Stranding

Twisting of a plurality of wires (from 3 to 168 or potentially more) into a geometrically consistent finished strand. A typical example is the classical 1+6+12 strand where each strand component will always be located in the same geometric position throughout the strand length. A number of stranding machines may be coupled together. For example, in a triple tandem strander for 37-wire strand, the first machine spins six wires around a core wire. This strand is led through the center of a 12-bobbin machine, making 19 wires. It then forms a 37-wire strand upon being led forward again through an 18-bobbin machine. Note: stranding is different from bunching, where the plurality of wires are twisted into a random formation. Also, one of the purposes for stranding is to provide flexibility.