How to Choose a Coaxial Cable Stripping Machine

Choose a coaxial stripping machine from the layer drawing and finished-end specification. Confirm each layer’s actual diameter, target strip length, conductor and shield damage limits, and whether the shield also needs brushing or folding. A cable trade name alone does not define a repeatable cutting recipe.

If you need to open or fold the shield after removing the jacket, compare braid brushing, shield cutting and fold-back. These end-preparation operations need to be specified separately from layer stripping.

Coaxial cable selection starts with a layer drawing, not a cable trade name. The machine must stop each cut between two concentric layers whose actual diameters vary with material and supplier tolerance.

Map the finished end

Input	Selection consequence
Number and material of layers	Determines programmable stripping steps
Diameter tolerance at every layer	Defines the usable cut-depth window
Strip length per layer	Determines stroke and pull-off requirement
Flexible, semi-rigid or corrugated construction	Changes clamping and blade strategy
One end or both ends	Changes handling and automation architecture
Short cut length	May justify integrated cut-and-strip processing

Supply the actual cable and an approved finished sample. A nominal outside diameter cannot show braid density, foil behavior, dielectric sensitivity or conductor concentricity.

Rotary blades versus fixed V-blades

“Fixed” here means non-rotating, not unadjustable. V-blade machines can still program cutting diameter, grip and blade retreat, as shown in Schleuniger’s V-blade stripper documentation.

Cutting route	Candidate application	Trial must establish
Fixed V-blades	Simple end strips with a usable score-and-pull depth window	Complete slug removal without conductor nicks, stretched insulation or remaining slivers
Rotary blades	Round, multilayer ends needing circumferential cuts at separate depths	Cable centering, layer preservation and clean removal at each programmed step

Material names are screening inputs, not approval. A PVC jacket may still be bonded tightly; PTFE, elastic insulation and thin dielectric each need their own settings. Schleuniger’s stripping-control manual distinguishes rotary incision, dwell, blade retreat and pull-off settings. Our selection rule is to trial those variables on the actual construction.

For simple single-layer work, compare our wire cutting and stripping range. If neither head preserves an eccentric or unusual layered construction, review a custom stripping process.

Run representative cable lots and check samples after setup, during the run and after reloading. Compare the cost of blades, guides, setup, manual slug removal and inspection per accepted end. A faster cut or wider diameter range does not establish lower cost when layer damage creates rejects.

Match the machine range to the work

The WM-2106A multi-layer coaxial stripper covers small cable within its published diameter window. The WM-2208 rotary stripping machine addresses a wider mid-range. The WM-2506D fully automatic short coax machine integrates cutting and both-end preparation for repeat short parts.

Do not select the largest range by default. A machine should be trialed near the actual cable diameter, layer spacing and strip length because clamping, blade geometry and pull-off behavior matter as much as nominal capacity.

Write the acceptance plan

Inspect each exposed layer for length and damage under appropriate magnification. Define allowed braid strand loss, foil tearing, dielectric marking, conductor nicks, concentricity and residue. If the assembly has electrical requirements, verify continuity and centre-to-shield isolation after termination.

The coaxial and RF cable assembly application shows the complete process. Approved trial evidence appears in the case library. To select and program a machine, send the layer drawing, finished-end drawing and cable samples.