Automatic Wire Cutters

Automatic wire cutters are present in many commercial and residential workshops. They reduce worker injuries and produce more exact results than manual cutting. Wire cutters come in many price ranges and are effective machines for a number of applications. View all our our automatic wire cutters here. Traditional wire cutters are also known as diagonal pliers. Units cut wire by gradually wedging the strand apart and creating angled end surfaces. Devices cut through materials that include copper, gold and silver. User groups include jewelry makers and electricians. Multiple handheld devices are required for maximum versatility. For example, flush cut units offer one trim type while bezels create another finish. Automatic cutters reduce the amount of work hours for projects by quickly measuring, stripping and cutting wires based on individual specifications. Handheld units tackle one wire at a time while larger machines handle several pieces to maximize output. One machine accomplishes the work of several individuals in less time.

Purpose of Wire Cutting

The act of wire cutting serves a different purpose in every industry. For example, electricians need wires of varying lengths for installation and repair projects. Properly exposed surfaces successfully carry currents between terminals and additional wire pieces. Improper processing leads to malfunctions that cause overheating and fires. In jewelry making wires serve as framing for intricate pieces. Artisans create coils and chains that mimic items discovered by historians in early Roman and Viking societies. Elaborate works use wire to support semi-precious and precious stones for added glamour. Poorly trimmed strands are hard to interconnect and lead to unimpressive finishes.

Benefits

Automatic cutting devices aide company employees in avoiding repetitive strain injuries (RSI). Physicians define RSI as damage to nerves and bone after repeat aggressive movements. The force required to cut wires manually for extended periods cause chronic pain and muscle weakness.

• Confirmed RSI cases cause companies to lose money in many ways:
• Insurance costs increase due to the company’s high-risk status.
• Workman’s compensation costs increase as more job-related problems begin to surface.
• Public opinion turns harsh when people feel employees do not work in optimal conditions.
• Loss of a trained employee means wasted money and production setbacks during replacement training.

Physical exertion disappears when using larger automatic devices because users simply load wire and input the proper settings. The setup also gives manufacturers piece accuracy. Keypad-entered specifications reduce human error during production, resulting in less product waste and increased company profit. Handheld devices feature dial settings for accuracy and cushioned handles to reduce hand fatigue.

Specifications

Commercial automatic cutters are fully enclosed units with hard metal exteriors and digital keypads. Some offer separate computer touch screen controls. Styles include bench models that permanently attach to workshop surfaces and portable units for maximum mobility. Most run on 110-volts of electrical power. On average, units weigh between 18 and 2000 pounds. Smaller units measure approximately 6 inches by 6 inches while larger units occupy sixty inches of floor space. Some units incorporate pounds per square inch (psi) into cutting motions while others rely solely on electrical power for blade movement. Some companies offer wire marker attachments to mark trimmed pieces. Inkjet printers and hot stamp machines label outside coverings with measurement info or other company information. Customers purchase wire markers separately from cutter devices. Handheld units weigh less than 10 ounces and double as strippers that remove outer coverings. Units are perfect for mobile applications including field assignments or mobile artisans. Handheld automatic cutters are readily available at home improvement stores and hobby shops.

Buying Considerations

Customers should consider the following items when selecting an automatic cutter.

• Be realistic regarding output needs. Most hobbyists are fine with handheld automatic cutters. Larger commercial machines are necessary only when customers need large output amounts.
• Determine which cutter type is more effective. Limited space in smaller workshops could be a deterrent in purchasing floor model units. Production needs may require units with easy connections to additional equipment.
• Make inquiries to find a perfect match. Electronic forms allow customers to ask industry-specific questions. Customers should ask how the device facilitates everyday tasks in their particular workshop.

Homemade Wire Cutting Devices

Motivated individuals create automatic wire cutting tools from surplus workshop materials. According to online forums, cutters need three distinct parts.

• Wire feeders move wire through the machine using a brushless direct current (DC) motor called a stepper.
• Wire strippers move an X-ACTO knife around outer insulation using a servo motor. An encoder informs strippers exactly where to operate.
• Wire snippers cut wires using manual cutters and a handheld drill motor.

User videos show interested parties how to make automatic cutter devices from materials listed above. Hobbyists and commercial companies benefit from using automatic wire cutters. The devices aide employee retention and help companies retain money. Customers should remember some cheaper models produce less-than-favorable finishes, so carefully research all products before making a purchase.