Slip Rings 103: Defining the System Interface

Slip rings are available in two basic mechanical configurations: drum style and platter style. Drum style has many advantages for most designs. Platter style is best for applications with limited length availability.

Drum style slip rings are available with and without through bores to pass fluid and pneumatic lines, waveguides, etc.  Sometimes it makes the most sense to use a through bore style for the power circuits and place a miniature slip ring capsule in the center.


Mount the slip ring in the system centered on the rotary axis. Only the stator or rotor should be hard mounted to allow for some flexibility. This will keep the slip ring from applying mechanical pressure to the system, wearing the internal bearings. Consider how long your leads should be and how you want to terminate them. The leads can be designated to exit from the stator end or side.

Keep the ambient environment in mind and use a sealed style for dust and moisture protection. Consider ambient EMI and RFI as well. Shielded models are available with aluminum or stainless steel outer casing.

Other features can be incorporated into the slip ring, including fiber optics, vacuum or fluid lines, resolvers and motors. Our Field Sales Engineers are available to assist you in selecting the correct slip ring for your application.

Moog Components Group is a high quality domestic manufacturer of electromechanical devices including slip rings, motors, resolvers, solenoids, air moving devices, actuators, fiber optic transceivers and multiplexers, fiber optic rotary joints, PC Boards, flexible circuits and higher level assemblies that combine various technologies. For more information visit them at www.moog.com/components