Contractors Materials Company has installed a new Schnell “GTM” machine that automatically forms and robotically welds rebar spiral cage assemblies.  Only the third machine of its type in North America, the GTM machine has been successfully used for the past fifteen years in Europe, the Mid-East, the Far East, and Australia.  For weldability, the GTM machine utilizes dual certified ASTM A615/A615M Grade 60 and ASTM A706/A706M low alloy deformed rebar.  For design purposes, the dual certified steel used in the GTM machine produced spiral cage assemblies has a minimum yield of 60,000 psi and tensile of 90,000 psi.

The GTM machine at Contractors Materials can produce continuous welded spiral cages up to 60’0” long and 6’06” in diameter.  The spirals can be produced from #3, #4, #5 & #6 coiled rebar.  Cage assembly vertical bars can be from #6 through #11 rebar.  The pitch can be variably controlled from 2” through 19”.  Square and rectangular spiral cage assemblies are available with leg dimensions from 9” to 18”.  If corrosion protection is desired, the complete spiral cage assembly can be Zinc-coated (galvanized) after fabrication in accordance with ASTM A123/A123M.

Machine built and welded, each spiral cage assembly has consistent dimensions – every spiral every time.  The welded spiral cage assembly also holds its rigidity all through field handling and placement.

GTM welded spiral cage assemblies are competitively priced with traditional hand tied assemblies.  They can normally be produced faster than traditional cages and offer just in time delivery for project scheduling.  These welded spiral cage assemblies are available from Contractors Materials Company, MMI of Kentucky, or other selected CRSI member fabricators.