Slip Ring Electroplating

A slip ring is an electro-mechanical device that enables the transmission of signals and power from a motionless component to a revolving structure. They are also sometimes referred to as rotary electrical interfaces, rotating electrical connectors, collectors, swivels, rotary unions or electrical rotary joints. Slip rings are used in many electromechanical systems which demand rotation while sending power and signals.

 

Slip rings enhance mechanical performance, make system operation simpler and remove damage-prone wires from dangling near mobile joints. They are used in many mission critical applications such as gyroscopes for air-crafts, tank turrets, radar systems, helicopter tail rotors, and floating production storage and off loading (FPSO) for the oil & gas industries.

Slip rings are most commonly fabricated from copper and then plated with gold or silver for corrosion resistance and electrical conductivity. These gold or silver plated slip rings are typically integrated with a stationary gold or silver metal contact, otherwise known as a brush, which rubs on the outside diameter of a rotating metal slip ring. However, sometimes a brushless slip ring is required. A brushless slip ring will have flexure ring that connects the outer ring and the inner ring. The flexure ring acts like the ball in a ball bearing, allowing transmission of electrical power and data through the revolving interface. This design allows for less friction, which inherently lengthens the life of the slip rings. They are usually referred to as roll rings or brushless slip rings

ProPlate® has experience plating a variety of slip rings. The most commonly plated slip rings at ProPlate® are used in aerospace, defense, oil & gas, medical, and semi-conductor applications. ProPlate® has specifically developed a slip ring solution for FPSO swivels, sometimes up to 48 inches in diameter, to meet the demanding requirements of offshore organizations. These FPSO swivels are generally composed of electrical slip rings, hydraulic utility swivels and fiber optic rotary joints. Most commonly swivels are integrated into an array of Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) Systems including turret moorings, buoys and offshore loading towers.

 

To learn more about how ProPlate® can help you solve your slip ring gold and silver electroplating challenges contact us or request a quote today.