tables, robots, cranes, camera and radar systems, medical equipment and wind turbines. SCN supplies slip rings from JINPAT.

The range covers capsule slip rings, miniature slip rings with up to 76 circuits, through-hole slip rings with bores from 12.7 mm to 330 mm and flat pancake slip rings. For data there are Ethernet slip rings up to Gigabit, USB and HD-SDI versions and fibre optic rotary joints, while RF coax rotary joints reach 50 GHz. High-current slip rings, wind turbine slip rings and split separate slip rings cover heavy-duty and retrofit needs, and pneumatic rotary joints transfer air, fluids and vacuum. All component types are under Components.

How to choose: list the circuits with current and voltage per circuit, add the data signals, then fix the mechanics: shaft or bore diameter, speed and the IP rating the environment needs.

Frequently asked questions

How does a slip ring work?

A slip ring transfers current through sliding contact: brushes on the stationary part press against conductive rings on the rotating part, one ring per circuit. Precious-metal contacts such as gold keep resistance and electrical noise low for signals, while larger rings and several brushes per ring carry high currents. Fibre brushes, used in JINPAT wind turbine slip rings, give long life with little wear.

How do I choose the right slip ring?

Start with the number of circuits and the current per circuit, then add data such as Ethernet, USB or a fieldbus. Next choose the mounting: a capsule slip ring sits at the end of a shaft, while a through-hole slip ring lets a shaft, cables or an air line pass through the centre. Finally check speed, temperature and IP rating, from IP40 up to IP67.

How are Ethernet, USB or video transferred through a slip ring?

Use a slip ring with circuits built for high-frequency data, with controlled impedance and shielding. JINPAT Ethernet slip rings carry 100 Mbit or Gigabit Ethernet – the LPT025 up to eight Gigabit channels – and there are versions for USB 2.0/3.0 and HD-SDI video. For very high bandwidth, a fibre optic rotary joint transmits light without electrical contact.

Slip ring or rotary union – what is the difference?

A slip ring transfers electricity – power, signals and data – while a rotary union or rotary joint transfers media such as air, hydraulic oil, water or gas through a rotating connection. Many machines need both, so the range also includes pneumatic rotary joints with integrated electrical circuits and hydraulic and gas rotary unions.

Not sure which model you need?

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Read more in our guides

Facts and advice that make the choice easier.

Slip rings – how they work and how to choose oneAll guides