In short:Capsule, Faston-terminal, through-bore, rugged, frameless and pancake slip rings from other makers can replace most Servotecnica SVTS series, provided the circuit list, current and voltage per ring, data channels, speed, bore, envelope, sealing and life are all matched.
What Servotecnica makes
Servotecnica is an Italian company, Servotecnica SpA, with a German subsidiary in Raunheim and a US presence. Among its products, its slip rings are sold under the SVTS name in six series: SVTS A capsule slip rings, SVTS B slip rings with Faston terminals, SVTS C through-bore slip rings, SVTS D ruggedised slip rings, SVTS E open frameless slip rings and SVTS F flat slip rings. Variants within these carry Ethernet, higher current and RF. Servotecnica describes sizes from about 12.4 mm outer diameter up to units with a 100 mm through-bore, with steel versions for harsh environments and IP65 options. Servotecnica and SVTS are trademarks of their owner.
Engineers meet them in packaging machines, robotics, test equipment, medical devices and rotary tables.
Why engineers look for a Servotecnica alternative
- Lead time on a particular circuit configuration.
- Second source, so a production line does not depend on one supplier for a part with a long build time.
- Budget, where a catalogue part from another maker meets the same specification.
- A different form factor, such as a flatter disc or a larger bore than the current series offers.
- More data, for example moving from analogue signals to Gigabit Ethernet in the same machine, or adding a camera or fieldbus to an axis that previously carried only power.
How to check a slip ring alternative is equivalent
- Circuits. Count, current and voltage per ring, and any paralleled rings for higher current.
- Signals. Encoder, analogue, fieldbus, Ethernet speed, RF frequency.
- Electrical noise. Contact resistance variation, which matters for low-level analogue signals, thermocouples and encoder lines.
- Speed. Maximum rpm, and whether the motion is continuous or back-and-forth.
- Mechanical envelope. Outer diameter, length, bore or shaft, flange and anti-rotation.
- Connections. Flying leads, connectors or Faston terminals, and lead lengths.
- Environment. IP rating, temperature, shock and vibration.
- Life. Rated revolutions and any maintenance.
Our guides on how to select a slip ring and how to specify a slip ring walk through each point.
SVTS alternatives in our supply network
Each SVTS series has a counterpart type in our range:
- SVTS A (capsule): the AR/BR/CR capsule slip rings use gold-to-gold contacts and reach 76 circuits.
- SVTS B (Faston): the HR Series Faston type slip ring uses quick-connect terminals with optional IP65 sealing.
- SVTS C (through-bore): the ER Series through-bore slip ring has standard bores from 12.7 to 100 mm.
- Ethernet variants: the Ethernet slip ring offers 100M or Gigabit channels with power and signal.
- High-current variants: the BHR carbon-brush slip ring for heavy power transfer.
- RF variants: the RR Series RF rotary joint, with single-channel models to 50 GHz.
- SVTS D (rugged) and SVTS E (open): the waterproof slip ring (IP64 to IP68) for harsh sites; open designs are reviewed case by case.
- SVTS F (flat): the PR/PSR pancake slip ring for low axial height.
You can also browse by type: capsule, through-bore, pancake and Ethernet slip rings.
How the comparison is made
The table under this text compares each Servotecnica series we hold data for with the closest product from our supply network, on published figures only. “Equivalent” means a product that meets the stated specification for your application, confirmed by an engineer; it does not mean identical. Specify Motion is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Servotecnica, and no logos are used. Names are used only to identify the products.
Send the SVTS part number and circuit list, and we will say whether a standard part fits or a modified one is needed.
Servotecnica series and the closest match from our supply network
Each row compares the highest published figures for the series. A match here is a starting point: an engineer confirms the fit for your load, duty, mounting and interface before recommending anything.
| Servotecnica series | Type | Closest match |
|---|---|---|
| SVTS A (A 01-A 07) | Capsule slip rings | AR/BR/CR Series Capsule Slip Rings meets 3 of 4 figures Meets 3 of 4 figures compared |
| SVTS A 03 / A 04 Ethernet | Ethernet slip rings | Ethernet Slip Ring meets 3 of 4 figures Meets 3 of 4 figures compared |
| SVTS A 05 | High-current slip rings | BHR Series Frameless Type (Carbon Brush) meets 3 of 4 figures Meets 3 of 4 figures compared |
| SVTS A 06 | RF rotary joint | RR Series Radio Frequency Rotary Joint meets or exceeds the figures compared Meets or exceeds the figure compared |
| SVTS B (B 01-B 04) | Slip rings | Multi-channel Slip Ring meets or exceeds the figures compared Meets or exceeds all 4 figures compared |
| SVTS C (C 01-C 11) | Through-bore slip rings | ER Series Through Bore Slip Ring meets 1 of 5 figures Meets 1 of 5 figures compared |
| SVTS C 04 / C 05 / C 06 Ethernet | Ethernet slip rings | Ethernet Slip Ring meets 3 of 5 figures Meets 3 of 5 figures compared |
| SVTS D (D 01-D 02) | Rugged and military slip rings | Fiber Optic Integrated Electrical Slip Ring meets or exceeds the figures compared Meets or exceeds all 3 figures compared |
| SVTS E (E 01-E 04) | Open and frameless slip rings | Waterproof Slip Ring meets or exceeds the figures compared Meets or exceeds all 5 figures compared |
| SVTS F (F 01) | Pancake slip rings | PR/PSR Series Pancake Slip Ring meets 4 of 5 figures Meets 4 of 5 figures compared |
Specify Motion is not affiliated with Servotecnica SpA. Brand and series names are used only to identify products. Comparisons use published figures; always confirm against the current datasheet.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a like-for-like alternative to an SVTS capsule slip ring?
Capsule slip rings from other makers cover similar outer diameters and circuit counts, but the flange, lead lengths and the number of rings at each current rating vary. Compare each circuit's current and voltage, the signal types, maximum speed, outer diameter, length and mounting flange. If the envelope differs by a few millimetres, check the bracket before ordering samples.
What is a Faston slip ring and is there an equivalent?
It is a slip ring wired through FASTON-style quick-connect blade terminals rather than flying leads, which makes installation and replacement quick in industrial machinery. The HR Series in our supply network uses the same terminal approach, with up to eight circuits and optional IP65 sealing. Check circuit count, current and the terminal size against your harness.
Can an alternative slip ring carry Ethernet like the SVTS Ethernet versions?
Yes, several Ethernet slip rings are available in capsule and through-bore form. Confirm whether you need 100 Mbit/s or Gigabit, which industrial protocol runs over it, and how much power runs alongside the data. Ask for test data at your speed. Our guide on Ethernet through slip rings explains what to specify.
What should I send to get a Servotecnica equivalent proposed?
Send the SVTS part number or drawing, a circuit list with current, voltage and signal type, data protocols, speed, bore or shaft, envelope, mounting, connector or lead details, IP rating, temperature range and required life. If the part is a custom variant, a photograph of the label helps identify the build.
Sources
Figures are summarised from the sources above and from manufacturers' published data on the date shown. Always confirm against the current datasheet for your exact part.