Wire processing (cut/strip/crimp) automation - Komax, Schleuniger, or .....? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 15, 2022, 07:38:31 pm
content: We're in the market for some wire processing equipment, and are specifically looking for a measure+cut+strip system and a separate strip+crimp that takes standard format mini applicators. We're processing 28-12AWG (0.08-3.3mm²) wire, all basic PVC insulated single-conductor stranded stuff. At some point in the next year or so we may move to an all-in-one processing system, but for now we think that two separate machines makes more sense for our production mix and for addressing our current pain points. We want strip and crimp in one step because we're initially automating very small terminals on 28AWG wire--since the strip length is only ~1.5mm we can't rely on leaving the slug in place, and I don't want to deal with trying to keep the stripped strands neat while moving between machines.I have quotes from Komax for a Kappa measure/cut/strip system, and a Delta strip/crimp system, as well as an inquiry in with Schleuniger for roughly similar equipment. The Schleuniger strip/crimp system doesn't seem to have the fancy crimp force monitoring system that the Komax does, but it also costs about half as much. The measure/cut/strip systems all seem to be about the same capabilities (at least for what we care about) in the range we're looking at and are about the same price.I'm not sure who else would be worth talking to. While there are a lot of measure/cut/strip machines out there, strip/crimp systems seem far less common. I'm seeing lots of factory direct manufacturers from overseas who do this sort of equipment, but I need something with solid support, and not having a ton of luck with web searches for this stuff.Anyone else been down this road and have any thoughts--either on other factors to consider between the Komax and Schleuniger options or on other options?

author: ajb
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2022, 04:07:48 pm
content: As an aside (and bit of a bump for monday attention), this is new territory for us, but if you're involved in any sort of box building business and haven't looked into this sort of automation, it's surprisingly accessible. We're looking at spending a total in the mid-five figures USD for the two kinds of machine we're looking at, which isn't a hard sell at all when you look at how much time it takes even a very good technician to do equivalent work manually. Especially now, with supply chain and labor challenges making it increasingly difficult to contract out this sort of work, bringing this in house is very attractive in terms of ROI and reducing supply chain risks. Of course you can spend vastly more money on more capable machines (that can not only cut, strip, and crimp, but also tin, twist, double-wire crimp, apply seals, etc), but the amount of productive capacity is also much higher.Of course this is all based on our specific situation and we may find that the reality is a lot less rosy once we get deeper into this process, so YMMV.

author: tooki
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 18, 2022, 05:12:42 pm
content: Themanufacturing and assembly subforummay garner more responses.