The Mechanics of Wire Stripping

Stripping a wire is geometrically simple but mechanically complex when done millions of times without a single flawed strand. This guide covers the critical variables in rotary and V-blade stripping.

Blade Types

Type	Use Case	Drawbacks
V-Blade	Standard PVC, general hookup wire. Fast, easy to calibrate.	High risk of nicking off-center conductors.
Radius Blade	Matched perfectly to wire diameter. Excellent for thin-wall insulation.	Requires specific blade for every wire size.
Rotary Blade	Coaxial, Teflon, Kapton. Slices insulation completely around the circumference.	Slower cycle time. Complex mechanics.

Common Faults

• Splayed Strands: Usually caused by dull blades pulling rather than cutting the insulation.
• Nicked Conductor: Blade depth is set too deep, or the wire is eccentric (insulation wall thickness varies).
• Insulation Slug Remaining: Insufficient pull-off force or dirty clamp pads.

The primary rule of wire processing: If the conductor is nicked, the wire is scrap. There is no repair for lost current carrying capacity.