Scrap metal pricing is an important issue when considering your return on investment for a wire-stripping machine. Copper conductors are usually the only thing we think of when scrapping wire but don’t forget the aluminum and steel often found in cable shielding and armor, this material is all valuable and recoverable scrap metal.
Scrap metal prices, per pound, are generally soft after a period of depression but so are metal inventories and particularly inventories of copper. Metal recycling prices are driven by demand so even a small up-tick in demand will drive the scrap metal prices per pound higher thereby enhancing your return over the long run.
Scrap aluminum and scrap steel prices will help support the prices of copper scrap and optimize returns on your wire stripping system. Don’t forget the local scrap Dealer will pay you premium prices for wire and conductors that are already stripped of their insulation and any cable armor.
Remember, once metal is stripped of its insulation the volume of material is smaller. It can be easily stored till metal recycling prices rise to an acceptable price per pound. This strategy will improve the return on investment for your wire stripping machine. Metal recycling prices alone are not the only key to successful scrap recovery… planning the activity and taking advantage of the price of scrap metal is also important.
Good luck in your recovery efforts and we hope this article has given you some good pointers.