Anyone looking to recover copper from cables essentially has two types of machines to choose from: cable stripping machines and cable granulating systems. Both separate the copper from the insulation—but in different ways, with varying levels of effort and different results. Which machine is the right choice depends on the types of cables being processed and the volume of production.
A cable stripping machine cuts open the insulation of a cable with a blade and mechanically removes it. The result is a clean copper conductor that can be sold directly as high-quality raw copper.
The advantage: The recovered copper is very pure, so the revenue per kilogram is correspondingly high. The disadvantage: Cable stripping machines are best suited for larger, single-core, or simple cables. Thin strands, twisted multi-core cables, or heavily weathered insulation are difficult or impossible to strip economically.
A cable granulation plant first mechanically shreds the cable and then separates the copper granules from the plastic residues using air classification or wet processing. The result is copper granules in various particle sizes.
The advantage: Cable granulation systems can process virtually any type of cable—including multi-conductor cables, aluminum-copper combinations, or small-diameter material. The throughput is significantly higher than with stripping. The disadvantage: Copper granules fetch slightly lower prices than bare copper wire.
A cable stripping machine is a good choice if: you primarily handle large-diameter, single-core cables or VPE/XLPE-insulated cables; material flows are regular and consistent; and the goal is maximum copper purity.
A cable granulation system is a good choice if: large quantities of mixed cable material are generated; small cable cross-sections and multi-conductor cables are to be processed; and high throughput is more important than maximum purity.
Many companies use both types of machines: large cables are stripped, and the rest is granulated. This maximizes copper recovery across the entire range of materials.
Used cable granulating systems and cable stripping machines are available on the market. It is important to inspect the set of measuring tools or cutting tools and the screening unit. A reputable dealer supplies machines that have been technically inspected and come with a verifiable maintenance history.
Basic cable stripping machines start in the low four-digit range. Industrial cable granulation systems are significantly more expensive. Used equipment offers the most practical entry point for businesses that want to test the technology first.
Our product range includes new and used cable granulation systems as well as cable stripping machines in various performance classes. If you’re unsure which solution is right for your material profile, please contact us directly —we’ll advise you based on your specific requirements.
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