How to mount Mercotac® Brushless Slip Rings

Mercotac brushless slip rings are designed to be mounted on the end of a rotating axis or shaft, in either a vertical or horizontal orientation. The mounting method varies depending on the Mercotac model.

The Mercotac Brushless Slip Rings have a laser-etched UP arrow on the side of the body, and for vertical mounting, the arrow should point up. These slip rings can be mounted at any angle between vertical (arrow up) and 90 degrees horizontal (arrow horizontal), allowing for almost any required orientation.

For optimal performance, the eccentricity of the mounted Mercotac should be less than .005” TIR (total indicator reading) or FIM (full indicator movement).

The preferred method of mounting the Mercotac is with the body rotating, while ensuring that both ends of the slip ring are not rigidly mounted. One end needs to be able to float freely, and a floating torque arm may be used to prevent the stationary end from rotating if necessary. It's also important to avoid creating any side loads on the Mercotac by looping the connecting wires, rather than pulling on the slip ring.

Top mount to body (preferred)

Mercotac Mounting Recommendations:

Remember when Mounting:

Mercotac Brushless Slip Rings cay be used in any position between vertical and 90 degrees horizontal. The UP arrow should not point below horizontal.
In horizontal applications, mount the Mercotac with the body rotating to reduce mechanical loads on the bearing.
Limit mounting eccentricity to a maximum of .005” TIR.
Mercotac products are not designed to carry mechanical loads. One end should be allowed to float, attached only by the connecting wires.
The connecting wires on the stationary end should have enough extra length (looped) so as not to pull or put a side load on the Mercotac.

Top Mount to Body (Modular Model)

Best mounting method

Top Mount with Conductive Shaft
(Coaxial Model):

Best mounting method

The Modular models 1250, 1500, 215-2K, 230, 235, 330 331, 335, 430, 435, 630, 830 use either the body or the plastic collar for mounting to the rotating member.
The Coaxial models 104, 105, 110-T, 205, and 305 Mercotac units use the knurled receptacle inserted into the rotating member for mounting. This receptacle holds the Mercotac unit.

It's worth noting that Mercotac products are not designed or intended to support any axial or torsional load, and should not be used for such purposes.

If the equipment is subject to any vibrations, shocks, or sudden movements, it is highly recommended to use a vibration isolation mounting to separate the Mercotac from these conditions. Such vibrations or movements can significantly shorten the life of the Mercotac unit or even cause it to fail.

Vibration Isolating Mount

A flexible bellows, rubber tubing, or other flexible membranes may be used to create a vibration isolation mount.

The vibration isolation mount should be mounted in a way that couples the rotating shaft to the rotating side of the Mercotac unit.

Remember when Mounting:

Mercotac Brushless Slip Rings cay be used in any position between vertical and 90 degrees horizontal. The UP arrow should not point below horizontal.
In horizontal applications, mount the Mercotac with the body rotating to reduce mechanical loads on the bearing.
Limit mounting eccentricity to a maximum of .005” TIR.
Mercotac products are not designed to carry mechanical loads. One end should be allowed to float, attached only by the connecting wires.
The connecting wires on the stationary end should have enough extra length (looped) so as not to pull or put a side load on the Mercotac.

TYPICAL MOUNTING CONFIGURATIONS FOR MERCOTAC BRUSHLESS SLIP RINGS

Smaller Mercotac products are designed to plug into an electrical receptacle, which serves as both the mounting and electrical connection. These receptacles are knurled and intended to be press-fitted into a hole on the end of the rotating device. If the electrical connection cannot be common with the shaft, it's important to insulate the receptacles.

Typical mounting for Coaxial Models (small models) – 105, 110, 110-T, 205, and 305

Top Mount with Conductive Shaft

Bottom Mount with Conductive Shaft

Horizontal Mount with Electrically Insulated Shaft

The Mercotac body is electrically hot. An electrically insulated
shaft can isolate it, if needed.

Thermal & Electrically Insulated Horizontal Mount

Use if electrical and thermal insulation is needed. The thermal
insulation should extend far enough away from the heat source to
keep the Mercotac within the specified temperature range.

Protective Housing Mount with Conductive Shaft

Vibration Isolation Mount

Remember when Mounting:

Mercotac Brushless Slip Rings cay be used in any position between vertical and 90 degrees horizontal. The UP arrow should not point below horizontal.
In horizontal applications, mount the Mercotac with the body rotating to reduce mechanical loads on the bearing.
Limit mounting eccentricity to a maximum of .005” TIR.
Mercotac products are not designed to carry mechanical loads. One end should be allowed to float, attached only by the connecting wires.
The connecting wires on the stationary end should have enough extra length (looped) so as not to pull or put a side load on the Mercotac.

TYPICAL MOUNTING CONFIGURATIONS FOR MERCOTAC BRUSHLESS SLIP RING

Larger Mercotac products are typically mounted into a hollow shaft or collar adapter on the end of the rotating device using either the plastic bushing or the body. The Mercotac can be held in place with a setscrew or a slotted clamp system, and the body has an undercut for the set screw.

Typical mounting for Modular Models (large models) – 230,215-2k,235,330,331,335,430,435,630, and 830:

Horizontal Mount to Body

Good mounting method.
(but vertical orientation is better).

Adapter Mount to Body

Use when the shaft diameter is
smaller than the body of Mercotac.

Horizontal Mount to Bushing

Used if the shaft cannot be fitted to
the body diameter.

Thermal Insulated Mount to Bushing

May be needed if thermal insulation is necessary. The thermal insulation should extend far enough away from the heat source to keep the Mercotac within the specified temperature range.
Used if the shaft cannot be fitted to the body diameter.

Top Mount to Body

Best mounting method

Bottom Mount to Bushing

Floating Torque Arm Mount to Body

Protective Housing Mount to Body

Recommended for wash-down or dirty environments.

Also recommended for food processing applications.

Vibration Isolation Mount to Body

With flexible bellows

Vibration Isolating Mount to Body

With floating drive coupling.

Remember when Mounting:

Mercotac Brushless Slip Rings cay be used in any position between vertical and 90 degrees horizontal. The UP arrow should not point below horizontal.
In horizontal applications, mount the Mercotac with the body rotating to reduce mechanical loads on the bearing.
Limit mounting eccentricity to a maximum of .005” TIR.
Mercotac products are not designed to carry mechanical loads. One end should be allowed to float, attached only by the connecting wires.
The connecting wires on the stationary end should have enough extra length (looped) so as not to pull or put a side load on the Mercotac.

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How to mount Mercotac® Brushless Slip Rings

Mercotac Mounting Recommendations:

Preferred Mounting Methods

Vibration Isolation

Coaxial Models (Small Models) Typical Mounting

Modular Models (Large Models) Typical Mounting

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