Wire stripping machines are largely used to remove a piece of insulation from a wire. Previously, this removing of insulation layers was done manually but now the precise machines have taken over, these are automated and are perfect to strip accurate measurements of insulations.
Here are some methods available which are employed in wire stripping
- Cutting the wire- this is a very simple technique to removing the insulation, cutting away the wire casing but not the metal wire underneath.
- Abrasive method- A rough wheel with specific material on its surfaces is rolled onto a wire, with time the insulation wears away after some time, the wire is exposed polished and clean.
- Thermal Method- this requires minimum effort, the insulation is melted at a certain temperature or burnt.
- Chemical Method- Certain chemicals are employed which have a reaction towards the insulation. As the insulation and the chemical reaction, it causes the insulation to dissolve within a limited time frame.
- Laser- This is the new technology and requires high technicality. Since laser starts removing the layer of insulation, the dimensions are already fed into the system. This is to ensure that no damage is done to the metal core of the wire.
For industrial uses, industrial wire stripping methods are used so that both time and money are saved. The metal which is stripped is very useful for the sellers as they can make great profits by recycling it, sending it to scrap yards and so on. However, reels and reels of cables and wires are collected and sent for wire stripping. It gets difficult to employ large manpower to get rid of the insulation and make use of the wire and the chances of wire wastage are also high. To avoid time-consuming manual wire stripping method, precise machines are used. Here are some types of precise machines used which make the wire stripping much easier, efficient and effective.
Thermal Wire Stripping
Constant flame intensity is used to burn away the insulation casing. This method has two forms, either a high flame is used or blades are first heated and then the insulation is run under the blades. However, this method requires many heat radiating sources and thus it can be an expensive method.
The adjustable gauging system can treat different size and types of wires. The heat intensity can be set and they can strip wire in multiple ways from single to coaxial cables and even wires which have multiple stands in one. This method works well with Vinyl and neoprene casings and is effective in dissolving them in no time.
Laser Wire Stripping
This method is used in factories which require precisely measured wires, standardized and well functioning ones. The precision at which the insulation is brunt is truly remarkable and cannot be performed manually. This method is employed when the sellers cannot afford any carelessness or even the slightest damage or faults in the conducting metal core.
Fine gauge wires are usually de-insulated using laser wire stripping. However, screened cables, twisted conjoined wire and cables, coaxial cables and any thickness of wires can also be treated with laser wire stripping for precise results.
Abrasive Wire Stripping Machines
This method requires a little technicality. The wire is placed by the worker between the two abrasive wheels which are made of a specified material. Usually, fiberglass is used on the surface of these wheels. Only the right texture and material is able to wear away the insulation on the cables or wires. If the right material and the texture is not provided while the process, the precious metal underneath the casing will get damaged and loose its ability of conduction. If the tension between the wire and the abrasive wheel isn’t accurate, the wire will snap causing damage.
Mechanical Wire Cutting
This is a rather advanced version of manually cutting the casing to remove the insulation of the wire it is just more precise and it is free of any human errors. Very sharp blades are used to cut a wire or a cable, the sharp blades cut through the wires deep enough to remove the insulated casing but not cutting the metal.
These blade machines are smartly designed and they prevent the loss of metal core. The blade settings are so that it doesn’t cut the conducting material. However, as the cutting process can be rough it leaves behind scrapes, pieces of insulation; it can sometimes cut through the wire and also produce nicks. Thus it can be a little risky while employing this method but it is way quicker and much more precise than manually stripping wire; it can be a little messy though.
Chemical Wire Striping
A chemical stripper is used to remove the insulation. In this, the wire’s insulation is first exposed to the chemical stripper and in the second stage to a specified type of alcohol and neutralizer. This exposure to chemicals helps in gradually melting away the insulation. However, the metal stays put. Constant rinsing and wiping off the metal insulation help it contact better with the chemical each time. However, this is highly toxic. This method is usually employed because it doesn’t cause damage to the metal which lies beneath it.
The Advanced Stripping Machines
Microcomputers are used to customize the program settings according to the requirements. The machines don’t need supervision; they automatically cut through the cables and wires according to the precise lengths already fed into the system. They can completely strip wire in one go, users don’t have to manually start or stop it, it can half strip wire or even middle strip in a single procedure. These machines are all in one so the work isn’t divided into different stages. The quality of work is ensured and no damage is done to the conducting material. They are specialized machines available for cable and wire stripping or just one machine can attend to several types of wires for stripping. It saves extra costs.
