Hi,
One of the main advantages of Litz wire is that it allows one to increase the current
density in a given construction. For some coil operating at some high enough
frequency, winding it with say 12 gauge wire and energizing that wire as per the
application would be similar to winding it instead with some tiny wire like 32 gauge
along side of another wire of close to 12 gauge wire, but only energizing the
32 gauge wire! Thus, all that space that the 12 gauge wire takes up is lost,
leaving only the 32 gauge wire to do the conduction. This means that a lot
of core window space is lost. By using all 32 gauge insulated wire (for example)
all of those strands will be taking part in the conduction and so the entire core
window space will be utilized more effectively.
There are other uses though that have nothing to do with current density as others
have pointed out. I guess it is also possible that some designer mistakes a not so
good application for this wire for a good application, and uses this wire anyway.
That would mean we would have to deal with the enamel coating on each wire
anyway. If that happens to be the leads to a motor and we want to crimp a
lug or something to the end of that wire, we would first have to remove all of
the enamel from the end of the wire up to a distance that allows proper contact
with the wire (say 3/4 inch or so). We may even want to strip a little more off
and fold back the wire on itself at the end so when we crimp the wire lug on the
end it has more to grab on to.
The problem is, how to get rid of the enamel. Some enamel is removed using
a special rotating tool that scrapes off the insulation, but sometimes it can
even be burnt off with a good soldering iron. It all depends on the grade of
the enamel on the wire. Some burns off pretty fast, others take longer.
Some you can dip into a solder pot and that tins the ends in a few seconds.
If you dont want solder on the wire, then you have to find a way to get rid
of the enamel without soldering and at the same time without damaging the
wire.
The only way i know of to do that is to find that special tool that is made for
stripping enameled wire. I dont know myself where to find one or how much
it costs, but there is always the possibility of searching on the web.
[check out the "Eraser", as it is called]
The other way is to use a razor blade and gently scrape off the insulation,
but obviously some of the wire may get damaged.
Alternately, the lugs can be soldered on. That may not be as good as a crimp
however, so this is something that has to be thought about.
I would say definitely try one lead alone before hacking them all off.
Good luck with it...