Essential Questions to Consider Before Purchasing a Wire Cutting and Stripping Machine

Finding the appropriate equipment for your operation often demands considerable time and effort. The same applies when acquiring a new wire cut & strip machine. With a plethora of choices available, where should you begin? By posing these five critical questions during your selection process, you will enhance your chances of acquiring machinery that meets all your requirements.

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1. Is My New Cut & Strip Machine Versatile Enough for Various Applications?

If you plan to run a variety of jobs, you will need a machine that offers high flexibility. Focus on the extremes of the application's range concerning wire and cable size. For instance, if your largest wire to date is 10 AWG, consider the possibility of needing to handle 8 AWG or heavier wire in the future. Furthermore, assess whether you might need advanced functionalities such as a multi-blade cutterhead, suitable for processing multi-conductor cable jackets, or a rotary incision unit for making radial cuts through multiple cable layers when dealing with coaxial cables. Being prepared for future requirements will maximize the efficiency of your investment.

2. What is the Time Required for Changeovers, and are Tools Necessary?

Modern cut & strip machines are generally fully programmable; however, there will always be specific mechanical components (like guide tubes and blades) that must be changed for different jobs. Changeover times can significantly reduce if these adjustments do not require tools. Smaller batch sizes lead to more frequent changeovers. A machine with shorter changeover durations will yield quicker returns on investment and continue to generate savings throughout its lifecycle.

3. What Production Rate Can I Realistically Expect from My New Machine?

While comparing datasheets of various machines, you may notice a listing for “Maximum Transport Speed.” It’s important to understand that a high transport speed does not automatically indicate a high production rate unless you are processing longer lengths. Consider the cutting axis and other machine specifications, which all contribute to overall cycle time. Therefore, focus on the listed “Maximum Production Rate” for different wire lengths and applications. For the most accurate expectations, provide the machine manufacturer with wire or cable samples prior to purchase.

4. What Pre- and Post-Processing Accessories Are Available?

Bear in mind that entry-level cut & strip machines often lack compatibility with an extensive range of pre- and post-processing accessories. Identify necessary additional operations and confirm whether the machine’s manufacturer offers integrated accessories for those operations. Common operations include hot stamping or inkjet marking, as well as coiling and stacking. A prefeeder is one of the essential accessories, available in various sizes and styles. Basic models feed wire using motorized belts, while advanced prefeeders drive cable reels directly, providing a gentler feeding mechanism. Choose a prefeeder that matches or exceeds your new machine's maximum acceleration and feed rates.

5. Can My New Machine Be Integrated with ERP or Manufacturing Execution System Software?

The future factory necessitates that equipment be network-connected. When selecting your next cut & strip machine, ensure it possesses the requisite connectivity for integration into your network. Networking your cutting and stripping equipment comes with a multitude of benefits. By sending jobs directly to the machine, you minimize operator errors and save substantial programming time. You will gain clear visibility into job start and completion times, allowing for monitoring of average production rates. Additionally, it enables the automatic optimization of work orders based on changeover times, due dates, available machinery, and workforce. Moreover, you will keep accurate track of machine cycles and scheduled maintenance while ensuring every job has full traceability.

Conclusion: Selecting the Right Cut & Strip Machine

Choosing the ideal cut & strip machine for your operation can be straightforward if you know what to evaluate. While the initial price is important, the key focus should be on acquiring a versatile machine that provides the quickest return on investment, leading to the lowest overall lead costs.

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Top 5 Strategies to Save Money on Wire and Cable

Top 5 Strategies to Save Money on Wire and Cable

As an engineer developing a new product or a purchasing agent preparing to issue orders, cost is a critical factor in your decisions. Saving money is a universal challenge, both personally and professionally, and can often feel overwhelming.

When faced with the prospect of saving money, the immediate reaction may be to sacrifice quality for a lower price. However, this need not be the case.

Believe it or not, there are ways to reduce expenses without sacrificing quality and reliability. Here are several recommendations that can assist in reducing your wire and cable expenditures.

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1. Examine Drawings and Specification Sheets for Over-Engineering

Scrutinize your design documents or specification sheets carefully. Does the application genuinely necessitate a product that is excessively robust or enhanced for harsh environments? Over-engineering results in over-specification, leading to inflated costs. Assess your specifications closely to ensure they align with the required sophistication and durability of the raw materials. You may find that a more affordable alternative is just as effective for your application.

2. Don't Cut Corners! Opt for Quality from the Outset

While frugality is advantageous in certain situations, it is advisable not to settle for the cheapest wire and cable options for electrical apparatuses and industrial applications.

Safety is paramount and neglecting quality can lead to significant expenses if equipment suffers damage or if injuries occur.

Investing a bit more initially for quality materials can lead to substantial long-term savings.

3. Explore for New Product Variants

Some product designs have remained unchanged for years. When was the last time you looked for the latest variant available for your purchase?

It's possible that a new variant may offer better performance and greater affordability. Emerging wire and cable technologies frequently enhance resilience, efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness compared to older versions.

4. Avoid Over-Purchasing

Buying directly from a manufacturer often compels you to order standard quantities that exceed your needs.

Avoiding waste saves money and minimizes disposal costs. Seek out distributors like Lapp Tannehill to obtain precisely what you require, without surplus.

5. Assess Your Current Purchases

One of the valuable services offered by Lapp Tannehill is a complimentary wire and cable assessment conducted by industry experts.

We provide a FREE, comprehensive review of your wire and cable requirements and usage, formulating solutions aimed at both short and long-term cost reductions.

Contact us for an evaluation, and our Business Development team will coordinate a time to assist you.

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