How to Choose Wire Stripping & Cutting Machine£¿

5 Key Points to Consider When Choosing a Wire Stripping & Cutting Machine.

In electrical engineering and industrial projects. A wire stripping & cutting machine is an essential piece of equipment. Asking these six questions during the decision making process will help ensure you end up with equipment that fits all of your needs.

1.Application Range

When choosing a Stripping & Cutting machine, the primary factor to consider is the range of applications it will handle. For some tasks, you only need a machine that can measure, cut to length, and strip one or both ends of a wire or cable. This is a basic requirement, which can be fulfilled by a machine equipped with a single cutter head that uses one set of blades.

Wire Type: Specify the types of wires you will be using.

Outside Diameter: Note the outer diameter of the wires.

Overall Lengths: Provide the total lengths of the wires.

Strip Lengths: Indicate how much insulation needs to be stripped from each wire

Current Applications: List the applications you need to process now.

Future Applications: Mention any additional applications you may want to process later.

This will help ensure the machine meets both your current and future needs.

2.   Size Range

Once you have defined the application range, the next critical factor in selecting a cut & strip (C&S) machine is the size range of the wire or cable. It's essential to determine both the largest and smallest sizes you need to process.

For larger copper cables with low strand counts, significant power is required for effective cutting and stripping.  In contrast, large multi-conductor cables need a machine capable of accommodating larger cable diameters (O.D.), but they typically do not demand extremely high cutting and stripping forces.

On the smaller end of the spectrum, precision becomes crucial. For instance, if you need to cut and strip a 30 AWG wire with a .010" center conductor and a .005" insulation wall thickness, there is very little margin for error.  Machines designed to handle cables up to 1. " and larger are unlikely to provide the precision necessary for processing very small wires.

The integration of pre- and post-processing accessories can significantly enhance the capabilities of a basic cutting and stripping machine, transforming it into a fully automatic production line. Here's how to effectively choose and optimize your stripping and cutting machine for various wire applications.

Pre-Processing Accessories

pre-feeder is essential for maintaining constant tension while feeding wire into the C&S machine, ensuring precise length accuracy. When selecting a pre-feeder, consider one that can accommodate the largest and heaviest reel you intend to use, as well as one that can match the speed and acceleration of the stripping and cutting machine.

Post-Processing Features

For applications that require labeling or marking termination IDs on wire ends, it's crucial to integrate appropriate identification methods. Options include:

Hotstamp Marking: Requires a stop during the process.

Inkjet Marking: Allows for marking on the fly, enhancing efficiency. A fully integrated inkjet marking system enables the creation of a comprehensive wire list without operator intervention. Ensure that the stripping and cutting machine can communicate with and control the inkjet marker.

If your operations necessitate intermediate windows or rotary incisions on wires or cables, look for a stripping and cutting machine equipped with an integrated rotary stripping head. This feature is particularly useful for measuring and cutting coaxial cables while performing three-step stripping on each end.

When choosing various cut & strip machines, it's essential to look beyond just the "Maximum Transport Speed" listed in the data-sheets. Here are some points to consider:

Maximum Production Rate:

 A high transport speed might not directly translate to a high production rate, especially for shorter wire lengths.  Always prioritize the "Maximum Production Rate" specified for different wire lengths and applications, as this provides a more accurate picture of the machine's efficiency.

Machine Cycle Time:

The cutting axis and other machine specifications play a significant role in determining cycle time. Make sure to assess how these factors influence overall production efficiency.

Sample Testing:

 Before making a purchase, it's advisable to send wire or cable samples to the machine manufacturer.  This allows you to obtain realistic production rates tailored to your specific application, ensuring that the machine meets your needs.

Integration Capabilities:

Look for machines that can easily integrate with additional equipment, such as feeding systems and labeling machines, for a streamlined production process.

Durability and Maintenance:

Consider the machine's durability and maintenance requirements, as these factors will affect long-term performance and operational costs.

5.   Changeover Times

Lean manufacturing is increasingly leading to high-mix, low-volume production, making it essential to minimize changeover times.

In scenarios involving small batch sizes, the duration of changeovers can be more critical than the maximum production rate of the machine.

Often, the time spent setting up a job can exceed the time it takes to run the actual production.

To optimize efficiency, look for machines designed for quick changeover between tasks.

Tools that allow for tool-less alterations of guide tubes, blades, and other components can significantly reduce the time spent on adjustments.

Additionally, advanced machines that require minimal manual setup can further streamline the process.

Integrating rotary stripping technology into a conventional cut and strip machine offers a practical solution.  This technology enables the rotary stripping head to be programmed for various depths of incision into the insulation, thereby eliminating the need for frequent blade changes (such as radius or die blades) when working with different wire or cable sizes.

Although the production rate may be slightly slower, the absence of blade changeovers makes it a viable option for setups with small batch sizes and frequent transitions.

For your cutting and stripping needs, consider a machine equipped with rotary stripping technology to enhance efficiency.