Vertical Layup Machines for Three-Core HVAC Cable Production
Production equipment for HVAC three-core subsea cables, operational at TKF Eemshaven, JDR Blyth and Walsin Kaohsiung.
PASSER vertical layup machines twist three insulated conductor cores, fibre optics and filler strands into the precise helical structure required for HVAC three-core subsea power cables.
As one of the few specialist Western VLM manufacturers, our machines are operational at major cable plants across Europe and Asia, producing cables for offshore wind and grid interconnector projects.
Our VLMs comes in 3 standard sizes with a variety of options for different accessories to fit your production line.
250 Ton
500ton
750ton
How a Vertical Layup Machine Works
Three insulated conductors sit inside interchangeable baskets that rotate around a central column. As they rotate, fibre optics and filler strands are added in to form the finished cable.
The vertical configuration is necessary because three-core subsea cables are too heavy and too long to twist horizontally. A single export cable for an offshore wind farm can weigh thousands of tonnes and run for tens of kilometres, and the vertical design is the only practical way to manufacture it inside a fixed factory footprint.
Operational at Major Cable Plants Worldwide
Our VLMs are currently operational at TKF Eemshaven in the Netherlands, JDR Blyth in the UK, and Walsin Kaohsiung in Taiwan, manufacturing cables for offshore wind farms and grid interconnector projects.
Each machine integrates into your building structure with the main carousel deck flush with your production floor. This keeps conductor handling at ground level and simplifies material flow through your facility, removing the need for ramps or crane lifts inside the production line.
Why Cable Manufacturers Choose PASSER VLMs
Production-proven across three continents
Operational at TKF in the Netherlands, JDR in the UK and Walsin in Taiwan.
Compact factory footprint
Vertical design uses height instead of floor space, leaving room for material handling around the machine.
Quick basket changeover
Hydraulic basket mover swaps baskets without crane lifts, cutting downtime between production runs.
Floor-level integration
Main carousel deck sits flush with your production floor, eliminating ramps and crane lifts.
Specifications
Basket Capacities -
Three interchangeable baskets at 250, 500 or 750 tonnes, moved by hydraulic and electric basket mover
Conductor Types -
Copper or aluminium conductors
Cable Construction -
3 insulated round conductors plus up to 6 additional elements (fibre optics, telecommunications, control cables) and filler strands
Process Control -
Line speed, lay length, twist tension and rotation direction (Z/S) all operator-adjustable
Integration -
Syncs with upstream and downstream equipment including carousels, cable pathways and measurement systems
Supplementary Equipment
Our vertical layup machines can be supplied with various equipment to fit your production line:
- Spooling stations
- Taping head
- Bitumen head
- Yarn applicator
- Basket mover
- Extension walls for increased capacity
Included with Every Machine
Tailored Maintenance Schedule -
Based on your production volumes and operating patterns, not generic intervals
Spare Parts Package -
The components you'll actually need, stocked before commissioning
Change Interval Plan -
Clear guidance on when to replace wear items, so your maintenance team can plan ahead
Built for Production Efficiency
Compact Footprint -
Vertical design uses height rather than floor space, leaving room for material handling and other production equipment around the machine.
Quick Basket Changeover -
Hydraulic basket mover swaps baskets without crane lifts, reducing downtime between production runs.
Floor-Level Integration -
Main carousel deck sits flush with your production floor, eliminating ramps and simplifying conductor transport to and from the machine.