In the production of medium- and high-voltage power cables, robust mechanical protection combined with excellent flexibility is essential. The RLB Continuous Interlock Armouring Machine (models RLH-30, RLH-50, RLH-100, RLH-130) delivers proven continuous interlocking steel-tape armoring for circular cables. This advanced tangential interlocking system forms a strong, uniform, and highly flexible armor layer in a single high-speed pass — ideal for underground, submarine, industrial, mining, and ESP (electrical submersible pump) cables that must withstand crushing, impact, and environmental stress while retaining superior bending performance.
Designed for seamless integration into existing stranding, laying-up, or extrusion lines, the machine ensures consistent overlap (typically 20–30%), minimal material waste, and superior cable quality at rotation speeds up to 1,200 RPM. The resulting interlocked armor meets stringent IEC, GB, UL/CSA (MC/AC/BX types), and customer specifications for crush resistance, flexibility, and long-term durability.
Working Principle of the Continuous Interlocking Armoring Machine
The machine employs a proven tangential continuous interlocking system. Flat steel (or stainless/galvanized/aluminum alloy) tape is fed from a precision payoff stand through a high-speed rotating forming head while the cable core advances linearly. The tape is helically wrapped and mechanically interlocked edge-to-edge with exact controlled overlap, creating a continuous, gap-free, flexible armor layer without welding.
Servo-driven controls maintain constant pitch, tension, and line synchronization. The heavy-duty frame and optimized aerodynamic design minimize vibration, enabling stable operation even at maximum speeds. This process produces a tight helical interlocked structure that delivers outstanding radial crush resistance while preserving excellent flexibility and bend radius — a clear advantage over traditional multi-pass steel-wire armoring.
Key Engineering Advantages
- Continuous Interlocking Technology: Forms a tight helical interlocked steel-tape armor with precise overlap. Provides 100% coverage, outstanding mechanical protection, and no weak points or gaps.
- High-Speed Performance: Maximum rotation speeds from 1,200 RPM (RLH-30) to 700 RPM (RLH-130) deliver high productivity across a wide cable diameter range.
- Wide Material Compatibility: Handles steel tape widths 9.5–25.4 mm and thicknesses 0.5–0.8 mm. Compatible with galvanized steel, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and copper tapes for diverse applications including fire-resistant and submersible cables.
- Stable & Reliable Operation: Heavy-duty construction + servo controls ensure smooth, low-vibration running and consistent armor quality from start to finish. Easy integration with existing production lines.
- Flexible Cable Range: Armors circular cables from Φ30 mm to Φ130 mm outer diameter, covering the majority of medium- and high-voltage power, control, and special cables.
- Lower Weight & Cost vs. Wire Armor: Reduced material usage and single-pass process lower overall cable weight and production cost while improving flexibility and installation ease.
These features produce armored cables that excel in crush/impact resistance, bending performance, and long-term reliability under harsh installation and service conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Tape Width (mm) | Tape Thickness (mm) | Armoured Cable Outer Diameter (mm) | Max. Rotate Speed (rpm) |
|---|
| RLH-30 | 9.5 – 12.7 | 0.5 – 0.8 | Φ30 | 1200 |
| RLH-50 | 9.5 – 12.7 | 0.5 – 0.8 | Φ50 | 1000 |
| RLH-100 | 9.5 – 19 | 0.5 – 0.8 | Φ100 | 800 |
| RLH-130 | 9.5 – 25.4 | 0.5 – 0.8 | Φ130 | 700 |
RLB Continuous Interlocking Armoring Machine vs Traditional Steel Wire Armor – Performance Comparison
| Feature | RLB Continuous Interlock Armor | Traditional Steel Wire Armor |
|---|
| Armor Type | Helical interlocked steel tape | Stranded steel wires |
| Flexibility & Bend Radius | Excellent (lighter, more flexible) | Good but stiffer |
| Crush & Impact Resistance | Outstanding (uniform layer) | High longitudinal strength |
| Production Speed | High-speed single pass (up to 1200 RPM) | Lower speed, multi-pass |
| Material Waste | Minimal (precise overlap) | Higher |
| Weight & Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Ideal Applications | Underground, submarine, MV/HV power | Heavy-duty pulling applications |
Primary Applications
- Medium- and High-Voltage Power Cables requiring steel tape armoring for mechanical protection
- Underground and Direct-Buried Cables
- Submarine and Offshore Cables
- Industrial and Mining Cables exposed to harsh mechanical conditions
- Fire-Resistant and Armored Control Cables
The continuous interlocking process produces a flexible yet extremely strong armor layer that protects the cable core during installation and throughout its service life, while maintaining excellent bending radius for easier handling and laying.
Why Choose Your Reliable China Interlocking Armouring Machine Manufacturer
With decades of experience as a leading cable machinery supplier, RLB combines German-level engineering precision with practical, customer-driven customization. Every Continuous Interlocking Armoring Machine undergoes rigorous dynamic testing, CE/ISO verification, and factory acceptance before shipment. We focus on reliable quality, technical solutions, customized service, and long-term cooperation—providing full lifecycle support from initial consultation and factory layout design to installation, operator training, spare parts, and remote technical assistance.
Inquiry Now
Contact our senior technical team today for a detailed proposal tailored to your cable specifications, production volume, and plant requirements. Let us help you upgrade your armoring line with proven, high-performance technology that maximizes output, minimizes costs, and ensures consistent premium cable quality.
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