Scrap Wire Copper Recovery Calculator

The calculator estimates the recovered value of stripped copper based on your cable amount, average wire size, selected currency, and the Bare Bright reference price. It also estimates processing time and recommends a StripMeister machine based on your maximum cable size.

Scrap yards set their own buying prices. Their offers may reflect local demand, transportation costs, grading standards, volume, and how cleanly the copper has been prepared.

The calculator uses practical assumptions based on the cable size and amount entered. Actual copper recovery can vary because cables with similar outside dimensions may contain different amounts of copper due to conductor count, conductor gauge, insulation thickness, and cable construction.

Bare Bright is clean, uncoated copper wire without insulation, paint, solder, or heavy corrosion. Scrap yards commonly treat it as one of the higher-value copper grades, although grading rules can differ between yards.

Stripping removes the insulation so the copper can be separated and graded more clearly. The amount of copper recovered depends on the cable construction and the copper content inside the insulation.

The calculator helps you evaluate ROI by showing:

• Estimated stripped copper value
  
• Estimated machine processing time
  
• Estimated value per machine hour
  
• Hours saved compared with slower processing
  
• A recommended StripMeister machine
  

It does not promise a fixed payback period. Your actual return depends on the wire you process, local copper prices, operating frequency, and the machine selected.

The recommendation is based mainly on the largest cable size you enter. Smaller wire and lighter batches may suit the Original Pro or E250 Pro, while larger cable requires an E500 Pro, E1000, or E2000X.

The recommendation is a starting point. Regular processing volume and the types of wire you handle should also guide the final choice.