Wire stripping machine
A wire stripping machine is a machine used to strip the insulation from electric and telecommunications wires. A cutting device, such as a knife or shear, first severs the wire close to the insulation. The insulation is then pulled off by sprockets which rotate two abrasive-covered wheels that press against both sides of the insulated part of the wire; the relative speed between the wheel and wire controls how deeply into (and through) it penetrates. Machines designed for specific cable types have interchangeable “jacket grip” dies which match standard cable diameters and grip different parts of the insulated conductor.
Overview:
Wire stripping machines were introduced in Britain around 1940. Prior to this, cables had been stripped by hacksaws and knives. Wire strippers are now employed by communications, electric utility and electrical contractors. Industrial arc welding machines are often used to strip insulation from large conductors. The heated cutting head is pressed against the wire, causing the insulation to melt and burn away. This is an efficient method for bulk cable stripping.
Prior to 1940 most telephone wire was stripped by either pulling it through a die or wrapping the wire around a metal rod called a “monkey”. A monkey can be used with an insulating stick, which provides some additional mechanical support of the wire during insulation removal. Pulling worked well on small gauge wire but tended to break very thin wires before all of the insulation was pulled free. A new machine was developed that would simultaneously pull and cut the insulation with one set of gears.
Uses of wire stripping machine
- Wire strippers are used for many types of wire, including electrical cable, telephone cable, and coaxial cable.
- In the late 1940s a new type of insulation stripper was developed for long runs that consisted of a rotating spindle with rapid forward and reverse motion. A V-shaped blade first severed the wire close to the insulation. The wire would then be gripped tightly by two circular dies which were forced together as they rotated past each other to strip off the insulation. This method proved extremely successful on solid conductors but had problems stripping stranded wires. Once again it became necessary to develop another tool specifically designed for this job.
- The 1 ton machine used the same technology that was introduced in the 1940s except it has an additional rotating die made of aluminum oxide. This die is forced against the wire and scrapes off any remaining insulation.
- Most stripping machines work by trapping the wire between two gripping surfaces (known as dies or jaws) and moving one jaw relative to the other.
There are two main designs
The difference between these designs is what part of the conductor they grip as they pull away from each other. In shear-type strippers, both gripping surfaces follow a straight line through the cable as they move towards each other than away from each other as shown at right.
Typical cable stripping machines consist of two sprocket wheels. The first wheel severs the cable sheath near the end of the insulation using a sharp knife. The second wheel then strips off the sheath from both sides of the insulated conductor with its alternating cutters. Depending on design, one or more springs may be used to exert pressure against these cutting blades. Cable jackets range in size and thickness depending on application and use (see “conductor” below). For example, speaker wire jacketing is about 0.02 inches (0.5 mm) thick whereas high-voltage power cables can have jackets over 0.25 inches (6 mm) thick. The total number of blades varies from 4 to 7 on most machines. Some models permit the operator to adjust the blade depth for different cable types.
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Parts of wire stripping machine
Cable stripping machines typically use a threaded rod and nut mechanism with adjustable knife penetration depth, which allows the user to trim back insulation without damaging the conductor inside. Depth adjustment is accomplished by rotating an internal sleeve in the body of machine until its opening aligns with one or more screw heads protruding from within an insulated cover plate on which the sprocket wheels ride.
This design provides accurate control over contact between wire conductors and cutting tools embedded in stripping wheels while allowing quick and easy changes between materials that require different strips lengths (e.g., cross-connect jumpers vs. Cat5e patch cables).
Advancements in Wire Stripping Machines
Wire stripping machines have evolved significantly since their inception in the 1940s. Initially developed to strip insulation from cables more efficiently than manual methods, modern machines boast advanced features for precision and versatility.
Innovative Design: Today’s wire stripping machines employ sophisticated mechanisms, such as rotating spindles with rapid forward and reverse motion, to ensure clean and efficient stripping of insulation from wires. These machines feature V-shaped blades and circular dies that grip and strip wires with precision, catering to various cable types and thicknesses.
Enhanced Functionality: With adjustable knife penetration depth and threaded rod mechanisms, modern machines offer precise control over the stripping process, allowing users to trim back insulation without damaging the conductor inside. Modular units enable the processing of different cable and insulation types simultaneously, enhancing efficiency in industrial settings.
Safety Measures: Many wire stripping machines are equipped with adjustable tension control and wire feed lock-out mechanisms to prevent accidents and ensure operator safety. Automatic wire feeders streamline the stripping process, especially for high-volume operations, reducing manual labor and increasing productivity.
Specialized Tools: Manufacturers have developed specialized tools to address challenges posed by certain types of insulation materials. These purpose-built tools ensure clean and accurate stripping, safeguarding wires from damage and maintaining optimal performance.
As wire stripping machines continue to advance, they play a pivotal role in various industries, offering efficient solutions for insulation removal and cable processing.
Working
The stripped wires are released onto a rotating drum, which keeps them separated and untangled. As the wire is pulled off the first sprocket wheel it must pass through a shaping die to reduce its diameter so that it can fit into other parts of the electrical or electronic system without damaging anything. The wire coolant typically used in larger stripping machines is water with food-grade coloring.[4] This fluid helps keep the metal conductor from becoming too hot as it moves through the machine. It also removes any burrs created by contact between cable sheathing and cutting blades on gears inside. A few models instead use an oil bath to cool down mechanics during operation.
Cable strippers can often be used in modular units, allowing different cable and insulation types to be processed at the same time. For example: A four-channel system with two stripping units can process eight cables simultaneously (two per channel), while a six-channel machine can handle 12 cables at once. Some machines have an automatic wire feeder, which makes the stripping job easier for anyone who has to strip a lot of wires on a regular basis. For example, one company manufactures an automatic feed unit that holds 40 spools of wire. This allows workers to load several spools into this device instead of having to pre-wind each individual wire onto a small slitting or cutting wheel attached directly to the stripping machine’s shaft.
Other Information
Many stripping machines have an adjustable tension control. This feature allows the user to adjust for different cable diameters. The machine can also be equipped with a wire feed lock-out mechanism that prevents stripping blades on the sprocket wheels from spinning when an operator touches or feeds too much wire through the machine all at once. Many models of wire strippers are not designed for unattended operation, so they can become dangerous if left alone without this safety device.
Certain types of plastic insulation are difficult to strip cleanly using automatic wire stripping machines. To solve this problem, some manufacturers make special purpose tools intended specifically for removing these particular materials in addition to others that standard designs might damage.
FAQs
What equipment is used to strip wires?
Wire strippers resemble a pair of pliers or scissors. Although the majority of wire strippers are capable of handling a variety of tasks, their main role is to strip the insulation from wire ends. Slotted cutting blades found in the stripper’s jaws help to achieve this.
