Frequently asked questions on slip rings
What is a slip ring transmitter?
Slip ring transmitter enable the transfer of energy, signals and data from a stationary to a rotating component. This means that a slip ring is often a core element of many automated systems and devices.
What is so special about LTN slip ring transmitters?
LTN slip rings use proven materials and contacting methods depending on the application and customer requirements. With these contact technologies, the rotor and stator are made exclusively from high-quality materials.
Do oscillating movements influence the service life?
As known from ball bearing technology, an oscillating movement of the slip rings reduces the service life. It is not possible to "calculate" exactly how long the service life will be with oscillating movement, as environmental conditions, vibrations, current load and many other aspects determine the general service life of slip rings.
Which service concepts are available? Can I service your products myself?
Depending on the contact technology used, we recommend different maintenance procedures.
Detailed instructions can be found in the manual for the slip ring. However, we only recommend external maintenance if the customer has a lot of experience in handling and maintaining slip rings. You can also send the slip rings to the LTN Servotechnik service department at any time for maintenance, overhaul or an upgrade.
Do you provide individual spare parts for slip ring transmitters?
In principle, it is possible to obtain spare parts for slip rings from LTN. However, this is not possible for some slip rings due to their design. We will be happy to advise you whether this applies to your device.
Is it possible to restore slip rings at the end of their service life?
Depending on the product design and the condition of the used slip ring, it must be clarified individually whether an overhaul of the slip ring is possible and whether it makes economic sense. Please send your slip ring to the LTN Servotechnik GmbH service department.
SC012, SC020 and SC040 do not have a torque support. How is the rotor moved?
There are several options for moving or driving the slip ring rotor:
1. LTN Servotechnik offers attachment parts for the SC012 and SC020 as standard, which make it possible to drive the rotors without applying a torque.
2. the rotor is clamped with a grub screw. Please ensure that there is no lateral displacement of the rotor and only tighten with a low torque (0.15 Nm).
3. the rotor is clamped via an O-ring.
A sufficiently dimensioned clamping force between the rotor and the rubber is sufficient to drive the rotor.
However, it is important to always make sure that the rotor and stator are not clamped or displaced relative to each other. Otherwise damage will occur to the ball bearing of the slip ring, which can lead to early failure.
What is the default temperature range for slip ring transmitters?
The temperature resistance of the weakest component determines the temperature range of a slip ring. The large number of customer-specific slip rings complicates the definition of a default temperature range. The operating temperature range -20°C … +70°C can be taken as a rough guide.
What is the best contact technology?
This question also arises for our experts with every new task. The selection of the right contact technology is based on customer requirements and the environmental conditions of the application.
How high is the electrical, mechanical and material load? What requirements need to be met due to economic conditions? What are the spatial conditions?
Depending on the application, this list can be extended almost at will.
The best contact technology is the one that best meets all the general conditions and requirements of the individual application.
Do LTN slip ring transmitters contain hazardous substances?
The materials/auxiliaries with hazardous substances used are mainly found in adhesives and potting compounds. However, the selected adhesives and potting compounds guarantee the functionality and safety of use of our devices. The quantity used is reduced to the necessary minimum.
How should spent LTN slip ring transmitters be disposed of?
A slip ring is generally made of environmentally harmless materials and could be disposed of as electronic waste.
However, we recommend recycling the slip rings in accordance with local disposal regulations.
The slip rings usually contain precious metals and these can be returned to the raw material cycle. In addition, the environmental balance of every company is improved when slip rings are recycled.
How do you document the final quality clearance for your slip ring transmitters?
LTN carries out a 100% outgoing goods inspection. The inspection reports are filed, saved and can be retrieved at any time using the serial number.
Is it necessary to lubricate modular slip ring transmitters? If so, how?
Yes and no.
Modular slip rings that are operated with graphite carbons must not be oiled under any circumstances.
Modular slip rings that are operated with metal contacts must be re-oiled after a certain period of time.
The duration of the intervals and how the slip ring must be oiled can be found in the operating instructions.
For how long are individual design available for order from LTN?
Apart from legal and contractual requirements, there is basically no time limit here.
In the case of obsolete designs or if certain materials are no longer available on the market, we will work with you to develop an alternative.
Does LTN also produce customer-specific slip ring transmitters?
Our services are tailored to your needs. Tailored to your requirements, LTN can provide you with expert support based on many years of experience. LTN's high level of vertical integration enables the realization of special slip ring designs to suit your application.
Get in touch with us.
What is the maximum data rate for transmission using a slip ring?
Depending on the design and size, digital data can be transmitted at up to 12 Gbit/s. Please note that the larger the slip ring (rotor), the lower the achievable data rates. The respective maximum achievable transmission rate can be found in the data sheets or is available on request.
Is it possible to combine slip ring transmitters with rotary feedthroughs?
Yes, slip rings can be combined with a variety of additional rotating systems, not just media rotary joints. Slip rings are also combined with encoders, resolvers, FORJs (optical transmitters), RF joints (radio frequency transmitters) and contactless systems for data transmission. We will be happy to design a hybrid solution for
Where can I find information on the configuration (colour codes) of individual wires?
You can find detailed information on the configuration and a description of the electrical connections of the rotor and stator in the data sheet. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require another copy of a data sheet. We'll be happy to help.
What happens if the specified rotational speed is exceeded?
If the speed specified in the data sheet is exceeded, the contact between the slip ring and brush will be severely impaired. Signals that are transmitted may have a higher noise component. Wear also increases with increasing speed and it is to be expected that the service life of the slip ring will be reduced.
What information should be included in an enquiry?
In order to be able to answer inquiries quickly and reliably, we provide an inquiry form on our homepage. This form asks for typical data and the most important parameters for the specification of a slip ring. You can download the form in the slip ring product area.
How and at what times can I contact LTN customer service?
You can contact our customer service department by email (ltn (at) ltn.de) or phone (+49 8024 6080-0) from 8 am to 5 pm on Monday to Thursday and from 8 am to 3 pm on Friday.
