Cage Loop in ERW Tube Mill

Improve your ERW tube mill productivity with a reliable Cage Loop. It provides continuous strip feeding during coil change, minimizing downtime and stabilizing the forming process. Compact design saves space while maintaining efficient material storage. Suitable for various strip sizes and steel types, with flexible customization options. Learn the difference between cage loop and horizontal accumulator to select the best solution. 

Product Details

Contact Now

Product Details

Video

 

 

Specification
 
 What is a Cage Loop?

A Cage Loop is a material storage system used in an ERW tube mill line. Its main job is to temporarily store steel strip so that the production line can keep running continuously—even when changing coils.

Think of it as a buffer zone between processes. When the upstream section stops (like during coil change or welding), the cage loop feeds stored material to the forming section, preventing downtime.


Why is Cage Loop Important?

Without a cage loop, every coil change would require stopping the entire tube mill. This leads to:

  • Production interruptions
  • Lower efficiency
  • More material waste

With a cage loop, you get:

✅ Continuous production
✅ Higher efficiency
✅ Reduced downtime
✅ Stable forming process

  • vertical cage loop
  • cage loop

How Does a Cage Loop Work?

The steel strip enters the cage loop and is stored in a vertical spiral or “cage-like” structure.

  • When upstream is running → strip is stored
  • When upstream stops → stored strip is released
  • Downstream forming section → keeps running without interruption

This ensures a smooth and stable material flow into the tube forming section.


Position in ERW Tube Mill Line

The cage loop is typically installed between:

👉 Slitting Line / Uncoiler & Shear-Welder
👉 Forming Section (Roll Forming Mill)

Process Flow Example:

Uncoiler → Shear & Welder → Cage Loop → Forming → Welding → Sizing → Cutting

  • cage loop accumulator in tube mill
  • operate panel

Key Functions of Cage Loop

  • Store strip material temporarily
  • Synchronize speed between upstream and downstream
  • Prevent line stoppage during coil change
  • Improve overall production efficiency
  • Protect strip from tension fluctuation

Technical Parameters (Typical Range)

ItemSpecification
Strip Width100 – 800 mm
Strip Thickness0.5 – 6.0 mm
Accumulation Capacity100 – 400 meters
Line SpeedUp to 120 m/min (depending on design)
Loop TypeVertical cage structure
Control SystemAutomatic speed synchronization
Material TypeCarbon steel, stainless steel

(Parameters can be customized based on your project requirements.)


Cage Loop vs Horizontal Spiral Accumulator

Both systems are used for material storage, but they have different structures and applications.

FeatureCage Loop (Vertical)Horizontal Spiral Accumulator
StructureVertical cageHorizontal spiral
Space RequirementSmaller footprintLarger floor space
Accumulation CapacityMediumLarge
Strip ThicknessSuitable for thicker materialsBetter for thin strip
StabilityHigh stability for medium/heavy stripVery stable for high-speed thin strip
MaintenanceEasier accessMore complex
Investment CostLowerHigher
ApplicationStandard ERW tube millHigh-speed precision lines

How to Choose the Right Accumulator?

Choose Cage Loop if:

  • You have limited workshop space
  • Your material is medium or thick
  • You want a cost-effective solution

Choose Horizontal Spiral Accumulator if:

  • You run high-speed production
  • Your material is thin strip
  • You need larger storage capacity

FAQ

Q: Can cage loop handle stainless steel?
A: Yes, it can handle both carbon steel and stainless steel.

Q: Is it suitable for high-speed production?
A: Yes, but for very high-speed and thin strip, a horizontal accumulator may be better.

Q: Can it be customized?
A: Absolutely. We design based on your strip size, speed, and plant layout.

Q: Will the strip surface be scratched inside the cage loop?
A: No. A well-designed cage loop uses smooth guiding systems and controlled tension to protect the strip surface, even for stainless steel.

Q: Is automatic control necessary for a cage loop?
A: Yes. Automatic speed synchronization ensures stable strip flow between upstream and downstream, preventing tension issues and improving efficiency.




RELATION EQUIPMENT

We provides all equipment to tube mill entry section:

Coil Car

Single And Double Heads Un-coiler & Hydraulic And Pneumatic Un-coiler

Peeler and hold down roll arm

Flattening Machine

Automatic and Semi Auto Shearer & Butt Welder

Vertical Cage Accumulator​ & Horizontal Loop Accumulator & Landing Horizontal Spiral Loop Accumulator

disc accumulator to storage strip

erw tube mill feeding section

OUR SERVICE

Why Choose Us?

Leading Technology, Reliable Quality, Excellent Service!

Optimized Design, High quality material select! 

Heat treatment process guarantee!

Spiral bevel gear, drum gear coupling and carburization.

Gear teeth quenching.

Driven system stable, efficient and wearable with lower noise.

High precision wear resisting and Long life of rollers.

All the machine Lathes, Key Grooves are positioned and Milled by CNC.

ais machinery exhibition attend

After-sales service

1.We will delivery the machine and provide the documents on time to make sure you can get the machine quickly

2.When you finish the Preparation conditions, Our fast and professional aftersales service engineer team will go to your factory to install the machine, give you the operating manual, And train your employee until they can operate the machine well.

3.We provide one year warranty and life-long technical support.

4.Well-trained & experienced staff are to answer all your inquiries in English and Chinese

5 .24 hours for engineer response.

6.Your business relationship with us will be confidential to any third party.

Quality Control

We have the single quality department, that make sure the material of the raw materials is good, and ensure the machine running smoothly.

ais machinery after service and quality control

 

 

Get in Touch

If you are interested in our products, you can choose to leave your information here, and we will be in touch with you shortly.

* Name

* E-mail

Phone

*Message

Cage Loop Accumulator FAQ

Can cage loop handle stainless steel?

Yes, it can handle both carbon steel and stainless steel.

Is it suitable for high-speed production?

Yes, but for very high-speed and thin strip, a horizontal accumulator may be better.

Can it be customized?

Absolutely. We design based on your strip size, speed, and plant layout.

Will the strip surface be scratched inside the cage loop?

No. A well-designed cage loop uses smooth guiding systems and controlled tension to protect the strip surface, even for stainless steel.

Is automatic control necessary for a cage loop?

Yes. Automatic speed synchronization ensures stable strip flow between upstream and downstream, preventing tension issues and improving efficiency.

Related News

HEBEI AIS MACHINERY at Tube & Wire Shanghai 2026 | Tube Mill Solutions

2026-10-04 16:13:15

HEBEI AIS MACHINERY at Tube & Wire Shanghai 2026 | Tube Mill Solutions

HEBEI AIS MACHINERY participated in Tube & Wire Shanghai 2026, meeting new and long-term customers to discuss ERW tube mills, steel processing equipment, new projects, and future cooperation.

August Promotion at AIS Machinery – Complete Solutions for ERW Tube Mills & Steel Processing

2026-08-18 09:42:30

August Promotion at AIS Machinery – Complete Solutions for ERW Tube Mills & Steel Processing

AIS Machinery August Promotion is here! We are offering competitive prices on ERW Tube Mills, Slitting Lines, Cut-to-Length Lines, Cold Roll Forming Machines and Tube Mill Spare Parts. Whether you are planning a new tube production line, upgrading existing equipment, or looking for reliable spare parts, we can provide a complete solution. Our professional engineers offer technical support from machine selection to production, installation and after-sales service. Contact AIS Machinery this August and let us help you find the right equipment for your project.

C U Purlin Roll Forming Machine | Flexible C/U Profile Production

2026-08-17 09:43:30

C U Purlin Roll Forming Machine | Flexible C/U Profile Production

CU Profile Roll Forming Machine is designed to continuously produce C and U-shaped steel profiles from metal coils. The complete line can include a decoiler, leveling and feeding system, punching unit, roll forming machine, cutting system and run-out table. Depending on production requirements, the machine can use manual C/U changeover or computer-controlled automatic size adjustment. It is suitable for producing C/U channels, structural profiles, framing components and other steel sections with consistent dimensions and reliable production efficiency.

Double Head Uncoiler for Tube Mills: Continuous Coil Loading and Faster Production

2026-08-13 10:50:44

Double Head Uncoiler for Tube Mills: Continuous Coil Loading and Faster Production

Double Head Uncoiler is an efficient coil feeding machine designed for ERW tube mills, pipe mills, and coil processing lines. With two hydraulic expanding mandrels, it allows one steel coil to run while the next coil is prepared, reducing coil changeover time and production downtime. The hydraulic drive provides stable and reliable coil unwinding, making the double head uncoiler an ideal solution for medium and large-size tube mills, heavy steel coils, and high-production applications.

Buying a Steel Slitting Line? 8 Key Specifications You Should Know

2026-08-12 10:17:44

Buying a Steel Slitting Line? 8 Key Specifications You Should Know

Looking for a reliable Steel Slitting Line for your tube or pipe production? Our Coil Slitting Machine is designed to convert wide steel coils into accurate narrow strips for ERW Tube Mills, roll forming lines and other applications. From HR, CR and galvanized steel to different coil widths, thicknesses and weights, the slitting line can be customized to your requirements. ⚙️ Learn how to select the right slitting capacity, strip width, coil weight and production speed for your business.

Conveyor and Run Out Table for ERW Tube Mill | Pipe Conveying & Discharge System

2026-08-11 09:25:01

Conveyor and Run Out Table for ERW Tube Mill | Pipe Conveying & Discharge System

Conveyor and Run Out Table is an important pipe handling system in an ERW Tube Mill, mainly installed after the flying saw or cold saw. It supports, conveys, aligns, buffers, and discharges finished pipes smoothly to the next process. A properly designed run out table can reduce manual handling, protect pipe surfaces, and improve production efficiency. With customized roller layout, conveying speed, table length, and discharge design, it can be matched with different pipe sizes, production speeds, and downstream stacking or packing systems.

3 Inch–5 Inch Tube Mill: The Most Popular Size Range for ERW Pipe Production

2026-08-10 10:07:47

3 Inch–5 Inch Tube Mill: The Most Popular Size Range for ERW Pipe Production

3–5 Inch ERW Tube Mill is one of the most popular choices for steel pipe manufacturers. This tube mill size range is widely used for producing round, square, and rectangular steel tubes for construction, machinery, furniture, automotive, and structural applications. With flexible tube diameter and wall thickness options, a 3 inch, 4 inch, or 5 inch tube mill can meet different production requirements. Learn how to choose the right ERW tube mill based on your products, target market, production speed, and future demand.

Cold Roll Forming Machine with Punching: A Complete Guide for Custom Metal Profiles

2026-08-06 09:50:37

Cold Roll Forming Machine with Punching: A Complete Guide for Custom Metal Profiles

A Cold Roll Forming Machine with Punching combines precision roll forming and automatic punching in one efficient production line. It can produce C channels, U channels, garage door struts, solar mounting profiles, and many other custom steel sections with round holes, slots, or special cutouts. The punching system improves production efficiency, reduces secondary processing, and ensures accurate hole positioning. AIS Machinery provides customized roll forming solutions based on your profile drawings and production requirements.

Send a Message

Dear customer, thank you for your attention! We provide high-quality machinery and equipment and look forward to your orders. Please inform us of your needs and we will respond quickly!

If you are interested in our products, you can choose to leave your information here, and we will be in touch with you shortly.


en_USEnglish