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How Do Slip Rings Work
2025-12-17 | By Andrew Kazour
How Do Slip Rings Work
Slip rings are electromechanical devices that provide a continuous electrical connection between stationary and rotating parts. Their main purpose is to allow power and signals to pass through a rotating system into a stationary system without the wires getting tangled. They are one of the most useful electronic components for rotating mechanisms that we can use.
At the most basic level, a slip ring is composed of two key parts: a conductive ring and stationary “brushes”. In between each conductive ring, there is an insulating divider to make sure the rings don’t touch. The rings are attached to a rotating shaft, while the brushes remain fixed in place. As the shaft spins, the ring rotates while the brushes remain connected. The “brushes” are usually made of conductive material and stay in constant contact with the surface of the rotating ring.
Image via Wikipedia (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Slip-rings-conductive-blocks-a-carboncino.png)
These brushes are then connected to the other wires of the stationary side. These “brushes” can be actual brushes or angled rods that glide across the conductive rings. This simple concept is how most of our rotating electronics work.
Image via Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_ring)
Slip rings are found in a wide variety of applications. In wind turbines, slip rings transmit power and control signals between the stationary tower and the constantly rotating blades. Advanced medical machines like CT scanners use slip rings to transmit imaging data while the scanner spins rapidly.
Image via Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slip_ring)
I have used slip rings in various robotics applications over the years. In my robotics team, I have used it so that the turret on my robot can spin freely while the chassis of my robot remains stationary.
In conclusion, slip rings work by maintaining continuous electrical contact through brushes that press against a rotating conductive ring. This simple mechanism enables the uninterrupted rotation of wires in many different circumstances. Next time you need to deliver power or signals to spinning parts, you know how slip rings work and can buy them or even technically make them if you want!
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