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HF Smarter has been working in wire and cable machinery since 1985, providing equipment for different stages of cable production. With more than 60 product types and customers in over 70 countries and regions, the company works with cable manufacturers on equipment selection, production, installation, and technical support.
One of the machines in its cable equipment range is the CPD Drum Twister With Caterpillar. It is designed for laying up 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-core power cables and can handle round, straight, and sector-shaped cores. For manufacturers producing different cable constructions, this gives the machine a wider range of applications.



When selecting a drum twister cable machine, the machine needs to match the actual cable products and production process. Core arrangement, laying pitch, reel size, filling, taping, and armoring should all be considered before the final configuration is confirmed.
Built for Different Power Cable Constructions
The CPD Drum Twister With Caterpillar is designed for power cable production. It can be used for LV/MV(MV/HV) power cable assembly, HV power cable assembly, steel wire armoring cables, and copper wire screening cables.
The machine supports 2/3/4/5 round cores as well as straight and sector-shaped cores. This makes it suitable for manufacturers handling different power cable constructions rather than only one fixed cable type.
The laying pitch and laying direction can be adjusted freely. The back twist rate can also be set from 0–100%, allowing the operator to adjust the machine according to the cable being produced.
Filling, Taping and Armoring Options
The production process varies between cable manufacturers. Some cables require filling or taping, while armored cables need additional equipment.
The CPD Drum Twister can be equipped with filling and taping devices according to the customer's production requirements.
For steel wire armored cables, a steel wire payoff and wire pre-twist device can be added. Bobbin payoff and coil payoff devices are also available for steel wire.
These options allow the machine configuration to follow the actual production process instead of forcing every customer to use the same setup.
HMI + PLC Control
The CPD Drum Twister uses an HMI+PLC control system. Process parameters can be stored and operating conditions can be monitored in real time.
The machine is driven by an AC induction servo motor. The control system works with the drive system to keep the production line running synchronously.
For operators working with different cable specifications, the ability to adjust production parameters through the control interface can make production changes easier to manage.
The Caterpillar traction system is also part of the machine configuration and provides the traction required during the laying-up process.
Reel Size and Machine Configuration
Reel size is an important point when comparing a cable drum twisting machine.
The CPD Drum Twister is available with take-up reels from Φ2000 mm to Φ4200 mm. Different payoff reel configurations are available as well. Depending on the selected configuration, the maximum rotation speed ranges from 25 to 100 rpm, while reel loading weight ranges from 3 to 30 tons.
The listed machine lengths range from 60 m to 75 m depending on the configuration.
For a new production line, these dimensions should be checked against the available factory space, cable handling method, and reel loading requirements before the equipment is ordered.
What Should Be Confirmed Before Ordering?
Before preparing a machine configuration, it is useful to have the cable production details available.
| Item | Information |
| Number of cores | 2, 3, 4, or 5 |
| Core shape | Round, straight, or sector |
| Cable application | Power, armored, screening, etc. |
| Lay pitch | Required range |
| Lay direction | Required direction |
| Filling | Required or not |
| Taping | Required or not |
| Armoring | Required or not |
| Reel size | Preferred take-up and payoff reel |
| Factory space | Available installation area |
These details give the engineering team a clear picture of the intended production process and make it easier to discuss the appropriate machine configuration.
From Equipment Selection to Technical Support
For large cable machinery, delivery is only one part of the project. Installation, commissioning, testing, and technical support also need to be considered.
HF Smarter has a technical center covering mechanical, electrical, and new product research. The company has a 170,000 m² production area and around 600 employees, with customers in more than 70 countries and regions.
For the CPD Drum Twister, technical support is available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. Remote troubleshooting is available through the machine's communication module, while online support or on-site engineering service can be arranged when required.
Installation and commissioning support includes mechanical and electrical engineering, no-load testing, load testing, and acceptance testing according to the agreed specifications.
FAQ
1. What types of cables can the CPD Drum Twister handle?
It is designed for 2-, 3-, 4-, and 5-core power cables and supports round, straight, and sector-shaped cores.
2. Can filling and taping equipment be included?
Yes. Filling and taping devices can be configured according to the production requirements.
3. Can the machine be used for steel wire armored cables?
Yes. A steel wire payoff and wire pre-twist device can be added for steel wire armoring.
4. What control system does the machine use?
The machine uses an HMI+PLC control system and an AC induction servo motor.
5. What technical support is available after delivery?
Technical support is available 7 days a week and 24 hours a day. Remote troubleshooting, online technical support, and on-site engineering service can be arranged according to the situation.
6. Can customers inspect the machine before shipment?
Yes. The machine goes through testing during production, including dynamic balance, levelness, noise, and no-load running tests. Customers can also participate in the inspection before delivery.
Talk to HF Smarter About Your Cable Production
A drum twister for cable manufacturing should be selected around the actual cable products and production process. Core arrangement, cable construction, laying pitch, reel requirements, filling, taping, and armoring all affect the final configuration.
HF Smarter brings long-term experience in wire and cable machinery to each equipment project, from machine selection and manufacturing to installation, commissioning, and technical support. The CPD Drum Twister With Caterpillar can be configured according to the cable construction and production requirements provided by the customer.
If you are planning a new cable production line or replacing existing laying-up equipment, send us your cable specifications and production requirements to discuss the CPD Drum Twister With Caterpillar.