Fibre optic rotary joints
FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint
Fibre optic rotary joints that carry single-mode or multi-mode optical channels across rotation for high-bandwidth, interference-free data. Channel counts run from one to fifty.
Need this part, a replacement or a complete package? Our experienced UK engineering team helps you select, source and obtain the right products, with pricing, delivery coordination and after-sales support.
Pricing and availability
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Need Motion Control Products parts, a replacement or a suitable alternative? Send us a part number, or tell us what the machine needs to do. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery, whether that is the original part, a checked alternative or a complete axis.
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Spec builder
Configure FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint
Select every part you need and answer the questions an applications engineer would ask. Our engineers use your specification to come back with the right products, pricing and lead times. You see your summary before we ask for any details.
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- 1Products
- 2Performance
- 3Environment
- 4Volumes
- 5Your spec
What are you specifying?
Select everything you need. A motor, drive and gearbox can be specified together as one axis.
Key specifications
| Speed (max) | 2,000 rpm |
|---|---|
| Outer diameter | 6.8–67 mm |
| Ingress protection | up to IP68 |
| Temperature | -20–60 °C |
| Fibre channels (max) | 50 |
| Rated life (revolutions) | 100,000,000 |
| Length | 24.7–189 |
| Wavelength | 650-1650 |
| Insertion loss max | 4 |
Series ranges as published; individual models vary. The full datasheet, drawings and CAD models are available on request.
Options
- FC/ST/SC/LC connectors
- 9/125 single-mode or 50/125 and 62.5/125 multi-mode fibre
- special wavelengths
What a fibre optic rotary joint is
A fibre optic rotary joint, or FORJ, is the optical equivalent of a slip ring: it passes light signals between a fixed and a rotating fibre without a physical join. In a single-channel unit the two fibre ends sit on the rotation axis with collimating lenses so the beam crosses a small gap. Multi-channel units use a derotating optical element, such as a Dove prism, so several fibres can share the axis. Joints are built for single-mode or multimode fibre and can be combined with electrical slip rings.
When engineers choose a fibre optic rotary joint
Choose a FORJ when the rotating part needs very high bandwidth, immunity to electromagnetic interference or long transmission distances, as in subsea vehicles, cable reels, radar and video systems. It is passive and wear is very low because nothing touches. The trade-offs are insertion loss, which must fit the optical budget, sensitivity to contamination and a higher cost for multi-channel units. If data rates are modest and EMC is manageable, an electrical Ethernet slip ring may be simpler.
How to specify the FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint
Send these with your enquiry and an engineer can confirm the right FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint variant:
- Number of optical channels
- Fibre type: single-mode or multimode, core size (µm)
- Operating wavelengths (nm)
- Maximum insertion loss and loss variation during rotation (dB)
- Return loss requirement (dB)
- Connector type, such as FC, ST, LC or SC
- Speed (rpm), environment and any electrical circuits to combine
Common mistakes to avoid
- Not including the FORJ insertion loss in the full link optical budget
- Mixing single-mode and multimode fibres between the joint and the transceivers
- Leaving connectors uncapped during assembly, which contaminates the optical faces
- Specifying many channels when wavelength multiplexing would cut cost and size
Typical applications
FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint: frequently asked questions
Can you help replace FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint or source the original?
Send the full model code, quantity and required date. Our engineers can check original-part availability and assess suitable alternatives, including supply-network options where appropriate. We confirm compatibility and any changes needed before recommending a replacement.
What is the FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint?
Fibre optic rotary joints that carry single-mode or multi-mode optical channels across rotation for high-bandwidth, interference-free data. Channel counts run from one to fifty. Published series figures include speed 2,000 rpm, outer diameter 6.8 mm, outer diameter 67 mm, temperature -20 °C. It is available through our supply network, and our engineers can confirm the right variant for your application.
Who makes the FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint?
The FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint is part of a range available through our supply network. Send us your requirement for pricing, lead time, datasheets and CAD.
What is the speed of the FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint?
The published series maximum speed is 2,000 rpm. Individual models and sizes in the FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint range vary, so check the exact variant against your duty cycle, mounting and environment, or ask our engineers to confirm the right size for you.
What is the difference between single-mode and multimode fibre optic rotary joints?
Single-mode joints carry light in one guided mode through a very small core, which suits long distances and high data rates but needs precise alignment. Multimode joints use a larger core, which is more tolerant of alignment and suits shorter links. The joint must match the fibre and transceivers already used in the system, so state the fibre type and wavelength.
Can a fibre optic rotary joint be combined with an electrical slip ring?
Yes. A common arrangement places the FORJ on the axis, with the electrical slip ring built around it in a through-bore format, so power and optical data pass through one assembly. This is widely used on cable reels, ROVs and radar. Specify the electrical circuits and optical channels together so the supplier can design one housing and sealing system.
Further reading: How to select a fibre optic rotary joint · How to select a slip ring · Slip rings
Often compared with
Engineers specifying this series often compare it with:
Other fibre optic rotary joints series
Engineer support
Need FR Series Fiber Optic Rotary Joint or a complete system around it?
Tell us the part or application, quantity and timing. Our UK engineers will come back with the right product, pricing, lead time and delivery.
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- Like-for-like and better-fit alternatives
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Prefer to configure it? Use the spec builder.
How it works
From enquiry to delivery
Send a part number or describe the application. Our engineers take it from there: the right product, a clear quotation, and delivery and support arranged.
- 01Tell us what you needSend a part number, or configure the application, quantities and timing.
- 02An engineer reviews itWe check the specification and find the original part, a checked equivalent or a complete axis.
- 03Receive your quotationProducts, pricing, lead time and compatibility notes in one reply.
- 04Order and deliveryWhen you are happy, the order is placed and delivery and after-sales support are arranged.