Differences in Cathode Stripping Machines for Copper,
Nickel, and Zinc Refining
Below is an analysis of the variations in cathode stripping machines used in copper, nickel,
and zinc refining processes, focusing on technical requirements, equipment design, and
operational specifics:
1. Cathode Stripping in Copper Refining
Cathode Characteristics: Copper deposits are thicker (typically 5–10 mm) and highly ductile
but strongly adherent to the cathode blanks.
Machine Design:
High-strength stripping blades with precise depth control to avoid damaging titanium or
stainless steel mother plates.
Heavy-duty conveyor systems to handle copper plates (200–400 kg per plate).
Pneumatic or vibration-assisted mechanisms for efficient separation.
Industry Challenges: High-throughput demands drive the need for rapid processing
(e.g., 100+ plates per hour).
2. Cathode Stripping in Nickel Refining
Cathode Characteristics: Nickel deposits are thinner (2–5 mm), harder, and more brittle,
requiring careful handling to prevent cracking.
Machine Design:
Wear-resistant blades (e.g., tungsten carbide-coated) to minimize residue from brittle
nickel sheets.
Precision clamping systems to avoid bending or fragmentation.
Corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., 316L stainless steel) to withstand acidic nickel
sulfate electrolyte residues.
Industry Challenges: High-purity requirements (e.g., battery-grade nickel) demand
contamination-free stripping.
3. Cathode Stripping in Zinc Refining
Cathode Characteristics: Zinc deposits are thin (1–3 mm), soft, and prone to oxidation,
requiring fast post-stripping handling.
Machine Design:
Lightweight blades to prevent surface scratches (critical for downstream melting quality).
Vacuum suction or soft brush systems to prevent sheet curling.
Inert gas environments to minimize oxidation during stripping.
Industry Challenges: Short electrolysis cycles (24–48 hours) necessitate rapid machine cycling.
Key Differences Comparison
| Parameter | Copper | Nickel | Zinc |
| Deposit Thickness | 5–10 mm | 2–5 mm | 1–3 mm |
| Stripping Force | High (strong adhesion) | Medium-High (brittle) | Low (softness) |
| Blade Material | High-strength alloy steel | Tungsten carbide-coated | Lightweight stainless steel |
| Typical Use Case | Large-scale copper refineries | Battery/stainless steel production | Zinc plating/alloy plants |
Industry Trends & Innovations
Copper: Adoption of unmanned stripping systems with AI-powered visual inspection
for blade wear.
Nickel: Development of low-stress stripping technologies for ultra-high-purity nickel
(e.g., EV batteries).
Zinc: Closed-loop stripping environments to reduce oxidation losses and improve yield.
By tailoring designs to metal-specific properties, cathode stripping machines enhance
efficiency, product quality, and sustainability across refining industries.