Finite Element Analysis of Electrically-Powered Cable Stripper

Abstract

Presented in this paper is a proposed design of a user friendly electrically-powered cable stripper for electrical cable producing companies. Design construction was achieved using SOLIDWORKS (2016 version) software. Data on cable specifications were gathered from Nexans KabelMetal Ghana Limited to assist in the determination of the specific insulation thicknesses of the cables under study. The design has an adjustable blade that ensures the stripping of the various cables irrespective of their insulation thicknesses. Powered by a 15 hp (11 kW) three-phase (3ϕ) induction motor, the device can strip 0.5 metres of cable per second and of diameter up to 37.50 mm. A finite element analysis was performed on the stripping blade, the roller and the base plate to determine the stress boundaries during operation. The results showed that the maximum induced stress (207.871 MPa) in the cutting blade is less than the yield strength of the cutting blade (234.422 MPa). Similarly, the maximum induced stresses in both the roller and the base plate were found to be less than their yield strengths respectively.