3. Extruder

The extruder is an essential component of the cable production line. It can be used in a "conventional" manner or for reactive extrusion (foaming, cross-linking). In "conventional" use, its function is to convey, melt, homogenize, and pressurize the insulating material. For the two cable-specific extrusion processes—foaming and cross-linking—it is also used as a chemical reactor. The reasons for using these specific processes stem from the specific characteristics required for cables. For data transmission, the signal propagation speed depends on the cable’s dielectric constant; for power transmission cables, higher mechanical strength at higher temperatures is required.