In medium- and high-voltage power cable manufacturing, the stranding and armoring stage determines mechanical strength, flexibility, and long-term reliability. The RLB Drum Twister with Steel Wire Armouring provides a complete, space-saving solution for laying up 2-, 3-, 4-, or 5-core cables (round, straight-sector, or pre-spiral sector conductors) while simultaneously applying steel wire armor.
This universal rotating machine draws on proven designs used by leading global manufacturers for HV Milliken conductors, power cables, screening, and armoring operations. By integrating steel wire pay-off and pre-twist units directly into the line, it eliminates the need for a separate armoring machine, significantly reducing floor space, labor, and production steps while ensuring consistent quality that meets IEC, GB, ASTM, and international standards.
Ideal for cable manufacturers supporting Saudi Vision 2030 power transmission projects, NEOM, Aramco-related infrastructure, and broader GCC energy and industrial developments, this machine produces high-quality steel wire armored (SWA) cables ready for underground and direct-buried installations.
Technological Process For Drum Twister
Pay-off Reels → Rotating Drum Twister Cage (with adjustable 0–100% back-twist) → Integrated Steel Wire Armoring Section (centralized pay-off + pre-twist) → Optional Filling & Taping Heads → Rotating Caterpillar or Large Drum Take-up → Finished Armored Multi-Core Cable
The single-pass design ensures stable synchronization, precise pitch control, and excellent armor adhesion from start to finish.
Advanced Features & Process Advantages
- Flexible Back-Twist Control (0–100%): Freely adjustable via touchscreen for round or sector conductors, optimizing electrical performance and mechanical stress relief — critical for shaped conductors and long-term cable integrity.
- Integrated Steel Wire Armoring: Add centralized steel wire pay-off stands (bobbin or coil type) and pre-twist devices to produce fully armored cables in one operation. Supports up to 48/60/72/84/96 wires (typical 1.3–3.2 mm diameter) without extending line length.
- Precision Independent Drives: Each unit uses AC servo or induction motors with encoder feedback for high-precision synchronization. Rotating pay-off can operate independently, synchronized, or with individual speed control.
- Intelligent HMI + PLC Control: Store recipes, set lay length/direction/speed in real time, monitor production, and achieve automatic synchronization with take-up. Touchscreen interface simplifies operation and reduces training time.
- Optional Filling & Taping: Integrate up to 24 filling bobbins and semi-tangential taping heads (non-metallic or copper tape) for complete multi-layer construction.
- Heavy-Duty Configuration: Rotating caterpillar or large drum take-up handles finished cables up to Φ130 mm+ and heavy reels (up to 25–30 tons on larger models). Hydraulic lifting platforms ensure safe, efficient drum handling.
- Compact Line Design: Centralized steel wire pay-off positioned beside the main unit shortens overall production line length and reduces factory investment.
- Versatility: Suitable for LV/MV/HV power cables, Milliken segmental conductors (5–7 cores), screening operations, and even taping mode with stationary pay-off/take-up for very large cables.
These features deliver consistent lay length, tight armor adhesion, excellent bending performance, and reduced production costs — key advantages over traditional separate stranding and armoring lines.
Technical Specifications (Typical Configurations)
Models available from 1600 mm to 5000 mm take-up drum sizes. Custom configurations and higher-capacity versions available.
| Take-up Drum (mm) | Max. Rotation Speed (rpm, approx.) | Max. Finished Cable OD (mm) | Typical Reel Loading (t) | Typical Armoring Wires | Best For |
|---|
| 2000–2500 | 60–80 | ~100 | 10–12 | 48–72 | Medium LV/MV lines |
| 3150 | 35–50 | 120 | 15–20 | 60–84 | Standard HV & armored |
| 3600–4200 | 25–35 | 130+ | 25–30 | 72–96 | Heavy-duty & long-length cables |
Custom configurations and higher-capacity models available to match specific production requirements.
Key Process Parameters
- Lay pitch: Freely set (typically 200–5000+ mm)
- Back-twist: 0–100% adjustable
- Conductor types: Round, straight sector, pre-spiral sector
- Drive: Independent AC servo/induction motors with encoder feedback
- Control: Full HMI + PLC with recipe storage and real-time monitoring
- Optional: Filling bobbins, metallic/non-metallic taping heads
Higher-capacity and custom-engineered models available to match specific production requirements and factory layouts in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
Primary Applications
- 2–5 core low-, medium-, and high-voltage power cables
- Round, sector, and pre-spiral sector conductor designs
- Steel wire armored (SWA) cables for underground, direct-buried, and industrial installations
- Industrial, mining, and fire-resistant multi-core cables requiring mechanical protection
- HV/EHV applications including Milliken-type segmental conductors
- Screening and armoring operations for power, petrochemical, and specialty cables
Particularly suited for manufacturers producing cables for Saudi Vision 2030 power grid expansion, GCC infrastructure, and large-scale energy projects.
Detailed FAQs – Answering Your Customers’ Real Questions
Q1: What is the main advantage of the RLB Drum Twister over traditional stranding machines?
A: It combines laying-up and steel wire armoring in a single continuous pass with 0–100% adjustable back-twist, dramatically reducing production steps, floor space, labor, and overall manufacturing costs while improving cable consistency.
Q2: Can back-twist be adjusted for different conductor types?
A: Yes. The rate is freely set from 0–100% on the touchscreen for optimal performance with round or sector (straight/pre-spiral) conductors, ensuring excellent electrical and mechanical properties.
Q3: Does it support steel wire armoring?
A: Yes. Integrated or add-on centralized steel wire pay-off and pre-twist devices enable full steel wire armoring in one operation — no separate armoring line required.
Q4: What is the maximum finished cable diameter?
A: Up to Φ130 mm or more depending on configuration, with heavy-duty rotating caterpillar or large drum take-up options for high-capacity production.
Q5: Is the machine suitable for complete turnkey production lines?
A: Yes. As a professional cable machinery supplier, RLB provides full integration with pay-off stands, stranding, extrusion, testing, and auxiliary equipment for complete turnkey solutions.
Q6: Do you provide installation, training, and after-sales support in Saudi Arabia and the GCC?
A: Yes. We offer complete turnkey installation and commissioning, operator training in Arabic and English, 24/7 remote diagnostics, local spare parts support, and performance-based maintenance contracts for long-term reliability.
Why Choose RLB Drum Twister with Steel Wire Armouring?
- Reliable Quality: Every machine undergoes rigorous full-load testing. Expect consistent lay length, tight armor adhesion, superior roundness, and excellent bending performance that meets international standards.
- Customized Service: Tailored configurations for your core count, conductor type, armor specification, factory layout, and specific Saudi/GCC project requirements.
- Long-term Partnership: Full installation, operator training (Arabic/English), spare parts supply, remote diagnostics, and ongoing technical support to maximize uptime and ROI.
- Vision 2030 Ready: High-efficiency technology that helps local manufacturers produce premium armored cables for Saudi Arabia’s and the GCC’s growing power transmission and infrastructure needs.
Inquiry Now
Contact our technical team today. Within 48 hours we will provide a detailed configuration proposal, ROI calculation, layout drawings, and reference cases from similar GCC projects.
Ready to upgrade your armored cable production line and reduce costs while improving quality? Inquiry Now — Let RLB deliver the high-performance Drum Twister with Steel Wire Armouring that powers your success in Saudi Arabia and the GCC.
Drum Twister With Steel Wire Armouring
High-efficiency CPD Drum Twister with 0-100% adjustable back-twist and integrated steel wire armoring for 2-5 core MV/HV power cables. Combines laying-up and armoring in one pass.
Product SKU:
CPD-DT-3600 / DRUM-TWISTER-ARMOUR
Product Brand:
RLB Machinery
Product Currency:
USD
Product Price:
Contact for Quote
Product In-Stock:
InStock
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