Process Date: April 2002

Because many materials used to fabricate wires, such as copper and aluminum, are reflective to the CO₂ wavelength, lasers are an excellent source for wire stripping.  The laser ablates the coating, typically consisting of PVC, Teflon, Mylar, etc., and the laser beam reflects off the copper, leaving the underlying wire undamaged.  Unlike traditional contact cutting methods, which can lead to product damage, the laser produces clean results.

    The wire stripping application in the photo above was accomplished by scanning a 0.6" x 0.15" area with an FH "Index" marking head and 25-watt laser. Two passes of the laser were used at a speed of 40" per second and a resolution of 350. The process was then repeated on the other side of the material, resulting in a cycle time of 2.3 seconds per side.

    For information on complete wire stripping systems incorporating Synrad lasers, visit the DC Design website at www.rtmccentral.com.


Clean results were achieved with a Synrad 25-watt laser.