Introduction
Slip rings are small but powerful electromechanical components. They can make the packaging machines operate more stably and quickly, so they are used in various fields. In this article, we will discuss the multi-dimensional knowledge of slip rings, including their functions, applicable equipment, etc. We will also introduce you to the top ten slip ring manufacturers in the global packaging machinery market and give you a comprehensive guide for selecting suppliers.
What are Slip Rings in Packaging Machines?
Electrical slip rings in packaging equipment are also called electrical rotary interfaces or rotary joints. These slip rings transmit operating instructions, signals and power in packaging machines and enable rotating parts to rotate 360° to work stably and smoothly.
Common Types of These Slip Rings
Packaging machines have different electrical and mechanical properties, and different types of slip rings are used. Here are some common types of slip rings suitable for packaging machines:
Through-Hole Slip Rings
Through-hole slip rings are suitable for equipment that needs to transmit multiple channel signals or high-frequency signals. For example, automated assembly lines and food processing production lines.
High-Voltage Transmission Slip Rings
This type is used to transmits high power, high current and high voltage signals. Heat-sealed packaging machines are a good example. And it's set up outside the frame of the equipment.
Integrated Rotating Slip Rings
High-power collector rings are also called integrated slip rings and collector rings. This type of slip ring can transmit multiple channel signals and power at the same time. However, its small size makes it suitable for places with tight space, such as port cranes and mining operations.
Welded Slip Rings
Welded structural slip rings provide a fixed connection method. This type is often used in satellite measurement and control systems and radar antennas.
How Do They Work for Packaging Machines?
These slip rings generally consist of a stator and a rotor, with conductive rings and brushes inside. The stator holds the brushes and is fixed to the stationary part of the device. The rotor contains the conductive rings and is connected to the rotating part. When the device operates, the conductive ring rotates along with it while the brush remains stationary. The two transmit current and signals through continuous contact. Specifically, it can perform the following functions:
(1) Transmit power to device components, such as motion control systems and motors.
(2) Transmit signals, like encoder, thermometer, and pressure gauge signals.
(3) Avoid cable entanglement. In this case, the device doesn't need a large number of cables.
Common Packaging Machines that Use Slip Rings
(1) Rotary Filling Machine
Rotary filling machines are used for filling liquids or granular materials and are generally equipped with filling volume adjustment and electrical overload protection devices. Slip rings are installed near the rotating shaft of the rotary table to maintain electrical connection between the rotating disk and fixed components and help control the assembly portion of materials.
(2) Rotary Labeling Machine
These machines are used for packaging automatic labeling requirements in industries such as pharmaceuticals, daily chemicals, and food. Rotary labeling machines are electrically connected to motors, sensors, and control systems through slip rings and use rotating turrets to apply labels to containers.
(3) Packing Machine
Packing machines semi-automatically or automatically load unpackaged products or small packaged products into transport packaging. It has functional designs such as metering, packing, sealing, or strapping. Slip rings can connect the rotating parts in these structures and transmit control signals without restriction at 360 degrees.
(4) Food Flow Packaging Machine
Food flow packaging machines are machinery for secondary packaging of ready-to-eat foods, frozen foods, and ice cream. Slip rings transmit signals such as rotation, bending, lifting, and lowering during the process of boxing and transporting food to increase the speed of food leaving the warehouse.
The Top 10 Slip Ring Manufacturers for Packing Machine Applications in Global Market
Here are some of the top slip ring manufacturers for packaging machine applications in the global market:
|
No. |
Manufacturer |
Website |
|
1 |
Moog Inc. |
www.moog.com/ |
|
2 |
Schleifring GmbH |
www.schleifring.com/ |
|
3 |
RotarX (B-COMMAND) |
www.rotarx.com/ |
|
4 |
CENO Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. |
www.ceno360.com/ |
|
5 |
ByTune Electronics |
www.bytuneslipring.com/ |
|
6 |
DSTI |
www.dsti.com/ |
|
7 |
Electro-Miniatures Corporation |
www.electro-miniatures.com/ |
|
8 |
Conductix-Wampfler |
www.conductix.com |
|
9 |
Cobham |
www.cobham.com/ |
|
10 |
Pandect Precision Components Ltd. |
www.pandect.co.uk/ |
1. Moog Inc.
Website: https://www.moog.com/
MOOG is a leading global supplier of slip rings. Its slip rings are used on land, sea, air and space to help aircraft cockpits, power generation turbines, medical infusion systems and more operate better. The company also solves motion control problems with electric, hydraulic and electro-hydraulic solutions.
● Founded: 1951
● Headquarters: East Aurora, USA
● Main products: servo and proportional valves, slip rings, motors, actuators.
2. Schleifring GmbH
Website: https://www.schleifring.com/
Schleifring GmbH specializes in the development and production of slip ring systems and contactless rotary joints. They custom slip rings for different packaging machines to the customers' needs. The integrated slip ring solutions they provide allow your packaging machinery to stably transmit power, electrical signals, and media data.
● Founded: 1974
● Headquarters: Furstenfeldbruck Germany
● Main products: Slip ring systems and contactless rotary joints
3. RotarX (B-COMMAND)
Website: https://www.rotarx.com/
RotarX specializes in the electronics industry and mechanical control. Its product range includes more than 20,000 combined power and signal transmission, high frequency and ultra-miniature solutions. They customize slip rings for high-speed logistics and packaging applications. These slip rings not only have IP68-rated housings, but also support hybrid options for combined power, data and fluid transmission.
● Founded: 1995
● Headquarters: Grützmühlenweg Germany
● Main products: Encapsulated slip rings, automation slip rings, through-hole slip rings, flat slip rings, Faston slip rings, Ethernet + electrical rotary joints, etc.
4. CENO Electronics Technology Co., Ltd.
Website: https://www.ceno360.com/
CENO is a manufacturer of high-performance slip rings for packaging and other industries. Its products include explosion-proof slip rings, high current slip rings and through-hole slip rings, all of which have obtained ISO9001, CE, UL, RoHS and other certifications. CENO provides slip ring OEM and ODM services to customers around the world, with hundreds of special function slip rings and personalized solutions.
● Founded: 2009
● Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
● Main products: slip rings, fiber optic/RF rotary joints, pneumatic/hydraulic rotary joints, customized slip rings, etc.
5. ByTune Electronics
Website: https://www.bytuneslipring.com/
ByTune is a supplier of slip rings and 360° rotation solutions in standard and custom specifications. Its slip rings support customized options, including functions, protection levels, materials, etc. These slip rings are designed to be low-maintenance and durable structures, suitable for different fields, such as packaging machinery. ByTune can provide competitive slip rings at the price expected by customers and provide guarantees for their subsequent use.
● Founded: 1998
● Headquarters: Shenzhen, China
● Main products: through-hole slip rings, capsule slip rings, separate slip rings, pancake slip rings, Mercury slip rings, carbon brush slip rings and custom slip rings, etc.
6. DSTI
Website: https://www.dsti.com/
DSTI is a leading manufacturer of rotary sealing components. The company's core business includes a standard line of electrical slip rings and single-source solutions from design and manufacturing to testing and certification. They offer rotary joints with integrated slip rings that support long-term continuous use, making them ideal for baler packaging.
● Founded: 2002
● Headquarters: North America and Europe
● Main products: Fluid rotary joints, electrical slip rings and solutions
7. Electro-Miniatures Corporation
Website: https://www.electro-miniatures.com/
Electro-Miniatures Corp. is a leading supplier of high-performance slip ring assemblies. Its products are favored by customers in the defense and aerospace and industrial fields. They excel in providing slip rings with compact structures. These slip rings are suitable for smaller and more precise packaging equipment, such as liquid and powder granule filling machines.
● Founded: 1954
● Headquarters: Moonachie, New Jersey
● Main products: Electrical equipment, electrical slip rings
8. Conductix-Wampfler
Website: https://www.conductix.com
Conductix-Wampfler is a manufacturer of a wide range of reels and slip rings. The company has several of its own factories to manufacture and warehouse its products. Their slip rings are particularly useful for complex agricultural packaging machinery, to remain durable and reliable during the busy farming season.
● Founded: 1902
● Headquarters: Omaha, USA
● Main products: Large spring reels, motorized reels, slip rings and heavy-duty I-beam rosette systems.
9. Cobham
Website: https://www.cobham.com/
Cobham serves the defense, aerospace and space sectors. They offer a wide range of slip ring assemblies and satellite communication solutions to handle electrical needs such as signals, media data, etc. Their slip rings can be used in a variety of high-precision packaging machinery and meet stringent environmental requirements and safety functions.
● Founded: 1934
● Headquarters: Dorset, UK
● Main products: Multi-channel, high-density, high-frequency and high-voltage slip rings
10. Pandect Precision Components Ltd.
Website: https://www.pandect.co.uk/
Pandect is a specialist manufacturer of miniature and custom slip rings. It provides custom slip rings and solutions for packaging machinery where space is limited and high precision is required. The company has been at the forefront of slip ring design since its early years, specialising in the design and supply of sliding contact components.
● Founded: 1964
● Headquarters: PX.UK
● Main products: Miniature and custom slip rings
What Should We Consider to Choose the Slip Ring Manufacturer?
Different slip rings have different material, type and specification characteristics. Sometimes we also need slip rings with special functions. This is a test of productivity for slip ring manufacturers. Want to find a high-quality slip ring manufacturer? You may need to consider the following factors:
Before choosing a supplier, we need to ask about the production process, production capacity, turnaround time and logistics handling system adopted by the supplier. Clarify their monthly production volume and delivery efficiency, and whether they can complete the production of large orders in emergency situations. Because delayed receipt of slip rings may delay your project schedule.
01
Market Share
Some manufacturers focus on technological innovation, while some are more willing to invest funds in marketing. Generally speaking, suppliers with a large market share and a wide customer base often have higher product quality and credibility.
02
Check whether the supplier has quality management system certifications such as ISO 9001, 14001, and RoHS certification. Industries such as medical devices and aerospace often require suppliers to have medical device production licenses, AS9100 certifications, etc. In addition, understand whether their slip rings have passed the certification of third-party testing institutions, such as CE, UL and other certifications.
03
Customization Capabilities
Check their experience designing and manufacturing slip rings to specific requirements, such as unique dimensions, special electrical or mechanical configurations. It is best to contact their past partners and ask about their actual experience with custom slip rings.
04
Payment Terms
Look for suppliers with flexible and reasonable payment terms. Consider factors such as payment methods (e.g., credit card, wire transfer), deposit requirements, and payment schedules. Suppliers should be transparent about payment terms. Also, check if they offer any financing options or discounts for early payment.
05
Market Evaluation
Please refer to the market reputation and customer evaluations of your favorite slip ring manufacturer. Through industry forums, social media, professional websites and other channels, you can consult the use experience and evaluations of other users.
06
After-Sales Support
Carefully review the contract terms signed with the manufacturer, including the content of product after-sales service. The manufacturer you choose should have timely response ability and sufficient technical expertise. For example, they need to provide professional installation and commissioning guidance through methods such as phone calls, emails or on-site guidance.
07
Technological Innovation
An excellent slip ring supplier will continuously improve and upgrade their products. They should be able to share information on technological innovation in a timely manner, so please take the initiative to understand the supplier's product upgrade strategy and plan. If the slip ring you purchased has compatibility issues, the supplier should provide corresponding solutions, such as upgrading software and replacing accessories.
08
Other Information on Slip Rings
Slip Ring Installation Steps
Remove dust, grease or debris on the slip ring and the rotating part of the machine.
Align the slip ring with the rotating shaft or component. Misalignment may cause damage.
Fix the slip ring in place by using mounting brackets or clamps.
If you are installing a through-hole slip ring, make sure the hole is at the center of the rotating shaft.
Depending on the type of slip ring, you may need to connect multiple wires. Ensure that the wires are protected and connected.
Use flexible couplings on one side of the equipment. Installing on both the rotor and stator at the same time may cause failures.
Ground the slip ring housing to prevent electrical interference or damage.
Make sure the connections are firm.
Maintenance Skills of Slip Rings
Regularly check whether the surface and connections of the slip ring are worn, corroded, damaged, and whether there is loose connection. Its housing should maintain high airtightness and there should be no leakage.
Use a soft brush or compressed air to remove dust, dirt and debris. For the contact surface, use a suitable cleaner to remove oxides.
If necessary, use mind lubricant and perform correct operations to reduce friction and wear. Improper lubrication may cause scratches and corrosion.
Replace if the brushes are worn.
Check electrical continuity and insulation resistance. After continuous and long running time, we may also replace the slip ring components, including replacing bearings and seals.
A properly maintained slip ring should be able to maintain the good operating condition of the system (such as a packaging machine) and extend its service life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the structure of a slip ring?
Q: What material are slip rings made of?
Q: Why are slip rings expensive?
Q: How big is the slip ring market?
Q: How to choose a slip ring that suits my needs?
Q: How does the manufacturer ensure the quality of slip rings?
Q: What certifications do slip rings generally have?
Q: What if I have questions about the quality of the slip ring?
Q: How to judge the manufacturer's customization capabilities?
Q: What after-sales services may they provide?